Solid Rubber Wheels

Wheels and Castors such as swivel Castors or rigid Castors put objects and items like transport equipment, roll containers, pallet trucks, or equipment trolleys into motion. Depending on what they are mounted on and where they are to be used, it is important to select the right wheels based on functionality, wheel diameter, load capacity, and material. Above all, the material of the running surface is crucial for the place of use and the purposes of the wheels. The materials for the running surfaces vary widely. Wheels made of solid rubber are one of the most economical options.

This article explains how solid rubber wheels are constructed, the types available, and their suitable applications.

Materials for Running Surfaces of Wheels

There are many materials used for the running surfaces of wheels and Castors. Each material is inherently suitable for different floor conditions and load capacities. Specifically, wheels are made of:

Black solid rubber: Classic solid rubber with medium hardness; robust, durable, and versatile.
Gray solid rubber (non-marking): Formulated not to leave marks on sensitive floors, ideal for parquet and laminate.
Elastic solid rubber: Rubber compound with a high natural rubber content; reduces rolling resistance and increases load capacity.
Electrically conductive solid rubber (ELF-TPE): Prevents electrostatic charging, optimal for sensitive electronics areas.
Elastic solid rubber in drive quality: For drive wheels; offers firm tire fit and high durability.
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR) & elastomer (TPE, Desmopan): Combine elasticity with chemical resistance.
Polyurethane (PU): Very abrasion-resistant, quiet, and floor-friendly; perfect for smooth, hard floors.
Vulkollan® (NDI): High-performance polyurethane with extreme abrasion resistance and high load capacity.
Polyamide (Nylon) & cast polyamide: Low rolling resistance and high chemical resistance.
Polypropylene: Light, moisture-resistant, often used in food areas.
Pneumatic and super-elastic tires: Maximum shock absorption on uneven surfaces.
Steel
Gray cast iron

Properties of Solid Rubber Wheels

Solid rubber wheels impress with their outstanding properties. They are robust, provide smooth rolling, and resist various chemicals. Their low rolling resistance and quiet operation make them suitable for diverse applications. They can be used flexibly indoors and outdoors. Solid rubber wheels are characterized by very high vibration damping and shock resistance. However, on very sensitive floors, they tend to leave chalky marks, so in such cases, it is better to use non-marking grey solid rubber running surfaces.

Summary of solid rubber wheel properties:

Vibration-damping
Floor-friendly
Elastic running
Acceptable swivel and rolling resistance
High material resistance
Universally applicable
Quiet

Applications for Solid Rubber Wheels

Solid rubber wheels as axle wheels; rigid Castors, swivel Castors, or swivel Castors with brakes are excellent for hard industrial floors with slight unevenness. In the form of elastic solid rubber, they also perform well on many other surfaces such as soft floors like carpets, tiles, floors with grooves and joints, or as super-elastic solid rubber wheels even on gravel and crushed stone.

Gray solid rubber wheels are perfect for sensitive floors and floors prone to streaking dirt. They are therefore often used in gymnasiums, hospitals, retail, or as transport equipment wheels in industry both indoors and outdoors.

Brief Overview of Application Areas for Solid Rubber Wheels

Industrial halls & logistics: Elastic and standard variants ensure quiet operation and protect floors.
Retail & exhibitions: Gray, non-marking wheels prevent marks.
Food & pharmaceutical: Corrosion-resistant plastic/aluminum bodies with solid rubber running surface.
Refrigerated & wet rooms: Polypropylene and solid rubber combinations resist moisture.
Outdoor areas & construction sites: Super-elastic and pneumatic wheels offer excellent cushioning.
Heavy industry: Cast bodies with Vulkollan® running surfaces for maximum load capacity.
ESD areas: Electrically conductive wheels prevent static charges.

Solid Rubber Wheels – Different Types

Wicke solid rubber wheels are suitable for a wide range of applications. Below is a brief overview of the most common types of rubber:

Solid rubber (black standard solid rubber or gray non-marking solid rubber)

Standard solid rubber wheels are made from durable black rubber. The good combination of strength and flexibility makes them all-rounders on hard floors and in environments where not too heavy loads need to be transported. They are easy to handle and particularly cost-effective. They are mainly used in industrial areas such as logistics and manufacturing.

Properties of standard solid rubber:

High abrasion resistance
Low noise generation
Very robust and durable
Suitable for moderate loads and constant operating conditions
Good resistance to chemicals and environmental influences

There are also gray solid rubber wheels with a specially developed, non-marking surface. These solid rubber wheels leave no streaks on the floor. This makes them ideal for sensitive areas such as hospitals, laboratories, schools, or supermarkets. The gray, non-marking solid rubber wheels still offer the same properties as the black wheels.

Advantages of gray solid rubber wheels:

No streak formation on sensitive floors
Ideal for indoor use in public facilities
Increased floor protection and lower risk of damage
Offers the same benefits as black solid rubber wheels

Elastic solid rubber (special rubber mixture with high natural rubber content)

Elastic solid rubber is a rubber mixture of natural rubber and synthetic components. This rubber type was specially developed to provide excellent running properties. Higher elasticity and better shock absorption result in lower starting and rolling resistance. Therefore, elastic solid rubber wheels are excellent for applications requiring high load capacity and long service life combined with smooth operation. These wheels are mainly found in production facilities and on factory premises.

