In manufacturing settings, especially for precise material handling applications as well as assembly and paint lines, a special type of caster wheels is being used: V-groove wheels. These wheels are made of cast iron or forged steel and can carry heavy-duty loads of up to 15,000 pounds and work in environments of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. They are designed for and usually used on rails, but they can also safely operate on flat surfaces such as concrete factory floors.
Unlike flanged wheels, the wheels that are used on trains, they don’t have a flange on one side but rather 90 degree grooves that have been accurately machined into the face of the wheels, which makes it possible to use them as regular industrial caster wheels or in specific guided applications.
One of the premier manufacturers of V-groove wheels is Caster Concepts Heavy Duty Casters, based in Albion, Michigan. They offer a large variety of casters and can also custom make them in small and large quantities.