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AGV and AMR Wheels
AGVs – Automated Helpers in Networked Logistics and Manufacturing Processes
Sealing Solutions for Automated Guided Vehicles
AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) have become essential in the core of contemporary logistics and manufacturing. These intelligent, self-driving vehicles are transforming the transportation of materials and products across various industries. From simple tasks like moving goods in warehouses to complex operations in manufacturing automation, AGVs offer a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective robotic solution. Their advanced navigation technology and seamless integration with existing systems makes them a vital component of modern business operations. Our high-quality seals contribute to the efficient and reliable utilization of AGVs, playing a critical role, albeit often unseen, in an automated and connected future.
During cleaning in place (CIP) and sterilization in place (SIP), seals in the food and beverage industry need to be able to withstand increasingly aggressive cleaning media at high temperatures. Aggressive media such as solvent-based coatings also pose enormous challenges for sealing technology in paint shops. Freudenberg Sealing Technologies meets them with high-tech materials such as the chemically highly resistant perfluoro rubber Simriz® (FFKM) developed and manufactured in-house.
High Demands on AGVs Used in Industry
At Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, we comprehend the unique challenges confronting AGVs within modern industry. Our specialized sealing solutions are meticulously engineered to enhance the efficiency and dependability of Automated Guided Vehicles. Our seals designed for AGVs boast the following key features:
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Abrasion resistance
AGVs often function in demanding industrial settings, necessitating seals with high abrasion resistance. Our seals ensure optimal performance and durability, even under the harshest conditions. -
Chemical resistance
Specially formulated seals for chemical resistance in AGVs offer protection when in contact with lubricants, cleaning agents or other industrial chemicals. -
Temperature and pressure resistance
Our AGV sealing solutions can withstand extreme temperatures and high pressures. They are designed to work effectively in a wide range of operating environments, guaranteeing effective operation in diverse environments, from freezing cold to extreme heat. -
Durability and Low Maintenance
Engineered for longevity and minimal maintenance, our robotic seals for AGVs not only deliver efficiency but also reduce downtimes and overall operating costs.
Wheels for AGV/AMR
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies designs and manufactures fully customized polyurethane traction and caster wheels for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Each wheel is engineered to meet specific application requirements. Key factors include load profiles, floor conditions, and environmental influences such as temperature, humidity, and media exposure.
These solutions are supported by decades of polyurethane expertise and a fully integrated in-house value chain. They also benefit from simulation-driven design (FEA) and extensive testing. As a result, they deliver high performance, maximum operational reliability, and long service life for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Applications
- AGVs and AMRs in warehouse automation and intralogistics
- Inventory management and mobile systems
- Conveyor and transport technology
- Outdoor applications with water exposure
- Heavy-duty and industrial environments
Customer Value & Differentiation
- 100% customized wheel designs (no standard products)
- Simulation-driven development (FEA) to reduce development time
- Injection-molded polyurethane for precision, consistency, and complex geometries
- High-performance PU materials with low wear and strong adhesion
- Low rolling resistance for energy-efficient operation
- Proven composite bonding technology (chemical + mechanical)
- Validated through comprehensive testing and simulation
Customized Engineering Approach
Every solution is developed as a fully customized design optimized for the application, load case, and environmental conditions. Close collaboration with customers ensures alignment throughout development, while in-house testing and simulation allow rapid optimization cycles and validated real-world performance.
Material Expertise & Polyurethane Advantages
Freudenberg’s advanced polyurethane materials enable:
- Up to 4x higher wear resistance compared to conventional elastomers
- High mechanical strength, tear resistance, and tensile strength
- Temperature resistance from -50°C to 120°C
- Hydrolysis resistance for humid and outdoor conditions
- Consistent friction behavior with minimal abrasion
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD) capability
Different formulations allow tuning between highly elastic (low damping) and highly damping materials to match application needs.
Traction Wheels
Traction wheels ensure precise torque transmission and reliable traction across industrial surfaces. They are critical for motion control and system stability.
Key characteristics:
- High traction across diverse flooring types
- Precise torque transmission for accurate motion control
- Excellent damping properties to reduce vibration
- High wear resistance and durability
- Hydrolysis resistance for environmental robustness
Example material: 85 AU 20770 – combines elastomer-like traction with superior mechanical strength of polyurethane.
