Flamability ratings for plastic caster
Flamability ratings for plastic caster
(OP)
Recently, a polypropelene caster on a cart in my shop caught fire after several minutes of contact with a hot piece of metal from a plasma cutter. We need to replace the caster with a non-flamable material. What material, typically used in casters, is flame-resistant? Also, can anyone recommend any company that sells fire-resistant caster?





RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
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RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
Natural rubber is less flammable, but by how much is difficult to say......
Cheers
Harry
RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
They will all melt on contact with red hot metal, and most will ignite and burn for a short time at least.
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RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
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RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
I still stick by the cast iron recommendation, or possibly aluminium. Either metal with a replaceable FR rubber tyre might work. I am not up on FR rubber, but I am sure there will be good knowledge available on the DuPont web site, or whatever Bayer's rubber division is now called.
If it has to be plastic, FR nylon, once again, possibly with a replaceable rubber tyre. Wether or not you can buy FR nylon castors is another story. Although you don't say, I am presuming you do not require enough to warrant setting up a production run in a special grade.
The flame retardant spec most relevant to your application should be the glow wire test.
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RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
Phenolic doesn't melt; it chars, and doesn't lose much strength when it does.
It's not as strong as cast iron.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Flamability ratings for plastic caster
Here are some castors that are good for up to 250C.
http
Cheers
Harry