At Hamilton Caster, we love a good challenge, especially when it comes with a dash of mystery and a whole lot of engineering magic. Recently, we got the chance to manufacture a custom wheel for one of the world’s top amusement ride manufacturers. We can't spill all the beans due to a signed NDA, but our adventure started with the customer asking us to help solve a problem: their current wheels were failing, producing mysterious white powder after just two weeks of use. This powdery predicament persisted for months for the customer until the wheels had to be replaced. They needed a solution, and fast.
The customer sent us their problematic wheels, and we immediately knew the root cause of the trouble. The load capacity was simply too much for the existing polyurethane being used—it couldn’t handle the stress. The solution? A different poly on a wheel center with a smaller diameter and thicker tread. Hamilton got to work, fabricating a new center to perfect the design, recommending a thicker tread that reduces bond line stress, making the wheel more durable under load.
In the end, it wasn’t just about providing a wheel—it was about going the extra mile to solve the poly problem and extend the wheel’s life significantly. By working hand-in-hand with all parties involved, we tackled the challenge head-on to make sure the customer got exactly what they needed.
So, whether you're facing a mysterious wheel malfunction or need a custom solution for your specific application, trust Hamilton to be your wheel sleuths and roll with whatever challenge comes your way.