Caster Wheels
Caster wheels provide maneuverability and positioning capabilities for AGVs and AMRs.
Key characteristics:
- 360° steering and swiveling movement
- Extremely low rolling resistance for energy efficiency
- High wear resistance for long service life
- ESD capability (106 - 109 ohms) via integrated conductive additives
- Customizable assemblies including bearing configurations
Example material: 94 AU 925 (ESD version) – optimized for wear resistance, hardness, and rolling performance.
Manufacturing & Design Capabilities
Injection-molded polyurethane enables:
- Complex geometries and precise tolerances
- Uniform material structure without air inclusions
- Short production cycles without post-processing
- High process reliability and automatization
- Wheel diameters approximately 5 - 200 mm
Compared to casting, injection molding delivers improved quality, tighter tolerances, and cost advantages.
Composite Bonding Technology
Freudenberg combines chemical bonding with mechanical interlocking to ensure optimal adhesion between polyurethane and hub materials. This ensures reliable performance under dynamic loads, temperature fluctuations, and continuous stress.
Supported carrier materials include aluminum, steel, brass, magnesium, as well as engineered plastics such as POM, PA, PE, and PEEK.
Testing & Validation
Comprehensive validation ensures real-world performance:
- Tribology testing to evaluate wear, friction, and floor compatibility
- Dynamic drum testing (ISO 22878) for durability and rolling performance
- Bonding tests to validate adhesion strength
- Simulation (FEA) for stress optimization and design validation
Testing enables optimization of friction partners and ensures reliable long-term performance under real operating conditions.
Performance Insights
Freudenberg polyurethane materials demonstrate the ideal balance between wear resistance and adhesion. Lower wear rates directly correlate with longer service life, while tailored friction properties ensure optimal traction for AGV/AMR applications.
Summary
Freudenberg polyurethane wheels for AGV and AMR applications combine customized engineering, optimized PU compunds, and validated performance through testing and simulation. This results in durable, energy-efficient, and highly reliable solutions tailored to modern automation requirements.
Services for Greater Efficiency of Your AGV Fleet
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have become indispensable within modern logistics and production operations. They excel in transporting goods, autonomously navigating complex environments, and executing various tasks such as material handling and order picking. All these functions are aimed at optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime.
To meet the rigorous performance demands of AGVs, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies not only offers advanced sealing solutions and high-quality materials but also provides a comprehensive range of services.
High-Performance Materials for Automated Guided Vehicles
The selection of the right materials plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and durability of seals in AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). These self-propelled robots operate across a spectrum of industrial and commercial settings, subjecting them to a myriad of stresses ranging from mechanical abrasion and chemical exposures to extreme temperature fluctuations.
In warehouses and production facilities, AGVs contend with challenges such as dust, dirt, and mechanical wear. Conversely, in sensitive sectors like the food and pharmaceutical industries, maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination are paramount. The seals chosen must not only endure these demanding operational conditions but also contribute to the seamless and safe operation of AGVs, reducing downtime and maximizing overall operational efficiency.
Materials for AGV seals must adhere to specific criteria based on their intended applications:
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Chemical Resistance
Ensuring resilience against lubricants, cleaning agents, and diverse industrial chemicals. -
Temperature Resilience
Capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations. -
Abrasion and Wear Resistance
Ability to withstand mechanical abrasion and wear in operational environments. -
High Ageing Resistance and Long Service Life
Maintaining durability and longevity under prolonged usage.
Moreover, these seals often necessitate compliance with industry-specific standards and certifications, such as FDA conformity in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Adhering to these requirements assures the efficient and safe functioning of AGVs across a wide spectrum of operating conditions.
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Polyurethane Wheels for General Industry
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies specializes in customized polyurethane wheels for general industry applications, including robotics and warehouse systems. Our wheels are designed for durability, precision, and energy efficiency, featuring low rolling resistance, high traction, and temperature resistance. We offer extensive testing and simulation-driven design for reliable performance.
Traction Wheels, Caster Wheels for AGV/AMR
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies designs custom polyurethane traction and caster wheels for AGVs and AMRs, tailored to specific application needs. Our wheels offer high performance, durability, and energy efficiency, with features like low rolling resistance and extreme temperature resistance.
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