Properties of elastic solid rubber:

Excellent damping properties
Very elastic and flexible, smooth running
Low rolling resistance and low noise
Higher load capacity than standard solid rubber
Ideal for use on variable floor types, e.g., tiles or carpet

Super-elastic solid rubber (special multi-component rubber wheels for very high loads)

Super-elastic solid rubber wheels are an improved version of elastic wheels. The rubber mixture was specially developed for extreme loads. These wheels have higher load capacity and abrasion resistance than normal elastic wheels. Wherever heavy loads are moved or wheels must withstand extreme temperatures or chemical influences, these wheels are used. Super-elastic solid rubber wheels also offer exceptionally high shock absorption and are perfect for harsh conditions like gravel, crushed stone, or uneven industrial floors.

Properties of super-elastic solid rubber:

Very high load capacity and extreme durability
High abrasion resistance
Especially suitable for heavy loads and uneven floors
Excellent shock absorption and high elasticity
Ideal for outdoor use and demanding industrial applications

Electrically conductive rubber types (Wicke Elastic)

Sometimes it is necessary for wheels to dissipate electrostatic charges. This is important to prevent damage to sensitive equipment moved by the wheels and to avoid dangerous sparks. Wicke Elastic solid rubber wheels with electrolytic properties provide exactly this functionality. This rubber compound is formulated to allow controlled discharge of static electricity, making it ideal for use in the electronics and semiconductor industries or in explosion-hazard areas.

Properties of electrically conductive solid rubber:

Electrical conductivity to avoid static charge buildup
Particularly useful in electronics and semiconductor production
Ensures safe handling of sensitive equipment
High load capacity and abrasion resistance

Wicke Solid Rubber Series at a Glance

GK R / GK L/B: Black solid rubber (75 Shore A) on steel core, load capacity 150–1000 kg, temperature range –20 °C to +80 °C.
WK R / WK L/B: Gray, non-marking solid rubber (70 Shore A) on aluminium or steel core, floor-friendly.
GB R / GB L/B: Solid rubber on cast or plastic hub, load up to 1200 kg, chemical resistant.
DEL/B, WEL/B, DNL/B, WNL/B (Elastic solid rubber): Natural rubber mix, reduced rolling resistance, load capacity up to 800 kg.
Super-elastic solid rubber: Multi-component rubber wheels for extreme surfaces, load up to 1000 kg.
ELF-TPE Series (electrically conductive): ESD safe for electronics manufacturing.
Silicone Series: Temperature resistant up to +250 °C, inox core for oven use.

Different Wheel Hub Types

Wicke solid rubber wheels are available in different designs. Depending on the application area and the weight of loads to be moved, you can find solid rubber wheels with wheel hubs made of sheet steel, cast, aluminium, steel, or plastic. The types also vary by bearing types from plain bearings to simple roller bearings to double axial ball bearings.

Choose online from our standard solid rubber series GK R, GK L/B, WK R, WK L/B, GB R, and GB L/B or elastic solid rubber series DEL/B, WEL/B, DNL/B, and WNL/B to find the right wheel for you. Our swivel and rigid Castors with solid rubber wheels are available with plate or stem mounting. Swivel Castors are available with or without brakes.

Brief Buying Guide for Solid Rubber Wheels

Application area
Determine first where the wheel will be used. Standard solid rubber wheels are suitable for indoor use on smooth floors. For outdoor use or uneven surfaces like gravel, super-elastic solid rubber wheels are better suited. Gray solid rubber wheels are ideal for sensitive floors because they leave no marks.
Load capacity
Standard solid rubber wheels are ideal for light applications. If the wheel must carry heavier loads, super-elastic solid rubber wheels are the better choice. They are designed mainly for heavy loads. Always pay attention to the maximum recommended load capacity when buying to ensure the wheels are stable enough for use.
Running smoothness and rolling resistance
Low rolling resistance means less force is needed to push. Good running smoothness results in less noise pollution. Especially elastic solid rubber wheels are ideal for applications that require low rolling resistance and quiet operation.
Floor condition
The floor on which the wheel will run is also an important criterion in choosing the right solid rubber wheel. Gray wheels are ideal for sensitive floors, black solid rubber wheels run perfectly on hard floors like concrete or asphalt. For particularly rough or uneven floors, choose super-elastic wheels.
Durability
Solid rubber wheels are particularly abrasion resistant. If you need wheels for extreme conditions, we recommend super-elastic solid rubber wheels or polyurethane wheels. They are especially resistant to abrasion and chemical influences.

Your Benefits with Solid Rubber Wheels from Wicke

Benefit from decades of experience and expertise. Our swivel and rigid Castors with solid rubber wheels are made of high-quality materials, including specially developed rubber and polyurethane private labels, also suitable for heavy loads and specific application profiles up to 25 tons. Contact us before purchasing! Our specialists will gladly and extensively advise you in selecting the right solid rubber wheels for safe transport and maximum flexibility! For special rubberized constructions, steel band tires, heavy-duty wheels, and drive wheels with flange or groove, we can quickly provide the right designs, drawings, and offers. All wheels and tires come from our own production facilities and vulcanization production tools.

Heat-resistant silicone rubber wheels with operating temperatures up to 250 °C for oven use such as bakery carts, baking tray carts, tray carts, Stikken carts, baking carts, and bread transport carts are also available on request as swivel and rigid Castors in heat-resistant and also non-rusting INOX versions.

Contact Us

Do you have questions about our products or need expert advice? We at Wicke are happy to help. Contact us at +49 (0) 202 25 28 -333.