Materials Used in AGV Drive Wheels: PU vs. Rubber vs. Nylon

Polyurethane (PU) is the most widely used material for AGV drive wheels because it balances traction, wear resistance, noise control, and floor protection. Rubber offers superior grip and vibration absorption in demanding environments, while nylon provides high load capacity and low rolling resistance on smooth, controlled floors. Each material serves a distinct operational purpose, and selecting the wrong one often leads to premature wear, positioning errors, or increased maintenance costs.

Below is an industry-focused comparison based on real AGV operating conditions.

Why Does AGV Drive Wheel Material Matter?

AGV drive wheels are continuously exposed to dynamic loads, frequent start-stop cycles, and precise positioning requirements. Wheel material directly affects:

• Traction and slip behavior

• Encoder accuracy and navigation stability

• Floor wear and noise levels

• Wheel lifespan and maintenance intervals

Material choice is therefore a system-level decision, not a cosmetic one.

Polyurethane (PU) AGV Drive Wheels

Why is PU the most common AGV wheel material?

PU combines the elasticity of rubber with the durability of plastic, making it suitable for most indoor AGV environments.

Key performance characteristics

• Excellent wear resistance under continuous operation

• Stable friction coefficient for accurate motion control

• Low noise and vibration

• Minimal floor damage on concrete and epoxy surfaces

Typical applications

• Warehouse and logistics AGVs

• Pallet transport vehicles

• AMRs operating on polished concrete

PU wheels are often the default choice where balanced performance and long service life are required.

Rubber AGV Drive Wheels

When should rubber drive wheels be used?

Rubber is preferred when maximum traction and shock absorption are critical, particularly on uneven or slippery floors.

Key performance characteristics

• High grip, even on dusty or slightly wet surfaces

• Excellent vibration damping

• Reduced slip during acceleration and braking

Limitations

• Faster wear compared to PU

• Higher rolling resistance

• Potential for marking certain floor types

Typical applications

• Outdoor or semi-outdoor AGVs

• Sloped floors or ramps

• AGV heavy-load with frequent stopping

Rubber wheels are selected when traction reliability outweighs wear considerations.

Nylon AGV Drive Wheels

Are nylon wheels suitable for AGVs?

Nylon is suitable in specific, controlled environments where floors are smooth and loads are high.

Key performance characteristics

• High load-bearing capacity

• Very low rolling resistance

• Excellent chemical resistance

Limitations

• Low traction compared to PU and rubber

• Higher noise levels

• Increased risk of slip on smooth or dusty floors

Typical applications

• Cleanrooms

• Lightweight AGVs with constant-speed travel

• Specialized industrial environments

Nylon wheels are rarely used as primary drive wheels in dynamic AGV automated guided vehicle systems but can perform well under stable, predictable conditions.

How Does Wheel Material Affect AGV Navigation Accuracy?

Wheel material influences micro-slip behavior, which directly affects encoder feedback and positioning accuracy.

• PU provides consistent friction, supporting stable encoder readings

• Rubber may introduce slight deformation under load, requiring tuning

• Nylon can slip more easily, increasing correction frequency

For high-precision AGVs, material consistency is as important as motor and encoder quality.

Which AGV Wheel Material Is Best for Concrete Floors?

PU wheels are generally the best choice for concrete floors due to their balance of traction, durability, and floor protection. Rubber may be used where additional grip is required, while nylon should be limited to smooth, sealed concrete surfaces.

PU vs. Rubber vs. Nylon: Performance Comparison

FAQ: Common Material Selection Questions

Does softer wheel material always mean better traction?

Not necessarily. Excessively soft materials can deform under load, affecting control accuracy and increasing energy consumption.

Can different wheel materials be combined on one AGV?

Yes. Many AGVs use PU drive wheels with nylon or rubber support wheels to optimize performance and cost.

How does wheel material affect maintenance intervals?

PU typically offers the longest service intervals, rubber requires more frequent replacement, and nylon needs close monitoring for slip-related issues.

Expert Insight from an AGV Drive Wheel Manufacturer

In practice, most performance issues we see in the field are not caused by motor or controller failures, but by incorrect wheel material selection. A mismatch between floor condition, load profile, and wheel material leads to unstable navigation and unnecessary downtime.

At hagvwheel.com, we evaluate operating environments before recommending PU, rubber, or nylon solutions—often customizing tread hardness and compound formulation to match specific duty cycles.

Choosing the right AGV drive wheel material is one of the most effective ways to improve system reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and protect both vehicles and floors over the long term.