Skating wheels: Difference between revisions

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If you want color, you will need to add pigment to the [[polyurethane]] when it’s in a liquid state.  
If you want color, you will need to add pigment to the [[polyurethane]] when it’s in a liquid state.  


'''Adding color could make the wheels weak since the dye will take up some space in the wheel, making it less resilient overall. Without pigment, the wheel will be a white color and slightly clear; this type of wheel is considered the most high performance you can get.''' ''(source [https//Exploratorium.edu Exploratorium.edu])''
'''Adding color could make the wheels weak since the dye will take up some space in the wheel, making it less resilient overall. Without pigment, the wheel will be a white color and slightly clear; this type of wheel is considered the most high performance you can get.''' ''(source [https://Exploratorium.edu Exploratorium.edu])''


The word [[polyurethan]] is probably more more commonly known than the word [[urethane]]. The chemical group called [[urethane]] has five atoms that are arranged in a specific order.
The word [[polyurethane]] is probably more more commonly known than the word [[urethane]]. The chemical group called [[urethane]] has five atoms that are arranged in a specific order.


[[Polyurethane]] contains several different [[urethane]] groups. When several chemical groups are combined, such as when different [[urethane]] chemicals groups are combined to create a [[polyurethane]]the resulting product is stronger than the individual ingredients.
[[Polyurethane]] contains several different [[urethane]] groups. When several chemical groups are combined, such as when different [[urethane]] chemicals groups are combined to create a [[polyurethane]] which is stronger than the individual ingredients.


== Making wheels ==
== Making wheels ==
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# Use a lathe machine to cut the wheel down to the exact size and shape that you want it. This machine will turn the wheel as it’s cutting and remove any extra polyurethane. Make sure that each wheel matches each other, so that all of the skateboard wheels are even.
# Use a lathe machine to cut the wheel down to the exact size and shape that you want it. This machine will turn the wheel as it’s cutting and remove any extra polyurethane. Make sure that each wheel matches each other, so that all of the skateboard wheels are even.


== Urethane ==
=== Urethane ===
Not every [[urethane]] wheel is created equal. They can vary in everything from color and shape to hardness. Softer wheels, which have a lower durometer, are best if you’re going to be skating on hard platforms. Harder wheels will have a higher durometer, which means they’re not able to absorb as much shock, making them better for softer surfaces.
Not every [[urethane]] wheel is created equal. They can vary in everything from color and shape to hardness. Softer wheels, which have a lower durometer, are best if you’re going to be skating on hard platforms. Harder wheels will have a higher durometer, which means they’re not able to absorb as much shock, making them better for softer surfaces.


Skating wheels are typically mass-produced in an industrial setting. They are made of [[polyurethane]], a versatile and durable synthetic material. According to some sources, Frank Nasworthy invented [[polyurethane]] skating wheels in 1970. With their rubber-like grip on the pavement, [[polyurethane]] wheels expanded the potential in ways that skating could be done. Different types of [[polyurethane]] wheels vary mainly in terms of their durometer, diameter, color, and shape. The durometer is a measure of how hard the wheel is. Soft wheels, best for cruising on hard surfaces, have low durometers, such as 87A. Hard wheels, which absorb little shock, have a higher durometer, like 100A. The diameter is the height of the wheel. Making [[polyurethane]] skating wheels involves the use of specialized chemicals and machinery. This process is indicative of the basic industrial processes by which [[polyurethane]] wheels are made.
Skating wheels are typically mass-produced in an industrial setting. They are made of [[polyurethane]], a versatile and durable synthetic material. According to some sources, Frank Nasworthy invented [[polyurethane]] skating wheels in 1970. With their rubber-like grip on the pavement, [[polyurethane]] wheels expanded the potential in ways that skating could be done. Different types of [[polyurethane]] wheels vary mainly in terms of their durometer, diameter, color, and shape. The durometer is a measure of how hard the wheel is. Soft wheels, best for cruising on hard surfaces, have low durometers, such as 87A. Hard wheels, which absorb little shock, have a higher durometer, like 100A. The diameter is the height of the wheel. Making [[polyurethane]] skating wheels involves the use of specialized chemicals and machinery. This process is indicative of the basic industrial processes by which [[polyurethane]] wheels are made.


