Castor Away: How to Choose Flight Case Castors That Keep Your Equipment Safe!
Flight cases have a crucial role in keeping expensive equipment safe. However, equipment can be damaged during transport if vital components such as the castor wheels do not function properly. Here’s our 5-step guide to picking the perfect flight case castors.
Calculate The Total Weight
When selecting castors for your flight case, begin by assessing the total weight of both the case and its contents. The required load capacity per castor can be calculated by factoring in the maximum load, the case weight, and the number of castors. This calculation considers the gross weight of the load and equipment, helping you determine how many castors you need and which type is best suited for your purpose. It's also crucial to account for load distribution. If your load is likely to be uneven, one castor could end up bearing a significantly heavier load than the others, which must be accounted for in your planning. Properly distributing the load ensures the longevity and functionality of the castors.
Check Your Surface
When choosing the right type of castor wheel for your flight case, it is helpful to consider the types of surfaces that the case will travel on. Airports have smooth surfaces, but what about the next phase of the journey? If it involves bumpy, uneven, or rough terrain, you may want larger castors, or flight case wheels that are made from non-puncture material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, smooth surfaces tend to suit smaller flight case castors.
Choose Your Materials
We’ve already mentioned that polyurethane is a popular choice for flight case castors. However, there are many different castor materials available for flight cases. In addition to polyurethane, castor wheels are available in rubber, elastic and even nylon. Rubber is praised for its almost silent, smooth movement. Polyurethane’s high durability and wear resistance makes it good for difficult terrains. Currently, the flight case industry is dominated by blue elastic rubber tyres . Lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient, these are one of the most comfortable and reliable flight case castors on the market.
Consider Brakes And Locks
It’s always worth considering the addition of breaks or locks for castor cases. Brakes and locks can increase stability and security during transport, and may considerably reduce the chances of unattended flight cases and their contents wandering off on an unplanned journey. Additionally, heavy flight cases can cause injuries or damage if they roll away and bump into people or things, so it’s worth remembering that small details can help avoid expensive insurance claims.
Roll With The Right Wheels
Finally, consider the type of castor fitting that your flight case castor will require. The two main options are ‘swivel’ and ‘rigid’. Swivel castor wheels for flight cases are designed for easy manoeuvrability, especially in tight spaces or in busy airports. If weaving in and out of the crowds is a must, then swivel wheels are a sensible choice. Alternatively, rigid castor wheels guarantee straightforward, clean, uninterrupted movement from A to B.
Learn More
If you want to ensure that your products are transported safely, the quality and choice of the flight case castor wheels is crucial. To learn more about your options, download your Rolltek catalogue today.
