| Nylon | 50–300 kg | Cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, or aluminum with a smooth running surface | Light sliding doors, cabinet systems, access panels, and indoor partitions | Dry indoor areas; generally suitable from approximately −20°C to 80°C | Very low noise; good vibration absorption | Drop-in axle, shoulder bolt, or pressed-in bearing assembly | Inspect for flat spots and wear; lubricate only the bearing if specified | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, economical, and quiet | Lower impact resistance and lower load capacity than metal rollers; can creep under sustained heavy loads |
| UHMW-PE | 75–400 kg | Hardened steel, stainless steel, or polished steel track | Sliding equipment, clean-process doors, conveyors, and applications requiring low friction | Moist or chemically exposed areas; commonly used from approximately −40°C to 80°C | Very low noise and excellent shock damping | Flanged roller on a fixed axle, bolt-on bracket, or guided carriage | Check dimensional wear and track contamination; normally no external lubrication is required | Excellent chemical resistance, low friction, and strong resistance to water absorption | Lower stiffness than steel; may deform under continuous high point loads or elevated temperatures |
| Polyurethane | 100–600 kg | Steel, stainless steel, or coated steel track with a smooth finish | Quiet industrial doors, material-handling carts, lifting tables, and precision guided systems | Indoor and moderate outdoor conditions; commonly approximately −30°C to 80°C | Very low noise; excellent grip and impact absorption | Press-fit wheel on sealed bearings, keyed hub, or bolt-on wheel assembly | Inspect tread wear, cuts, and chemical exposure; keep the track free of sharp debris | High traction, low marking, good wear resistance, and smooth operation | May swell or soften with some oils, solvents, or prolonged heat; load rating depends strongly on hardness |
| Glass-Filled Nylon | 150–800 kg | Steel or stainless steel track; avoid rough or abrasive running surfaces | Medium-duty sliding gates, machine guards, storage equipment, and industrial guide systems | Indoor and sheltered outdoor areas; commonly approximately −30°C to 100°C | Low to moderate noise with good dimensional stability | Bolted roller housing, axle-mounted wheel, or carriage plate assembly | Check wheel clearance, bearing condition, and track alignment at scheduled intervals | Higher stiffness and load capacity than standard nylon with good corrosion resistance | Can be more abrasive to soft tracks; may crack under severe impact or incorrect tightening |
| Carbon Steel | 300–2,500 kg | Hardened steel rail, structural steel track, or machined steel running surface | Heavy sliding gates, industrial transfer carts, machine platforms, and warehouse equipment | Indoor or protected outdoor use unless painted, plated, or otherwise protected from corrosion | Moderate noise; higher vibration transmission than polymer rollers | Stud-mounted roller, U-bracket, V-groove wheel, or shaft-mounted bearing unit | Regular lubrication of bearings, corrosion inspection, and track cleaning are required | High load capacity, high stiffness, and strong resistance to impact and abrasion | Can rust in wet environments; may damage an improperly matched or softer track |
| Stainless Steel | 250–2,000 kg | Stainless steel, hardened steel, or compatible corrosion-resistant track | Food-processing areas, washdown zones, marine equipment, and outdoor sliding systems | Wet, humid, salt-exposed, or regularly washed environments | Moderate noise; lower with polymer tread or precision bearings | Through-bolt, welded mounting plate, stud assembly, or sealed bearing housing | Rinse contaminants, inspect for pitting, and use a lubricant compatible with the environment | Strong corrosion resistance and reliable performance in demanding environments | Usually more expensive and less hard-wearing than hardened carbon steel; galling is possible in some stainless-on-stainless contacts |
| Cast Iron | 500–4,000 kg | Heavy steel rail, cast track, or hardened steel running surface | Very heavy machinery, large industrial doors, foundry equipment, and low-speed transfer systems | Dry industrial environments; protected from standing water and corrosive chemicals | High rolling noise and vibration unless isolated with a resilient tread | Heavy-duty axle, flanged wheel, V-groove wheel, or fabricated mounting bracket | Frequent inspection for cracking, corrosion, bearing wear, and track damage | Excellent compressive strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to heavy static loads | Brittle under shock loading; heavy, noisy, and unsuitable for poorly aligned tracks |
| Phenolic Resin | 150–900 kg | Steel or stainless steel track with a smooth, clean surface | High-temperature carts, industrial ovens, heat-treatment equipment, and electrically insulated systems | Dry industrial areas; selected grades can operate at approximately 120°C to 250°C | Low to moderate noise with good electrical insulation | Bolted wheel, fixed axle, or bearing-supported carriage | Inspect for heat checking, chips, cracks, and excessive wear; avoid water shock when hot | Good high-temperature capability, low weight, and electrical insulation | Can be brittle under impact; moisture and rapid temperature changes may reduce service life |