At the critical interface between machine and material, Steff feeder wheels represent the culmination of over 60 years of Italian engineering focused on one fundamental challenge: maintaining consistent, controlled contact with wood surfaces across an infinite variety of textures, finishes, and species. These precision-molded components – the only part of your feeder that actually touches the workpiece – directly determine feeding quality, surface finish integrity, and operational safety. When wheel performance degrades through wear, contamination, or improper selection, the entire feeding operation suffers through slip, chatter, and the unpredictable behavior that compromises both quality and safety.
The heart of every Steff wheel lies in Maggi's patented "Feeder Grip" rubber technology, developed through decades of research into the complex relationship between rubber compounds and wood surface characteristics. The special rubber covering, patented and guaranteed by Maggi: 60-year leading manufacturer, ensures the highest grip on the workingpiece according to engineering specifications. This isn't ordinary rubber – it's a precisely formulated compound that balances grip, durability, and surface protection.
The Maggi rubber-coated rollers are made from vulcanized rubber, which is treated at high temperatures. This process protects the product from wear in temperatures ranging from -20 °C to +40 °C, making them resistant to weather conditions and ensuring a long lifespan according to manufacturing standards. This vulcanization process creates cross-linked polymer chains that provide superior durability while maintaining the compliance necessary for optimal surface contact.
The science of Shore hardness measurement becomes critically important when matching wheels to specific woodworking applications. Rubber: patented vulcanized "Feeder Grip" with high grip and durability, available in different SHORE indices (which determine the hardness and flexibility of the rubber for various uses) enables precise application matching that optimizes both performance and wheel life.
Shore hardness classifications include:
Soft rubber rollers with high grip are for very smooth and lacquered surfaces · Hard rubber rollers with high resistance are for rough surfaces according to application guidelines. This relationship between hardness and application becomes crucial when processing diverse materials requiring different contact characteristics for optimal results.
Maggi's continuous innovation in wheel design has produced several patented technologies that address specific application challenges and operational costs:
Patented "Feeder Grip 363" rubber wheel 120x 60 mm diam. / 40 shore best suited for extremely smooth surfaces (veneer / laminated wood) represents the pinnacle of gentle surface handling. This ultra-soft formulation provides maximum conformability for delicate surfaces while maintaining the grip necessary for positive feeding control.
Patented "Feeder Grip 758" rubber wheel 120x 60 mm diam. / 50 shore, best suited for smooth surfaces (finished wood) serves as the industry standard for most professional applications. This formulation balances grip, durability, and surface protection for optimal all-around performance.
>The special Semi-Hub roller, patented by Maggi, allows for the replacement of the worn rubber without having to change the entire wheel—only the outer coating needs to be replaced. This ensures significant cost savings and reduces waste, resulting in a lower environmental impact. Additionally, this innovative system helps to reduce roller wear by over 50% compared to standard rollers according to engineering documentation.
This breakthrough technology provides several advantages: