Type 201 steel is fine for dry, indoor uses. But it is not good for wet, tough conditions. These are found in food service, labs, or hospitals. Some suppliers sell 201 casters as 304 to offer a lower price. This leads to the rust problems you are facing.
Your Guide: 4 Simple Ways to Spot Fake "304" Casters
You do not need a fancy lab to figure out what your casters are made of. We use these simple checks all the time. Here are four ways you can test your stainless steel casters right in your facility.
1.The Magnet Test (The Quick Check)
This is the fastest and easiest first step. True Type 304 stainless steel is not magnetic. Grab a small refrigerator magnet. Try to stick it to the caster fork.
If the magnet does not stick at all, that is a good sign it could be 304. If the magnet sticks, even weakly, you likely have Type 201 steel. The process of forming 201 steel makes it slightly magnetic. This test is not perfect. But it is a great warning sign.
2.The Spark Test (For the Workshop)
If you have a workshop with a grinding wheel, this is a classic test. Please wear safety glasses. Gently touch a corner of the caster fork to the spinning wheel for just a second.
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Type 304 Steel: Gives off reddish-orange sparks. The sparks are long and not very dense. They do not fork or branch out much.
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Type 201 Steel: Makes a shower of bright yellow sparks. The sparks are much denser and have many forks. They look like a firework.
The difference is clear once you see it. It shows the different metals in the steel.
3.The Chemical Spot Test (The Best Field Test)
This is the most reliable way to know for sure. You do not need to send a sample to a lab. You can buy low-cost stainless steel test kits online. These kits test for key metals like nickel or manganese.
The process is simple. You place a drop of test fluid on a clean spot on the metal. After a minute, you compare the color to a chart. A test for manganese will turn dark on 201 steel. It shows no change on 304 steel. This gives you a clear answer.
4.The Price & Supplier Check (The Common Sense Test)
Finally, use your common sense. If a deal on stainless steel casters seems too good to be true, it probably is. Type 304 steel costs more to make because of the nickel.
Always buy from suppliers with a good reputation. Good suppliers will always be honest about material grades. They will stand behind their product. They provide documents to prove it. Trustworthy suppliers, like those seen in premium heavy-duty stainless steel casters collections, will always be transparent about material grades.
Best Buying Tips: Getting Real Rust-Proof Wheels
Now that you can spot a fake, let's make sure you never buy one again. Following these simple buying steps will protect your money. They will keep your facility running smoothly.
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Ask for a Material Test Report (MTR). A good maker can give you a certificate. It shows the exact chemical makeup of the steel. This report proves it has the right amount of nickel to be Type 304.
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Check Your Suppliers. Buy from established caster specialists. They understand your industry. Avoid generic online sellers who compete only on price. Look for suppliers who clearly specify their casters are made from "durable S304 stainless steel" and are designed for harsh environments, as shown by manufacturers like EDL Stainless Steel Casters.
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Write "Type 304" in Your Purchase Order. Do not just ask for "stainless steel casters." Make "Type 304 Stainless Steel" a requirement in your official order. This makes it part of your contract.
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Check on Arrival. When a new shipment arrives, take a few minutes to do a spot check. Use the magnet test or a chemical kit on a few casters. Do this before you accept the delivery. This small step can save you a huge headache later.
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Consider 316 Stainless Steel for Tough Places. Your facility might use very harsh chemicals, acids, or saltwater. You may need an upgrade. Type 316 stainless steel has a metal called molybdenum. This gives it even better protection. It is the best choice for the toughest jobs.
Common Questions (FAQ)
1.What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel casters?
Type 316 is a step up from 304. It has molybdenum added to it. This gives it much better resistance to chlorides. These include salt and some strong cleaning chemicals. We recommend 316 for marine, drug, or highly acidic settings. For general food service wash-downs, 304 is usually enough.
2.Can I remove the rust from my 201 steel casters?
You can clean the surface rust off with a special cleaner. You can also use a non-scratch pad. However, this is only a temporary fix. The steel itself lacks the ability to fight rust. The moment it gets wet again, the rust will come back. It does not solve the root problem.
3.Are all parts of a stainless steel caster (fork, wheel, axle) made of the same material?
Not always. This is a key detail. A true, high-quality rust-proof wheel for food processing industry will have all parts made from 304 stainless steel. This includes the fork, raceway (the swivel bearing path), axle, and nut. Cheaper versions often use a zinc-plated steel axle or bearings. These parts will rust first and cause the caster to fail. Always check all the components.
This is the all stainlesss steel caster what my client is looking for. ( this client is from Tuna processing factory.)
4.What does NSF certification mean for a rust-proof wheel for food processing industry?
NSF International is an independent group. They certify products for public health. An NSF-certified caster means its design and materials are safe for food zones. It is built to be easily cleaned. It has no cracks where germs can hide. It resists rust. It is a strong sign of a quality product built for your industry.
5.Besides the steel type, what else makes a caster good for the food & medical industry?
Look for sealed precision bearings in the wheel. These seals keep water and dirt out. This helps the caster roll smoothly and last longer. Also, check the wheel material. Polyurethane and nylon wheels are good choices. They resist chemicals and high heat up to 120℃. A smooth, polished finish on the caster fork is also important. It is easier to clean and sanitize.
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