What makes Vulkollan® so special for flanged wheels
Vulkollan® is a high-performance elastomer based on Naphthylen-1,5-diisocyanat (NDI), developed and licensed by Covestro. Since its first introduction 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 with classic polyurethane or rubber, Vulkollan® offers three decisive advantages: significantly higher load capacity at the same tread thickness, no permanent deformation (flat spots) even after long periods at rest under load, and inherent heat resistance that enables continuous operation with high acceleration and braking cycles.
Typical applications
Flanged wheels with Vulkollan® tread are used wherever standard PU reaches its limits:
- Driverless transport systems (FTS) and AGV in 24/7-Logistikbetrieb
- Storage and retrieval machines in high-bay warehouses
- Heavy-duty gantry cranes and trolleys
- High-frequency box tippers, lathes and sorting systems
- Conveyor lines with guidance under continuous load
- Drive axles in food and pharmaceutical production (with stainless steel core)
Technical properties
Hardness: standard 92 Shore A — offers the optimum combination of load capacity, grip and rolling resistance. Hardness levels from approx. 65 Shore A to 60 Shore D are available as custom-made products.
Temperature range: -20 °C to +80 °C in continuous use, and briefly higher. Heat-resistant Vulkollan® special variants for applications in storage and retrieval machines or warm environments are available on request.
Load capacity: The load capacity stated 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 a further approx. 70 %. We are happy to help with sizing 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, available immediately in all standard sizes.
Stainless steel core V2A (1.4301) — for corrosive, damp or hygiene-critical environments such as food, pharmaceutical, brewery, outdoor use or clean rooms. This variant is manufactured to order; price and delivery time on request.
Both material lines are supplied with standard ball bearing. For drive applications, you will find the suitable variant with hub keyway according to DIN 6885 in our category "Flanged wheels with hub keyway / keyway".
Standard range and custom-made products
Our standard range includes rolling diameters of 50, 60, 75, 80, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 mm — each with a matched flange diameter and an application-appropriate tread thickness (typically 8 to 20 mm, larger as wheel diameter increases).
We manufacture special diameters, different tread thicknesses, customer-specific axle bore fits, longer hubs or special hardness levels on request. ESD/antistatic special versions or Vulkollan® variants with a different temperature range are also possible.
Note on the brand
Vulkollan® is a registered trademark of the Covestro Group. We source our Vulkollan® treads exclusively from licensed processors to ensure the full material and performance guarantee of the original specification.
Frequently asked questions
What makes flanged wheels with Vulkollan® or polyurethane special?
The cast tread combines high dynamic load capacity with smooth running, abrasion resistance and elastic recovery. This makes them a premium solution for continuous operation and heavy loads.
Where are these flanged wheels used?
They are suitable for continuous operation, heavy-duty applications and driverless transport systems. The flange ensures reliable guidance on the rail.
What is the difference between Vulkollan® and standard polyurethane?
Vulkollan® from Covestro offers exceptionally high dynamic load capacity and elastic recovery, while standard polyurethane is more economical. The choice depends on the load and operating time.
