Time is money. Having the right equipment saves both plus keeps your employees safe. When you use lite-rail based systems to transport heavy industrial loads between fixed locations, you need to know your flanged rail wheels can get the job done. These wheels are manufactured using close tolerance processes to ensure they will work effectively in precision applications, unlike regular rubber wheels. Back in 1965, Rockett, Inc. introduced our first forged steel wheel for heavy-duty material handling applications. They were quickly adopted by the brick and ceramic factories for use on tunnel kiln cars. The toughness of our forged wheels quickly made them the go-to for that industry. Since then, we have expanded in to many other demanding applications. Our product line, including a wide range of forged shapes and sizes to meet your particular needs. Custom shaped forging can also be developed. We know how to help keep your business on track and rolling profitably.
Difference Between Single and Double Flanged Wheels
The role of flanges is to help keep cars, carts, bogeys, decks, and trolleys properly centered on the track. There are two basic types for flanged wheels, single and double. There are also flat faced wheels without flanges. Here are the differences:
- Single Flanged Wheels: These are the most common of the wheel types. Single flanged wheels are generally found on trains, trollies, and other commercial and industrial vehicles with fixed axles. The rails in this application are trued, ensuring a single flange is sufficient to prevent movement. Think of it as being the right choice for a controlled environment.
- Double Flanged Wheels: For those applications that do not have controlled conditions or there is potential for variation in the straightness of the rails, dual flanged wheels on one rail combined with flat-faced wheels on the other rail are often the best option. This arrangement can better tolerate minor variances in track straightness. When extreme weight requirements are in use, rails are often warped and hard to navigate with a single flange. The flange on either side of the wheel helps keep the rail car on the tracks.
Wear and tear is a big concern for those that use rail cars in their day-to-day operations. Choosing the right material can help with cost savings for your application. The three types of metals used are cast iron, ductile iron, and steel. Cast iron is the cheapest, but it is very brittle and wears quicker. Ductile iron is less expensive than steel and exhibits steel’s physical capabilities. Steel is much stronger and most often used in types of wheels that experience continuous flange contact. Forging steel offers the most superior performance possible. Rockett’s line of wheels are all made from 1045 grade forged steel.
Quality Flanged Rail Wheels for Your Application
Rockett Inc. has been making reliable forged steel flanged rail wheels for decades and we are a trusted name in the industry. We understand the needs of our customers and strive to provide quality products and value in all we do. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and offer a wide range of sizes and customizable options, as well as a comprehensive range of metal fabrication capabilities to give you the perfect solution for your manufacturing needs.
Call 601-939-2471 or request a quote online from Rockett Inc., the leading manufacturer in Mississippi for flanged rail wheels.
