Technical product information

We move an extremely wide range of products with our castors and wheels – within Germany and beyond its borders. With innovative solutions and well-engineered products, we continually set new standards and impart momentum to the markets. At the same time, we’re always aware of current standards and legal requirements. You can rest assured that with STEINCO products, you are always using the latest technology. In the following section, we have compiled all important information concerning STEINCO castors and wheels for you. Alongside information about products and intended use, you will also find valuable instructions on automated decontamination and the electrical conductivity of our castors, as well as information relative to REACH and RoHS guidelines.

  Anti-magnetic products (MRI)

Modern medical diagnostic methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use very strong magnetic fields with very high flux density. Magnetic castors must not be used where MRI devices record data, because magnetic products adversely affect the measurements. The technical data sheets indicate whether a castor is “anti-magnetic” and therefore suitable for MRI applications.   

  Anti-static products (ESD/AST)

Certain application areas require casters with a low electrical conductivity. Examples include applications where electrostatic charge can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components or in sensitive medical areas (intensive care).
Electrostatic charge can be produced, for example, when a person’s clothes rub against the chair in which they are seated. To prevent the accumulation of a dangerous charge as a result of the respective use, that charge must be continuously dissipated in a controlled manner. Anti-static castors can function correctly only if dissipative floor coverings are used. STEINCO recommends the use of at least two anti-static castors per castor system. 

STEINCO anti-static castors have a surface resistivity of ≤ 10⁷ ohm. The technical data sheets specifically indicate the suitability of the castor for this application case.  

Material deposits and chemical and mechanical factors can impair the effectiveness of conductivity during use, thereby resulting in values that exceed the permissible values specified in the standards. In particular, dust, dirt, paint, acids, alkalis, overloads and impacts can diminish or completely interrupt the dissipation of electrical/electrostatic energy into the floor. For that reason, the operator must verify conductivity during operation at regular intervals.

  Chemical resistance

Find here an overview of the chemical resistances.

  Electrical conductivity (CON)

The electrical conductivity of castors and wheels is described in DIN EN 12530 – 12533. A castor is considered to be “conductive” when the surface resistivity is ≤ 10⁴ ohm. The test is conducted at three different points on the wheel tread. Material deposits and chemical and mechanical factors can impair the effectiveness of conductivity during use, thereby resulting in values that exceed the permissible values specified in the standards. In particular, dust, dirt, paint, acids, alkalis, overloads and impacts can diminish or completely interrupt the dissipation of electrical/electrostatic energy into the floor. For that reason, the operator must verify conductivity during operation at regular intervals. All conductive STEINCO products have a surface resistivity of ≤ 10⁴ ohm. The conductivity is indicated by a yellow dot on the side of the wheel.   

  REACH Declaration of Conformity

The European Chemicals Regulation REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007.

REACH stands for

• Registration,
• Evaluation,
• Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.

With the implementation of the regulation, manufacturers and “downstream users” are responsible for the correct use and communication of chemical ingredients.
One of the declared objectives of the REACH regulation is to raise awareness of the potential dangers and risks of chemicals. After certain deadlines expire, a manufacturer under the jurisdiction of the REACH regulation cannot place chemical substances on the market unless they have been registered in advance.
STEINCO Paul vom Stein GmbH accepts this responsibility and conscientiously fulfils the obligations imposed by the regulation. For our products, we are not the manufacturer of the processed substances, but rather the so-called “downstream user”. In our function as “downstream user” in the supply chain, we will work to ensure that all our suppliers undertake the registration of the pre-registered substances. This status imposes special information requirements within the supply chain, with which we will diligently comply. You will find the relevant notification concerning REACH in the respective technical product data sheet.

  RoHS Declaration of Conformity

The RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances, EU Directive 2011/65/EU + 2015/863/EU) limits the use of certain hazardous substances. Such hazardous substances include lead, cadmium and chromium VI compounds, for example. The regulation controls the use and placement on the market of hazardous substances in electrical appliances and electronic components.
The substances listed may not be used in concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations currently specified in the regulation. The regulation calls for iterative expansion of the hazardous substances list. Exceptions apply for certain applications, however. Since 2011, compliance with RoHS regulations is required for authorisation to apply the CE mark to relevant devices. The compliance with RoHS regulations must be confirmed in the EU Declaration of Conformity.

