What makes Vulkollan® so special for flanged wheels
Vulkollan® is a high-performance elastomer based on naphthylene-1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), developed and licensed by Covestro. Since its introduction in 1950, the material has become an industry standard for wheels and rollers that must operate under the highest dynamic loads. Vulkollan® may only be produced by certified processors – this ensures consistently high quality and material consistency.
Compared to classic polyurethane or rubber, Vulkollan® offers three decisive advantages: significantly higher load capacity with the same tread thickness, no permanent deformation (flat spots) even after long periods of standing under load, and inherent heat resistance, which enables continuous operation with high acceleration and braking cycles.
Typical applications
Flanged wheels with Vulkollan® treads are used wherever standard PU reaches its limits:
- Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and AGVs in 24/7 logistics operations
- Stackercranes in high-bay warehouses
- Heavy-duty gantry cranes and trolleys
- High-frequency crate tippers, lathes, and sorting systems
- Roller conveyors with track guidance under continuous load
- Drive axles in food and pharmaceutical production (with stainless steel core)
Technical properties
Hardness: standard 92 Shore A – offers the optimal combination of load capacity, grip, and rolling resistance. Hardness levels from approx. 65 Shore A to 60 Shore D are possible as custom production.
Temperature range: -20 °C to +80 °C in continuous operation, briefly higher. Heat-resistant Vulkollan® special variants for applications in stacker cranes or warm environments available upon request.
Load capacity: The load capacity specified in our product data applies to intermittent, free-running operation. In continuous operation or drive operation at higher speeds, the permissible load is reduced accordingly. Rule of thumb: continuous operation approx. 75%, drive operation at 8 km/h an additional approx. 70%. We are happy to help with the design for your application.
Chemical resistance: Vulkollan® is resistant to mineral oils, greases, and many chemicals. For prolonged contact with acids, alkalis, or hot water, we recommend consulting us.
Combinations – tread and core material
Our Vulkollan® flanged wheels are available in two material lines:
Steel core S355 – the economical choice for industrial and warehouse environments. High strength, easy to machine, immediately available in all standard sizes.
Stainless steel core V2A (1.4301) – for corrosive, damp, or hygienically critical environments such as food, pharma, breweries, outdoor use, or clean rooms. This variant is custom-made; price and delivery time on request.
Both material lines are supplied with standard ball bearings. For drive applications, you will find the appropriate variant with a hub keyway according to DIN 6885 in our category "Flanged wheels with hub keyway / feather keyway".
Standard program and custom production
Our standard program includes running diameters of 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 mm – each with an adapted flange diameter and a material-appropriate tread thickness (typically 8 to 20 mm, larger with increasing wheel diameter).
Special diameters, different tread thicknesses, customer-specific axle bore tolerances, longer hubs, or special hardness levels can be manufactured upon request. ESD/anti-static special designs or Vulkollan® variants with a different temperature range are also possible.
Brand notice
Vulkollan® is a registered trademark of the Covestro Group. We source our Vulkollan® treads exclusively from licensed processors to ensure the full material and property guarantee of the original specification.
