Storage Racks: the Pallet Rack

A Pallet Rack is a material handling storage aid system designed to store materials on pallets (portable platform for storing or moving goods that are stacked on it). The pallet rack system is very essential and almost present in all modern warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail centers, and other storage and distribution facilities. This is because the pallet rack provides a storage system that has a cost directly proportional to the storage size requirements of a facility. As the storage size increases in the pallet rack system, just there and then would the cost increase. This means that the sizes of warehouses and storage facilities would also be in consideration, and the costs that will be incurred by the company availing of the pallet rack system will be a justifiable cost, and become advantageous to the company.

What are the components of the pallet rack? Here are some:

1) Crossbar or pallet support- Used to support pallet ,plywood or other decking material, or as front-to-back member between beams.

2) Solid Decking Panels- Heavy 14-gauge panels that have three welded pan reinforcements on underside and simply drop into place to provide solid deck surface.

3) Upright frame- is produce by a roll forming flat coil stock steel into a modified “C” shapes with returns. Holes or slots are punched during during manufacturing up and down the column at the standard intervals so that the load beams can be mounted into the upright columns. It compose of diagonal and horizontal bracing.

4) Load beam- also called as step beam roll formed members with 1 5/8” step along the top inside the edge. This step is use to hold the crossbar support.

The Pallet Rack storage system also comes with accessories. Some of which are:

1) Row Spacers- Row Spacers are designed to keep the space between rows uniform. They bolt onto frames of a two-deep row and and hold rack securely in place.

2) Column/Post Protectors- Column Protectors keep upright posts safe from lift truck or other loading equipment damage by providing solid steel protection at the base. Listed models are freestanding and must be attached to the floor.

3) Wire Deckings- Wire decking is a great add-on for your pallet rack. It is economical for new installations and for upgrading your current rack system. Decking provides greater structural strength than other materials, with its tough and durable wire construction with underlying metal supports. It offers easy visibility for rack content inspections, and it meets fire safety codes. With Decking, you eliminate dust and debris build-up and improve air circulation.

4)Shim Plate- Upset punched to nest into footplate and not workout from underposts.