In today’s fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain management, efficient warehouse storage is more crucial than ever. The backbone of any well-organized warehouse is its industrial racking system. These systems not only maximize space utilization but also enhance productivity and safety.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various types of industrial racking, categorized by load capacity and storage density, to help you make informed decisions for your warehouse needs.
The number of pallet rack types can be categorized in a few different ways, depending on the specific characteristic you’re focusing on. Here are two common breakdowns:
Industrial Racking Categorized by Load Capacity
When selecting the right racking system for your warehouse, one of the primary considerations is the load capacity. Different products and materials require different levels of support, which is why industrial racking is often classified into three main categories based on weight-bearing capacity.
Heavy Duty Racking (>800 kg)
Heavy duty racking systems are designed to handle loads exceeding 800 kg per pallet or storage unit. These robust structures are ideal for warehouses dealing with heavy machinery parts, bulk raw materials, or dense consumer goods.
Key features:
- Reinforced steel construction
- Wider and thicker beams
- Higher gauge uprights
- Enhanced safety factors
Use cases: Automotive parts warehouses, construction material storage, heavy equipment dealerships
Medium Duty Racking (300-800 kg)
Medium duty racking systems cater to a wide range of products weighing between 300 and 800 kg. This versatile category is suitable for many general warehousing applications and can accommodate various industries.
Key features:
- Balance of strength and cost-effectiveness
- Adjustable beam levels
- Compatibility with different pallet sizes
- Optional accessories for specialized storage
Use cases: Food and beverage distribution centers, retail warehouses, manufacturing facilities
Light Duty Racking (<300 kg)
Light duty racking is perfect for storing smaller, lighter items weighing less than 300 kg. These systems often prioritize accessibility and organization over raw strength, making them ideal for picking operations and smaller warehouses.
Key features:
- Easy assembly and reconfiguration
- Lighter materials for cost savings
- Often includes shelving options
- Suitable for hand-loaded items
Use cases: E-commerce fulfillment centers, pharmaceutical storage, office supply warehouses
Industrial Racking Categorized by Storage Density
Another crucial factor in choosing the right racking system is storage density. Depending on your warehouse space, inventory turnover, and operational needs, you may opt for standard density or high-density racking solutions.
Standard Density Racking
Standard density racking systems offer a balance between storage capacity and accessibility. They are versatile and can be adapted to various warehouse layouts and product types.
Beam Type Racking
Beam type racking is a fixable basic structure that relies on steel beams for load bearing in storage solutions. They are a horizontal part of the racking structure and are very important as they directly support the weight of the storage unit loads. Pallets are supported by high-capacity steel beams load capacity around 800 KG. It provides 100% access to all stored items and is therefore to the manager and maximum forklift effective.
Cantilever Racking
Cantilever racking is a specialized storage system designed to accommodate long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items (such as long span wooden,steel pipes,cloth rollers.etc) that are difficult to store on traditional pallet racking. This type of racking is characterized by its unique structure, which consists of vertical columns with horizontal arms extending outward to support the load.
Carton Flow Racking
Carton flow racking, also known as dynamic storage racking, is an efficient warehouse storage system designed for high-volume, fast-moving inventory. This system utilizes inclined rollers or wheels instead beams to allow products to move from the loading side to the picking side using gravity. Different to Gravity Racking,carton flow rack is light-duty rack that allows manual storage and retrieval that widely used in e-commerce warehouses.
Mezzanine Floor Pallet Rack System
Mezzanine Pallet Rack Systems are excellent solutions to fully utilize existing overhead space and operation efficiency. By creating additional storage levels above floors, the mezzanine floor offers the workplace and connection in different rack areas. This system effectively doubles or triples the usable floor space without the need for costly building expansions.
High Density Racking
High density racking solutions maximize storage capacity in limited spaces. While they may sacrifice some accessibility, they significantly increase the number of pallets that can be stored per square foot.
Drive-in Racking
As the most common high-density racking solution, drive-in racking is commonly found in last-in, first-out inventory warehouses, bulk storage, cold storage facilities, seasonal inventory, forklift operations. It can be composed of multiple racks that have a series of channels for forklifts to access pallets.
Live Pallet Racking/Gravity Racking
Gravity Flow Racking,a storage system that relies on gravity flow to load, organize, and retrieve stored cartons or pallets. Designed to improve order picking productivity and inventory management. This system utilizes inclined shelves with rollers or wheels to allow products to move from the loading side to the picking side using gravity. But different from the carton flow rack, the speed of goods sliding depends mainly on the weight of the goods and the slope of the flow strip, gravity rack controls the speed of pallets sliding with dampers.
Radio Shuttle Racking
Radio shuttle racking is a Last-In/First-Out (LIFO) storage system with single-aisle access, allowing for a deep, compressed design. Combines the benefit of drive-in racking and automated pallet handling technology,radio shuttle racking system allows high density inventory load by automative shuttle without forklifts.
Conclusion
Selecting the right industrial racking system is crucial for optimizing your warehouse operations. By considering both load capacity and storage density requirements, you can create a storage solution that enhances efficiency, safety, and productivity. Whether you need heavy-duty racking for massive loads or high-density solutions to maximize space utilization, there’s a racking system designed to meet your specific needs.
Remember, the best racking solution often combines different types to address various storage challenges within the same facility. Consult with racking experts and consider factors such as your inventory profile, picking methods, and growth projections to design a warehouse storage system that will serve your business well into the future.
By investing time in understanding and selecting the appropriate industrial racking, find the racking manufacturer help is esstential. If you need any advice on the most suitable type of industrial racking for your warehouse, Contact our expert for free design.
