TECHNICAL BACKGROUND: All about Vulkollan wheels: Vulkollan drive wheels, Vulkollan heavy duty wheels, Vulkollan load wheels, Vulkollan castors, Vulkollan tyres.

Vulkollan® Wheels and Material: The High-Performance Solution for Industrial Applications

Vulkollan® is one of the most powerful elastomers in the world and is highly valued in numerous industrial sectors for its exceptional mechanical properties. As an advancement of polyurethane, invented by Otto Bayer in 1937, Vulkollan® has established itself as an indispensable material since the 1950s. Especially in applications with high dynamic loads, such as logistics, mechanical engineering, and even roller coasters, Vulkollan® impresses with its robustness and durability.

1. Vulkollan® Hardness Grades – Optimal Adaptation to Your Requirements

Vulkollan® is produced in various hardness grades to meet the diverse demands of the industry. The standard hardness grades are:

• 80° Shore A: For applications that require high grip on the running surface.
• 90° Shore A: The optimal hardness for most industrial applications, providing an ideal balance of elasticity and load capacity.
• 95° Shore A: Offers approximately 15% higher load capacity compared to 90° Shore A.

For comparison: Rubber ranges from 25–80° Shore A, while plastics are significantly harder with 55–95° Shore D.

2. Outstanding Mechanical Performance – Tensile Strength and Tear Resistance

Vulkollan® is characterised by exceptionally high tensile strength and elongation at break. At 90° Shore A, the material can be stretched up to seven times its original length. In comparison, metals offer high tensile strength but minimal elongation, while rubber is stretchable but has lower tensile force.

The tear resistance of Vulkollan® is unmatched. Even with existing cracks, the material remains resilient, making it ideal for highly stressed components. Thanks to its high cut resistance, it remains functional even after damage.

3. Temperature Resistance – From Freezing Cold to High Heat

Vulkollan® remains elastic and shock-absorbing down to -40°C. At temperatures up to 125°C, reversible changes in material properties can occur, while temperatures above 125°C can cause permanent damage to the chemical structure. The optimal operating temperature ranges from -10°C to +80°C, with short-term tolerance up to 120°C.

4. Longer Lifespan Than Rubber

Compared to natural rubber, Vulkollan® exhibits twice the wear resistance. Interestingly, softer Vulkollan® often shows less wear than harder material, as it can better adapt to loads. To maximise lifespan, the material should not overheat.

5. Strong Chemical Bonding and Post-Processing

Thanks to special surface treatments at Konijnenburg, Vulkollan® offers optimal chemical bonding to metals such as cast iron, steel, or aluminium. After casting and polymerisation, Vulkollan® can be easily turned, milled, and drilled without affecting its elastic properties.

6. Resistant to Environmental Influences

• UV Resistance: Vulkollan® changes colour from yellow-brown to black under UV light, but this has no impact on material quality.
• Hydrolysis Resistance: In humid environments, degradation can be slowed by adding STABAXOL.
• Dimensional Stability: Even after prolonged periods of load, Vulkollan® shows minimal permanent deformation (less "flat spots").

7. Electrical Properties – Insulator or Conductor?

Standard Vulkollan® is an excellent insulator. However, for special applications, Vulkollan® C has been developed, which is electrically conductive. With a resistance of less than 10⁴ ohms, it is ideal for antistatic wheels.

8. Dynamic Load Capacity in Practice

Vulkollan® demonstrates its strengths in extreme applications:

• Roller Coasters: Vulkollan® wheels withstand extreme forces in loops.
• Logistics Vehicles: Enables high driving speeds and long service life in demanding environments.
• Elevators: Vulkollan® guide rollers ensure smooth operation and low maintenance costs.
• Automotive Industry: Provides comfort and safety through progressive damping properties.

9. Technical Data at a Glance

10. Conclusion – Why Choose Vulkollan® from IndustrialWheels.com?

Vulkollan® is an indispensable material for all applications requiring the highest levels of load capacity, durability, and resistance. Whether in industry, logistics, or automotive engineering, the combination of extreme mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and dynamic load capacity makes Vulkollan® the first choice.

Visit IndustrialWheels.com to learn more about our Vulkollan® wheels and customised solutions. We are happy to advise you on your specific requirements!