Tighes Hill, NSW -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/04/2012 -- Rotacaster makes manual movement of loads safer, faster and easier. The most important message communicated by safety managers is the concern and need for workplace ergonomic improvements whenever and wherever possible. Especially when workers compensation, lost work days and insurance premiums can be reduced while improving productivity.

Recently a leading cosmetics manufacturer faced a problem. The company was using a six caster picking cart; four swivel caster on the corners with two rigid casters in the center. The rigid caster improved tracking and control when moving long distances and turning, however it limited maneuverability it tight spaces. Additionally, the rigid wheel was damaged when the cart was pushed sideways, floors were also damaged.

The solution was the multi-directional Rotacaster. These unique omni wheels were placed in a compatible caster rig and installed on one picking cart. The R-3125 triple Rotacaster rolling as a 125mm wheel proved the same tracking control as the rigid caster for long runs and the cart maneuverability was significantly enhanced. Most importantly the picking cart could very easily be moved directly sideways.

The specific problem of wheel and floor damage was eliminated and over handling of the picking cart was improved with the R-3125 Rotacaster installed over a fixed wheel. The customer installed Rotacasters on sixty-five picking carts used in the distribution center.

According to Peter McKinnon, managing director for Rotacaster, “This innovative design can overcome issues associated with trying to move and handle materials. Also available in an outdoor, all-terrain model, it reduces the effort of manual handling and repetitive movement that can lead to workplace injury.”

Rotacaster, while fixed in a primary orientation, facilitates movement in any direction without the need of a traditional swivel mount.

Omni-wheels have been used in conveyor and light-duty robotics applications for years, yet the Rotacaster multi-directional wheel is engineered to provide additional robustness, durability, and ride quality necessary as an industrial floor wheel.

Applications for the Rotacaster range from material handling equipment (hand trucks, trolleys, dollies, carts, skates) to shopping carts and luggage; from conveyor transfers, pipe rollers, and other inverted applications to robotics and patient lifts in medical settings.