All about production shelving (Part 1)

Today we will talk to you about what a rack is. This interior item has long ceased to be an exclusively industrial object, although many still associate it with a heavy and bulky metal structure.

Racks come in different shapes, they differ in size, scope of use and material from which they are made. But their main purpose is always the same - organizing space and compact storage of a variety of things.

Definition and functionality

So, to make it easier to understand what a rack is, you need to find out where the name of this design came from. The primary source of this definition can be considered the Dutch word Stellen, which translated into Russian means “to place.” In the interpretation more familiar to our ears, it is modified to the German Stella.

In dry academic language, this device is defined as a structure consisting of a frame assembled from racks and crossbars, on which decking is installed in several tiers. The rack is designed for storing piece items and materials - this is its main function. In everyday life, it can serve not only for its intended purpose, but also as a barrier necessary for fencing certain areas in the room.

Basically, racks are metal structures in which the frame is made of pipes of different thicknesses (depending on the load that will be placed on them) and floors made of boards, particle boards or perforated metal sheets.

Drive-in racks (drive-in or deep)

Rigid installation of packed pallet racks is a huge metal structure of racks and beams firmly connected to each other. In deep openings with a width of 1330 to 1400 mm, padded rails are installed along which pallets with cargo will move, gradually filling the internal space of the structure.

Based on the method of using such racks, we can assume maximum filling of the cells and full use of the space. But more often, for the convenience of controlling the quantity of goods, each such corridor is filled with a separate type of product, which leads to the appearance of temporary voids and a certain decrease in warehouse occupancy. Therefore, this option for organizing space is convenient for storing identical products with a long or unlimited shelf life.

Shelving technology

The main requirement for the technology used is clear - it must fit into the existing corridors. Therefore, to service such warehouses, forklifts of narrowed dimensions are purchased. In the case of working in deep packed racks, a special guide rail is used for the entry of equipment, along which the loader moves on rollers mounted on the sides.

These devices help to successfully organize work in rooms with any floors and protect the racks from damage resulting from the displacement of the loader. In addition, such equipment increases the speed of warehouse maintenance and increases its cargo turnover.

Advantages of press-in shelving:

Maximum use of warehouse space. When storing certain products, it can reach 85%!
High structural strength with simple installation.
Relatively low cost of equipment.

Flaws:

Low cargo turnover.
Inaccessibility of individual cargoes and lack of visual counting of products, which leads to reduced control.
Not applicable for storing pallets with goods of different sizes.
It is unacceptable to store products with a limited shelf life.

Types of racks by area of use

The simplest and most common type of shelving device is considered to be a simple stationary structure with shelf-cells. Their depth, height and width can vary depending on the dimensions of the items stored in them. Modified models are equipped with pull-out shelves and sometimes an automated search system for easy use of filing cabinets and documentation. Do you know what a pallet rack, cantilever rack or stacker is?

The former are equipped with grooves for placing warehouse pallets in them, which greatly simplifies the storage and movement of goods. Console and rack stackers are specialized systems that do not contain stationary flooring; the shelves can be completed independently and adjusted in height using universal hooks-clamps.

Depending on where shelf structures are used, they are divided into:

archival - devices for narrow-profile purposes, suitable for storing file cabinets and documentation that is rarely requested;
office - usually these are stationary, easy-to-use racks where business papers and various items are stored;
exhibition – special structures that are used to create exhibitions and demonstrate production products;
warehouse – most often these are metal racks, they can be mobile, have different structures and purposes;
household - fall under a separate category of furniture, which can be used as an interior item in a residential, office or work space.

Due to the fact that the range of equipment needed to optimize warehouse and office space is very diverse, you need to take a balanced approach to its choice.

Shelving: purpose and types

Good organization of the territory is the best way to save on warehouse space. Rational distribution of space allows not only to load it as efficiently as possible, but also makes access to any object on the territory convenient, helping to save additional time and effort.

The best way to properly organize your space is to purchase a shelving unit. The modern market is rich in a wide variety of types, each of which is created to solve specific tasks and problems. In addition, the presence of racks is convenient not only in warehouses, but also in the office, as well as in production premises, where they allow you to conveniently place documentation and equipment parts.

In order to figure out which rack is needed in a particular situation, you should consider their main types:

1. Universal

The most multifunctional type of rack, designed to solve a wide range of problems. It consists of four racks with an L-shaped profile and is designed for storing light loads. Depending on the load on the racks, the options for racks and shelves vary. Some shelf models can withstand loads of up to 300 kilograms. This type of rack is characterized by two advantages: optimal cost and convenient design for use in small spaces.

2. Archival

Designed for storing large volumes of documentation and books, but due to their convenient design they are often used for other purposes. Designed so that any object is easily accessible and at arm's length. The design consists of two vertical sidewalls with perforations for installing shelves. They are characterized by an attractive appearance (most often “office” style) and small size.

3. Semi-trucks

Used for convenient storage of heavy loads. As in the case of a universal rack, a standard shelf is most often designed for a load of no more than 300 kg, and the entire structure is designed for a load of no more than 1500 kg. The structure is a U-shaped beam profile to which horizontal beams are attached using bolts. A pallet is installed on them, after which the rack becomes ready for use.

4. Freight

Designed for storing large volumes of heavy cargo and are most often used in warehouses, where they are the only possible equipment for organizing the territory. They are divided into pallet, console and mobile.

What are shelving made of?

Once upon a time, wood was the main material for making shelving. However, racks and ceilings made from this raw material were not durable, especially in damp and cold warehouse conditions, so metal replaced wood.

