Huntsman, a global manufacturer of differentiated chemicals, has collaborated with RÄDER-VOGEL, a leading wheel and castor manufacturer, to introduce a new generation of anti-static PEVOTEC wheels. These innovative wheels, powered by Huntsman's TECNOTHANE hot cast elastomers, are designed to address the critical issue of static buildup in industrial applications, enhancing safety and efficiency across various sectors.

The accumulation of static charge on wheels poses significant challenges in modern manufacturing and production environments. Static discharge can lead to uncomfortable and potentially harmful shocks to personnel, damage sensitive electronic components in automated vehicles, and attract dust and particles, causing contamination in specialized fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Furthermore, dust buildup can compromise traction and cause costly malfunctions in automated equipment.

To combat these issues, RÄDER-VOGEL, leveraging Huntsman's TECNOTHANE materials, has developed a comprehensive range of PEVOTEC anti-static wheels. These wheels offer varying hardness levels, ranging from 55 to 97 shore A, providing flexibility to meet diverse operational requirements. The TECNOTHANE materials also enable RÄDER-VOGEL to create customized solutions tailored to specific customer needs.

The initial target applications for these new wheels include warehousing and logistics, where automated guided vehicles (AGVs) handle vast quantities of products; automated car park systems in urban environments, utilizing lifts for space optimization; clean rooms, where trolleys and overhead pulleys require contamination-free operation; and the mining industry, where lift shafts must operate without the risk of sparks igniting coal dust.

The collaboration between Huntsman and RÄDER-VOGEL spans over 25 years, reflecting a strong partnership built on innovation and mutual trust. Commenting, Martin Schäfer, Sales Director Export – Material Handling & Special Applications at RÄDER-VOGEL said, “Working side by side, we’ve developed a novel range of anti-static wheels that are set to offer huge benefits across a range of industries. As Industry 4.0 continues to drive new levels of automation and productivity, our wheels will help improve the reliability and lifetime of mission critical equipment.”

Commenting, Nicolaas Weyns, Sales Development Manager Elastomers Europe at Huntsman, said, “It’s always great to work alongside the team at RÄDER-VOGEL. Their high standards and commitment to quality have made them one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pallet rollers, press-on tyres and swivel and fixed castors. There is a unique bond between our two companies that is based on trust and mutual respect and it has been exciting to help the team bring a new generation of anti-static wheels to fruition.”