  Provision of information to customers pursuant to the REACH Regulation, Article 33:

A few products from the STEINCO product range contain components with a lead content of more than 0.1%. These are special products made of bronze (lead content < 4.0 %). Till 21 July 2021, these products are subject to a temporary derogation that guarantees RoHS conformity despite elevated values.
At the present time, it remains unclear whether the temporary derogation will be extended beyond 21 July 2021. Should the derogation expire, the manufacturer and distributors will be obliged to inform their customers of the lead content.

This formally required notification means that no danger is associated with these products when used as intended. There are also no special precautions that must be taken when using them. Relevant studies have shown that skin contact with such materials is harmless.
You will find the relevant notification concerning RoHS conformity in the respective technical product data sheet.

  Automated decontamination (cleaning)

Medical products are particularly subject to regular and intensive cleaning and disinfection. STEINCO hospital bed castors in the series 558W/559W, 568W/569W and 898W/899W are suitable for automated decontamination subject to applicable regulations such as the “automated decontamination” cleaning guidelines of the AK-BWA (German working group for bed frame and trolley decontamination). You will find the relevant notification in the technical product data sheet.
Metal components subject to corrosion are finished with an appropriate protective surface treatment, the suitability of which has been confirmed by many years of field experience and washing tests.

Based on AK-BWA recommendations, the following guide values apply:

• Clean/disinfect 2 minutes at max. 70°C
• Rinse 20 seconds at 85°C
• Max. pH of the wash solution: 5 – 9

Unsuitable washing conditions can lead to the premature impairment of certain functions. Note also that washing media should be prevented, if possible, from entering the mounting pin area. The castors are designed for use at a service temperature (see technical data sheet). For this reason, the castors must be allowed to cool off for an appropriate period of time following the washing process before they can be returned to service as intended. This also applies to the lock. If used too soon, the heated plastic components may set under the threshold pressure, leading to a permanent impairment of function. Castors can be wiped clean with disinfectant without any restrictions.

  Maximum length of bolt that can be installed with bolt hole variants

The following table lists the maximum permissible length of retrofitted bolts according to DIN 912.

We recommend the use of a washer underneath the bolt head.

  Temperature range

The temperature range is an important factor for the load-carrying capacity of a castor. With plastics, for example, load-carrying capacity diminishes when temperatures are too low or too high. Please refer to the specific temperature range listed in the technical product data sheet.  

  Load-carrying capacity (dynamic)

The load-carrying capacity of STEINCO products is determined on modern test stands using a standardised test method according to DIN EN 12530 – 12533. Depending on the standard and application area, the allowable load is tested in the speed range between 3.2 km/h and 6 km/h. For specific load-bearing capacity data, please refer to the technical product data sheet.

  Load-bearing capacity (static)

Static load-bearing capacity refers to the maximum load on a castor while it remains stationary or moves only slightly. For specific load-bearing capacity data, please refer to the technical product data sheet.

  Central locking castors

The castors’ central locking feature can be used for the centralised actuation of functions such as separate directional locking or total locking. Due to the central arrangement, the actuation elements are fixed to the transport trolley and do not move with the castor. One basic ergonomic benefit of central locking castors is the combination of multiple castors, e.g. via a shift linkage, as a castor system. With these systems, as used with hospital beds for example, the user can use a foot pedal to actuate all four castors simultaneously. The central locking function can be selected as a criterion in the product search engine.

According to the manufacturer’s product liability as defined in the German Product Liability Law (§4 Prod-HaftG), users must heed the following information concerning wheels and castors. Failure to comply exempts the manufacturer from its duty of liability.

