Caster Wheel Hardness: How to Read Shore A and Shore D Before Ordering

Key takeaways

• Specify the hardness scale with the number. Shore A and Shore D values are not directly comparable.
• Published material reference values do not establish hardness for a XIN JIE model.
• Approve handling, floor compatibility and construction through separate evidence rather than treating hardness as a universal performance score.

Specify the scale before comparing the number

A quotation that says hardness 80 is incomplete. Ask which scale, method, material and specimen it refers to. Shore A and Shore D use different measurement arrangements; the same number on each scale does not describe the same hardness.

Blickle’s hardness guide uses Shore A for elastomers and polyurethane, Shore D for solid plastics and Brinell values for metals. It also warns that there is no linear correlation between the methods. Do not subtract a Shore A value from a Shore D value to rank two wheels.

Name the part being measured: tread, wheel center or another component. A multi-material wheel needs a clear description. Keep the proposed material and construction in the bill of materials so an appearance match is not accepted as a specification match.

Sources: Blickle hardness scales and limitations

Compare the published reference values

The following table contains selected material reference values from Blickle’s hardness guide, checked on 3 November 2026. They are useful examples of why a scale must accompany a value. They are not measurements of the XIN JIE products linked below.

The table preserves the stated scales. It is deliberately not converted into a single percentage or a universal softness ranking. A material reference should lead to an identifiable wheel specification and verification method, rather than a promise about every formulation with that material name.

Sources: Primary hardness reference table

What does hardness leave unanswered?

Hardness alone does not establish the complete caster’s load rating, bearing arrangement, starting effort, brake behavior or floor compatibility. Specify those requirements separately. A single hardness number cannot replace a trial on the intended equipment and floor.

If the buyer is seeking a quieter or easier-to-push wheel, state the actual outcome and evaluation method. Ask for the appropriate handling or acoustic evidence instead of turning an unverified hardness difference into a performance claim.

For a material comparison, identify wheel size, tread thickness, center construction, bearing, load, route and test conditions. Without those details, it may be impossible to attribute a difference to the tread. No model-specific hardness or performance experiment is claimed in this guide.

How should an incoming hardness check be agreed?

Ask the supplier and qualified test provider to define the applicable method, specimen preparation, conditioning, measurement locations and reporting procedure. Curved or thin tread sections may require a specimen approach agreed for the method; do not improvise a production acceptance test from a photograph.

Specify any target and tolerance in writing for the exact material. Do not invent a universal plus-or-minus allowance or a sample count. Retain individual readings, specimen identity, instrument details and the agreed acceptance decision.

If an approved plaque represents production material, document that relationship. A plaque result does not automatically verify tread bonding, caster assembly or equipment handling. Keep those approvals separate and review relevant checks when material or construction changes.

Use public XIN JIE models as inquiry starting points

JQ-211-2 is listed as a black 3 inch PU industrial caster, with a 7–10-day lead-time reference. MOQ requires RFQ confirmation and pieces per carton depend on the packing plan. JQ-183-1 is a gray 50 mm brake caster with a 1,000-piece MOQ reference, a 15-day lead-time reference and 100 pieces per carton. These model-level references were checked on 3 November 2026.

Reconfirm terms for a modified material, mounting, brake, color or packing specification. The public descriptions are not evidence of an electrical-resistance class or a measured tread-hardness specification. Request those properties for the exact quoted variant before approval.

Sources: JQ-211-2 public details · JQ-183-1 public details

Connect sample approval with the purchase order

Send the model, application photos, mounting drawing, loaded equipment mass, floor conditions, movement frequency and quantity by configuration. Include the property you need confirmed and the required approval method, rather than only requesting a material name.

Ask for sample feasibility, preparation time, cost and courier arrangements separately from bulk-production lead time. Put drawing approval, sample assessment, report review and production release on the schedule as distinct milestones. Request the actual reports and quality-control records that apply to the ordered configuration.

For custom colors, provide a defined code or physical reference, ask whether a color card is available and approve an actual material sample. Reconfirm MOQ by model, material, brake and color; a model-level reference does not establish that quantities can be split across variants.

If mixed-container loading or staged deliveries are needed, provide line-item quantities, carton labels and the delivery sequence. Warehouse location, stock, storage duration and charges require written confirmation. The cited public pages do not establish overseas warehouse support. Carry the approved bill of materials, drawing revision and change-control requirements into the order.

Sources: XIN JIE custom drawing and sample review

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