In electronics manufacturing, cleanrooms, and flammable or explosive environments, static control is a critical aspect of equipment safety. Casters, as the main point of contact between equipment and the floor, play a key role in managing static electricity. While both anti-static casters and conductive casters are designed to address static issues, they differ significantly in principle and application.

Anti-static casters are designed to prevent static buildup. Their wheel materials are typically infused with anti-static additives, maintaining a surface resistance of 10⁶–10⁹ Ω. This reduces the generation of static and allows gradual discharge of accumulated charges. Anti-static casters are suitable for medium- to low-risk areas such as electronic assembly lines, laboratory carts, and medical equipment. They offer low rolling resistance, are gentle on flooring, and attract minimal dust. However, in high-sensitivity environments or hazardous areas, their discharge speed may not be sufficient.

Conductive casters, on the other hand, are engineered to quickly dissipate static. The wheel, bearings, and frame form a complete conductive path, safely channeling static to the ground. Conductive casters typically have a surface resistance of ≤10⁵ Ω and are ideal for high-risk environments such as semiconductor fabs, ESD-protected areas, and flammable or explosive zones. While they provide rapid static discharge, they generally have slightly higher rolling resistance and require conductive or grounded flooring to function effectively.

In short, anti-static casters prevent static accumulation and are suitable for medium- to low-risk areas, while conductive casters rapidly discharge static and are intended for high-sensitivity or high-risk environments. When selecting casters, consider equipment use, environmental risk, and applicable standards. Even with conductive casters, if the wheel bearings, frame, or floor are not conductive, static cannot be effectively discharged.

Understanding the differences between anti-static and conductive casters ensures equipment safety, avoids over-specification, and improves cost efficiency.

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