“Optimize AS/RS efficiency with custom 85A polyurethane stacker crane wheels in Malaysia. Low-temp resistance to -30°C, 40% better positioning, and noise reduction.”
With the rapid expansion of cold chain logistics, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) have become the gold standard for cold storage. However, in environments with temperatures ranging from -18°C to -25°C, the performance requirements for the drive and guide wheels of stacker cranes—the heart of the warehouse—are exceptionally demanding.
The Cold Chain Challenge: Overcoming Slippage and Vibrational Fatigue in Malaysia
A large-scale cold chain distribution center in Malaysia encountered several critical issues while operating their automated stacker crane system:
Slippage and Positioning Errors: The cold storage floors were frequently covered with trace moisture or light frost. The original hard nylon wheels lacked sufficient friction, causing the cranes to slip during high-speed starts or emergency stops, which severely compromised precise pallet positioning.
Vibration and Noise Pollution: The impact between the hard wheels and the steel rails generated massive noise that echoed throughout the enclosed warehouse. This not only caused high-frequency vibrational damage to the steel structures but also deteriorated the working environment for staff.
Risk of Low-Temperature Embrittlement: Traditional materials tend to harden and crack under prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures, leading to exorbitant maintenance costs.
Our Solution: Customized Polyurethane Drive Wheels for AS/RS
To address these environmental challenges, we developed a specialized polyurethane wheel solution tailored for stacker cranes:
Advanced Material Formulation: We utilized a specially modified Low-Temperature MDI Polyurethane system. This ensures the wheels maintain excellent elasticity and physical properties even at -30°C, completely eliminating the risk of cracking.
Scientific Hardness Optimization: The wheel surface hardness was precisely engineered to 85 Shore A. This rating provides sufficient load-bearing capacity for multi-ton cranes while allowing for slight deformation to increase the contact area with the rail.
Anti-Slip Tread Design: We machined a cross-hatch diamond tread pattern onto the polyurethane surface. This design effectively breaks through the water film or frost on the rail, maximizing traction.
High-Strength Bonding Process: Through a multi-stage chemical pre-treatment process, we ensured that the bonding strength between the polyurethane layer and the steel core exceeds industry standards, preventing delamination even under intense acceleration and braking.
Proven in the Field: 12-Month Performance Results from our Malaysia Site
After 12 months of continuous operation and monitoring at the Malaysia site, the results were outstanding:
Enhanced Operational Stability: The superior grip eliminated slippage, making acceleration and deceleration more linear. Positioning accuracy improved by 40%.
Exceptional Noise Reduction: The damping properties of our polyurethane absorbed operational impacts. Measured noise levels were reduced by approximately 15 decibels compared to nylon wheels, creating a much quieter warehouse environment.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: The wheels significantly reduced wear on the floor rails and lowered the impact load on the crane’s transmission system, extending the overall maintenance cycle by over 50%.
Conclusion
As experts in polyurethane bonding technology, we understand the unique demands of every warehousing environment. Whether you require high traction for cold storage or heavy-load capacity for industrial logistics, we provide one-stop solutions ranging from material R&D and wheel core design to final precision machining.
Looking to boost the efficiency of your warehouse equipment? [Contact our technical engineers today] for a consultation and a customized polyurethane solution.