== Polyurethane ==
=== Polyurethane ===
# Mix a batch of polyurethane.  
# Mix a batch of polyurethane.  
# Combine the chemical components of the polyurethane in the appropriate proportions in a metering machine. A metering machine is a machine that heats, mixes and dispenses [[polyurethane]].
# Combine the chemical components of the polyurethane in the appropriate proportions in a metering machine. A metering machine is a machine that heats, mixes and dispenses [[polyurethane]].
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# Shape the wheel. Use a lathe to cut the slug into shape. The sides and riding surface of the wheels should be cut to match each other exactly. A lathe is a piece of machinery that turns an object as it shapes it. In this case the lathe turns the slug as it cuts away excess polyurethane.
# Shape the wheel. Use a lathe to cut the slug into shape. The sides and riding surface of the wheels should be cut to match each other exactly. A lathe is a piece of machinery that turns an object as it shapes it. In this case the lathe turns the slug as it cuts away excess polyurethane.


== Tips ==
== Choosing a wheel ==
Not all the wheels are made for your skates or your skating style. Learn all you need to know about wheel durometer, size, micro and standard hubs. Also, see what makes a wheel grip and another race. It’s everything you need to know about wheels and more. To find out what type of wheel works best for your skating style, use the wheel tech information below.


* Heat is not necessarily required to mix [[polyurethane]], though it may produce a higher quality wheel.
* '''Urethane:''' Specially formulated urethanes are specific to surfaces and uses. For instance, an indoor hockey formula should never be used outside.
* The use of tire softeners has been controversial in many racing arenas. This chemical mixture makes tires softer, allowing them to better grip the racetrack. Pre-mixed softeners are heftily priced per gallon, and many participants use a gallon a week. Given this, it is not uncommon for people to make a homemade solution. Fortunately, making tire softener is an extremely simple process.  
* '''Durometer:''' The durometer or hardness of a wheel is measured from 72A (Ultra Soft) to 100+A (Very Hard). Softer wheels are better for grip and a smoother ride, while hard wheels last longer and are often faster.
* '''Size:''' The size of a wheel is measured in mm’s (Millimeters). Smaller wheels are slower and used predominately for aggressive street skating. Larger wheels are, mostly, faster and used for recreational and race skating.


# Mix together a solution composed of 1/3 acetone, 1/3 mineral spirits and 1/3 transmission fluid. Be sure to create mixture in a well-ventilated area.
Wheel formulas are specific to skater’s needs. From inline hockey to track racing and features its own unique chemistries. Whether you’re looking for the grippiest indoor hockey wheel, or the speediest race wheel, use performance formulations to figure out the right mixture of speed, grip and durability that best fits your skating style and budget.
# Apply mixture to tires using rag or a paint roller.
# Allow tires to soak in mixture 15 to 30 minutes before racing.
# Consider using masks and gloves to ensure the least amount of contact with the tire softener solution.


Note: Ingredients used in tire softeners can be dangerous and should always be used with caution.
*'''Speed additive:''' Add some velocity to your skating stride. Speed additive compound’s offer quicker and faster speeds for racing and fitness skating.
*'''Grip additive:''' Add some grip to your game with sticky wheel formulas. Excellent for indoor hockey and indoor race when turning and stopping is a must.
*'''Durability additive:''' Add long-life to your wheels with Durability compounds. Excellent for outdoor wheels that stand up to the abuse of pavement and rough roads.
 
== See also ==
* [[Wheel size and type]]
* [[How skating wheels are made]]


== Links ==
== Links ==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane Polyurethane]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethane Polyurethane]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shore_durometer wheel hardness]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shore_durometer Wheel hardness]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Nasworthy Frank Nasworthy]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Nasworthy Frank Nasworthy]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60aBn42YzQ&t=27s DIY skate wheels]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R60aBn42YzQ&t=27s DIY skate wheels]
* [https://americanurethane.com/urethane-polyurethane-properties Urethane polyurethane properties]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US6036278A/en Dual density wheels patent from 1997]
[[category:skating wheels]]

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