WDS expands its stainless steel handwheels offering

Previously offering a single size, but with a choice of round or keywayed mounting hole, WDS now includes in its catalogue stainless steel handwheels in 100mm, 160mm, 200mm, and 315mm overall diameter. The choice of round or keywayed mounting hole remains for all sizes.

All variations are machined from cast stainless steel (grade S3100:1991:316C16F) with the rim given a polished finish. They weight from 500g for the smallest wheels to 6200g for the largest. The three smaller sizes are all three-spoke designs; the largest 315mm wheels have five spokes.

Ergonomics is important for handwheels, as they have to "feel right' and have a profile that is easy to use. To this end, the rim is relatively wide (15mm to 35mm) and easy to grip. Further the rise generated by the angle of the spokes produces a generous space (17mm to 33mm) between the rim and the machine or panel behind it, making the wheel easy to use and reducing the risk of fingers feeling like they are too big.

The stainless steel handwheels complement WDS's already extensive range of wheels that are made of pressed steel, cast iron, aluminium or glass fibre reinforced plastic. There are expected to prove popular in fields such as marine and shoreside, pharmaceutical and chemical production, medical equipment, food preparation and any applications where regular washdowns with water or caustic solutions are required. The wheels are also expected to prove popular in applications where a high quality aesthetic is required.

Full technical details of all WDS products, including the range of stainless steel handwheels, are available on the website www.wdsltd.co.uk.