1. Product information and intended use

Wheels and castors in the sense of this definition are generally exchangeable components which can be fitted to suitable equipment, furniture and transport systems, or similar products, in order to render them mobile. This product information refers to castors and wheels, in particular to passively steering castors (swivel castors), for non-mechanically propelled vehicles and equipment, hereafter referred to as ‘objects’, which in general do not move faster than walking pace and are not in continuous operation. Wheels and castors in the sense of this product information can be classified into the following application areas:

Residential sector:

• e.g. seating, furniture

Service sector:

• General service applications, e.g., shopping trolleys, office equipment
• Hospitals, e.g., hospital beds

Industrial sector:

• e.g. transport equipment (middle to heavy load-bearing capacity)

To comply with intended use, proper assembly is particularly important:

• The product must be firmly fitted to the object at all provided fitting points.
• The object must have sufficient strength at these points.
• Installation must not impair or modify the product function.
• Swivel castors must be installed such that their swivel axles are vertical.
• Rigid castors must be installed with their wheel axles in alignment.
• Only swivel castors of the same type may be fitted to an object. If rigid castors are also fitted, only castors recommended for the purpose by the manufacturer may be used.

Products used in damp environments, exposed to direct weathering, used near the sea or in aggressive environments that induce corrosion must be specified in a specialised version. Products used in temperatures below 5°C and above 30°C are to be specified in specialised versions.

Standard products should never be subjected to nominal loads under such conditions. Wheel, casing, locking mechanism and axle accessories constitute a functional unit.

Liability is only granted for our original products. When selecting castors, all possible loads must be known. Otherwise loads must be estimated with adequate safety margins.

2. Product specifications

Where product specifications are not explicitly stated in our catalogues, brochures, specification sheets, etc., the requirements placed on our castors (and their components) must be agreed with us. Guidance is provided here by the applicable DIN, EN and ISO standards.

3. Product maintenance

Depending on the specific requirements, wheels and castors must be regularly serviced: through lubrication of the bearings and readjustment of detachable connections. Cleaning agents that contain corrosion-inducing or harmful substances must never be used. Castors (and their components) must be replaced as soon as functional impairment occurs.

4. Misuse

Misuse – i.e., utilisation of wheels and castors for unintended purposes – is defined as, for example:

• use of wheels and castors for loads heavier  than the maximum load capacity specified  in the catalog 
• use on unsuitable,  uneven floors 
• foreign objects entering  the wheel tread 
• use in temperatures that are  too high or too low 
• moving an object with  locked castors by force
• exposure to a caustic environment 
• excessive impact and fall stresses 
• moving wheels and castors at excessive speeds
• exposure to lateral forces
• modifying the products without the agreement of the manufacturer 

Castor brakes in all series are not intended to provide transport and loading safety in trucks, cars and other similar vehicles. Non-compliance with this information can lead to damage of the locking function.

5. Maintenance information for antistatic (AST/ESD) and conductive products (CON)

The antistatic effect and electrical conductivity of the wheels and treads can change due to deposits of substances as well as due to chemical and mechanical influences.  As a result, the permissible values defined in the standards may be exceeded. In particular, dust, dirt, paint, acids, alkalis, overloading and impacts can reduce or fully interrupt the diversion of electrical/electrostatic energy into the floor. Due to the many influences that arise in the use of our products that are unknown to us, the confirmation of electrical conductivity refers exclusively to the fact that the wheels and castors satisfy the defined, permissible values when in new condition. For this reason, the conductivity should be checked by the operator at regular intervals during operation.

6. Information and instruction obligations

In compliance with the information and instruction obligations, as well as maintenance work according to the product liability law, the following documentation is available:

• For traders: Catalogs with product information
• For the processing industry: Catalogs with product information
• For users: Product information

To ensure the functionality of the wheels and castors,

• the trade sector is obliged to heed the product information (points 1-6) and, where necessary to request them from the  manufacturer and forward them to the processing unit;
• the processing sector is obliged to heed the product information (points 1-6) and, where necessary, to request them from the manufacturer or trade sector and forward them to the user.

7. Dimensions

Dimensions indicated in this catalogue are approximations, as is usual in this industry. Design is subject to change where modifications represent technical advancement.