All About Choosing the Right Handwheel Material

1. All About Choosing the Right Handwheel Material Handwheels perform two operational tasks--allowing movement and precise machinery adjustments and opening and closing valves. They come in different types and sizes as they perform various functions. You will find small handwheels that you can move with your fingers to adjust things, such as medical measuring devices. On the other hand, you will see large handwheels that necessitate more force to turn them. For example, large handwheels are used to turn valves controlling the flow of petroleum products. Handwheel Materials Handwheels are made of materials, such as iron, steel, aluminium or plastic. Let us examine the merits and demerits of each of the materials when used in handwheels. Aluminium Aluminium, when used to make handwheels, poses many benefits. Such handwheels are lesser in weight in comparison with handwheels made of many materials. Moreover, they offer more excellent protection against corrosion and are immune to rust. With lighter weight and corrosion-resistant properties, aluminium is a good material for a handwheel. Plastic Handwheels are also made of plastic. And such handwheels are lightweight and resistant to all forms of corrosion. Moreover, the handwheels made of plastic are also resistant to solvents, oils, greases and other harsh chemicals. However, there is a downside too. Handwheels made of plastic are less durable than handwheels made of other materials. Usually, plastic handwheels are often used to control a valve. Duroplastic

2. You will also find some handwheels made of Duroplastic, which is a type of reinforced plastic. Typically, Duroplastic consists of a plastic blend with nylon or glass fibres, which strengthen the plastic. Duroplastic handwheels are more or less similar to plastic handwheels, but they are more robust and durable. Stainless Steel Handwheels made of stainless steel are popular among users. Stainless steel is an iron alloy that has corrosion-resistant properties. Its composition is mostly iron with around 11 per cent chromium. And the advantage of such handwheels is that it develops a layer of chromium oxide to protect against corrosion. And they are stronger than aluminium, plastic, Duroplastic and many other handwheel materials. Cast Iron Cast iron is an iron alloy that has at least 2 per cent carbon. Handwheels made of cast iron offers minimal protection against corrosion and are not very strong. But, they are stronger than stainless steel. Handwheel Styles Like materials, handwheel comes in many styles, such as: Disk or Solid Handwheels You can use such a handwheel to prevent axial access. As injuries can occur with a handwheel with a spoke design, solid disk handwheels are perfect. Spoke Handwheels Spoked handwheels are perfect if access to the axial is necessary. Usually, the 2 and 3 spoke handwheels are popular among users. And they are often used in many different industries. Usually, there are more spokes on larger handwheels.

3. Flat Handwheels Flat handwheels can be solid or have spokes. The outside diameter of the wheel’s hub and the wheel lies on the same plane. Dished Handwheels These handwheels come as solid or with spokes. The outside diameter of their hub is offset to the outer diameter of the wheel. As a result, the handwheel gets a dish appearance. Like handwheels, castor wheels are also necessary equipment for the mechanical engineering industry. They help manual or mechanical handling of trucks, trolleys and equipment for different sectors on different surfaces. And they can handle medium, heavy and extra-heavy loads.