Storage racking is an essential component of any warehouse or industrial facility. Storage racks provide a cost-effective, space-efficient, and organized way to store goods and materials. They are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, logistics, and distribution.
Features of Storage Racking
Storage racking is a system of horizontal and vertical shelves or beams to store goods and materials. These racks are typically made of steel or aluminum, and they come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, depending on the user's specific needs. Storage racks can be designed for palletized or non-palletized goods and can be configured to handle heavy or bulky items.
Types of Storage Racking
Several types of storage racking systems are available, and each has unique advantages. Some of the most common types of storage racks include:
- Pallet Racking – This is the most common type of storage rack, and it is used for storing goods on pallets. Pallet racking can be configured in different ways, including selective racking, drive-in racking, push-back racking, and pallet flow racking.
- Cantilever Racking – This type of racking is used for storing long, bulky items, such as lumber, pipes, or steel bars. Cantilever racking consists of horizontal arms that extend out from vertical supports.
- Carton Flow Racking – This type of racking is used for storing small items, such as boxes or cartons. It consists of gravity-fed shelves, and items are loaded from the back and retrieved from the front.
- Mezzanine Racking – This type of racking creates additional storage space by installing a second level above the existing floor space. Mezzanine racking is commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers.
Advantages of Storage Racking
There are many advantages to using storage racking in a warehouse or industrial facility. Some of these advantages include the following:
- Space efficiency: Storage racks allow more efficient use of available space by stacking items vertically rather than taking up floor space.
- Improved organization: Storage racks help keep goods and materials organized, making it easier to locate and retrieve them.
- Increased safety: Storage racks can improve safety in a warehouse by reducing the risk of items falling or shifting and causing injury.
- Cost-effectiveness: Storage racks are a cost-effective way to increase storage capacity, allowing more goods to be stored in a smaller space.
Typical Applications
Storage racking is used in a variety of industries, including:
- Manufacturing – Storage racks store raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods in manufacturing facilities.
- Retail – Storage racks are used to store goods in retail stores, such as clothing, electronics, and other items.
- Logistics and distribution – Storage racks are used in warehouses and distribution centers to store and organize goods for shipment.
- Agriculture – Storage racks are used in agriculture to store and organize tools, equipment, and supplies.
