Is Stainless Steel Better Than Zinc for Casters?

Is Stainless Steel Better Than Zinc for Casters?

When it comes to choosing casters for various applications, it’s essential to consider the material they are made of. Zinc and stainless steel are two popular options in the caster industry, each with its unique properties and advantages.

Today, we will compare zinc casters and stainless steel casters to help you understand their differences and make an informed decision for your business.

Stainless Steel vs Zinc Casters

Knowing the merits of zinc vs stainless steel casters will help you make a better-informed decision and choose the appropriate type when purchasing necessary casters for your company.

Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steel casters excel in this aspect. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance as they are highly resistant to rust, moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive elements. Meanwhile, zinc casters are more liable to rusting. While zinc offers some level of corrosion resistance, it is more prone to rusting and degradation over time, especially in harsh environments.

Heat Resistance

Stainless steel can withstand higher temperatures without warping or losing its structural integrity. This makes stainless steel casters ideal for applications where heat exposure is common, such as industrial ovens, autoclaves, and other heat-intensive environments.

Zinc casters, on the other hand, have lower heat resistance and may deform or lose strength under extreme temperatures.

Durability and Strength

When it comes to durability, stainless steel casters are known for their exceptional longevity, thanks in part to their high resistance to chemicals and other substances. Stainless steel casters are also renowned for their high strength and load-bearing capabilities. They can withstand heavy loads, even amid frequent use and challenging conditions — all without compromising performance.

Zinc casters, while suitable for light-duty applications or lighter loads, may not offer the same level of durability and strength. They are more prone to wear and tear, especially when subjected to frequent heavy loads or rough surfaces.

It is important to consider the weight requirements of your specific application when choosing between the two materials.

Aesthetic Appearance

Stainless steel casters are generally preferred for their sleek, modern, and bright appearance. They can enhance the overall visual appeal of equipment, furniture, or displays. Zinc casters, while functional, may not provide the same aesthetic impact and are usually less visually appealing.

Affordability

Zinc casters are generally more affordable compared to stainless steel casters. If your application does not require the high level of corrosion resistance or durability provided by stainless steel, zinc casters will usually be a more cost-effective solution.

However, make sure to assess the specific requirements and expected lifespan of your casters first to make the most suitable and economical choice. While stainless steel casters may be more expensive than zinc ones, they are also more likely to stand the test of time — which can make them cheaper in the long run.

Industries That Use Zinc vs Stainless Steel Casters

Zinc casters are commonly used in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and light-duty applications where cost-effectiveness and moderate performance are essential.

On the other hand, stainless steel casters are typically used in industries that require higher levels of durability, corrosion resistance, and cleanliness. These industries include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and outdoor equipment.

Get Stainless Steel Casters From LINCO

If you are in the food service, medical, pharmaceutical, marine, manufacturing, or any other industry with harsh environments or where chemicals are regularly used, then stainless steel would be perfect for your needs.

LINCO produces a number of high-quality stainless steel casters. We also offer casters made by other reliable manufacturers in the industry. Below are a couple of stainless steel casters you can find on our online store:

If you are looking for other types or sizes of stainless steel casters or would prefer zinc casters, you may check out our full catalog online. We offer many more premium casters from LINCO and other brands on our website.

For inquiries or any bulk orders, contact us at (866) 306-9566 or leave us a message.