Modern shelving is made from a metal profile, onto which a powder-polymer coating is applied. Such structures are characterized by good resistance to various atmospheric influences, have increased load capacity, are reliable and durable.

The vast majority of household and office shelving, as well as some types of exhibition shelving, are assembled from MDF, durable plastic or natural wood. These can be monolithic structures in which the frame and flooring are a single product. However, there are also modifications where glass shelves are installed. Racks most often do not have a back wall. Also, this type of furniture does not close with doors.

How to choose a metal shelving: 4 most important parameters

2020-08-202020-08-20MetalineMetalineMetaline

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What if you need to store a large number of items in one limited area of space?
The choice is obvious - you should buy a metal shelving unit. But when choosing, you may encounter a number of problems and, as a result, buy an unsuitable rack and, as a result, waste money. Our article will help you understand what you should pay attention to when choosing a metal shelving unit. When choosing a metal rack, pay attention to the following parameters.

1. Load on the shelf.

It can be from 80 kg (boltless racks) to 3000 kg (medium load and frontal racks). Agree that if you store documents in the accounting department, powerful warehouse and medium-duty racks will be of no use to you. Your choice is convenient archival shelving.

2. Rack dimensions.

It would be wise if you first take measurements of the room and imagine the approximate size of the future shelving structure. You can also invite craftsmen from a specialized organization.

3. Possibility/need to attach the rack to the floor.

If the covering of your room does not allow you to attach the rack to the floor, you need plastic bearings - they will protect the covering.

4. Connection – bolted or boltless.

With a bolted connection, all elements of the rack are connected with special bolts; with a boltless connection, the connection is made using hooks. As a rule, this does not require special tools or time. However, with a boltless connection, the load on the rack shelf and the entire rack is less than on their bolted counterparts. Hook-on racks (another name for boltless racks) have their advantages: they are mobile, easier to disassemble and assemble.

These were the main points to consider when purchasing a metal shelving unit. Of course, it is worth remembering the nature of the items that you will store on the shelves, the various features of the goods, which can also affect the choice.

A favorite among shelving

The most popular models among racks are medium-load ones. Their main advantage is versatility. Such racks will be appropriate both in warehouses and production facilities, as well as in garages and workshops. Pay attention to several models, and we will briefly list their advantages. Rack SGR 200*120*60 cm with 3 shelves is one of the most popular models. The rack is suitable for storing both bulky goods and many small goods in boxes or drawers. The load on one shelf of such a rack can reach up to 500 kg. MKF rack 4 shelves 200*150*60 cm with a load of 350 kg per shelf. Its peculiarity is the flooring of the tiers made of plywood impregnated with a special fire-resistant and moisture-resistant composition. Also pay attention to the MS Pro 3-tier rack 200*150*60 cm. The load on one shelf of such a rack can reach up to 600 kg! They are popular in heavy production, because the load on the rack is up to 2500 kg.

We drew your attention to the most popular models of shelving, but only you have to decide on the choice. Remember the first paragraphs of this article and compare them with the data you have.

Business projects

Entrepreneurs must know what shelving is and what their scope of application is, regardless of the vector of their activity. Where might such equipment be needed?

In production - for furnishing warehouse premises.
In sales - at points of sale of goods, not only structures are needed to equip utility rooms and warehouses, but also retail shelving in the halls for visitors.
At fairs and thematic exhibitions - as showcases for demonstrative samples of goods.

As we have already said, there are also office shelving necessary for organizing and storing documentation, but this furniture will also be useful for decorating premises in catering establishments, schools, kindergartens, medical institutions, etc.

Shelving

At the Customer's request, it is possible to install lamps on the racks.

NEO series shelving with square perforated wood side panels and long cantilever lights along the entire length of the rows of shelving Open access shelving with white glass side covers. Each rack is equipped with a rotating lamp on an arched leg.

The design also includes a labeling system, represented by signs to identify shelves, each rack and a number of paired racks.

The side covers of the racks are equipped with information signs for quick search. On the side wall of the rack there is a glass panel with an information navigation system. The search for the necessary literature is facilitated by an information plate with bright arrows - pointers. In the background are the end exhibition shelves. In the foreground is a pulpit with a laser-cut metal drawer. The labeling system is represented by an information plate indicating a row of blue racks, installed on top of the rack on the side wall

Shelving kits may include shelf dividers, inclined plexiglass stands, two-step ladders, stepladders, reading consoles, presentation panels, carts, etc. Also, computer workstations or cabinets with sliding doors can be built into the design of the racks. These products are designed to expand the functionality of the shelving and are an integral attribute of modern library equipment.

Folding library stepladder on a metal lightweight aluminum frame. Anti-slip feet. Bottom step with rubberized mat. Top step with soft insert. Comfortable curved handle. Trolley for transporting books with solid walls made of laminated chipboard Library trolley for books on a metal frame with a comfortable bent handle for transporting literature is equipped with reinforced rubberized wheels with a stopper Library trolley for transporting literature on a lightweight metal frame with two bent handles and a lightweight body made of laminated chipboard Library metal shelving with solid side walls and decorative laser perforations. The rack is equipped with a side console for viewing literature.

In the design of two-stage ladders, spring roller supports are used to ensure free movement of the ladder and its fixation under vertical load.
This makes it easier to use the top shelves of the racks. Mobile stepladder with two rubberized steps for easy access to the top shelves of archival library shelves

Domesticating industry

In interior design, a shelving unit can be simply an irreplaceable object. This lightweight and versatile design has many incarnations. The rack can be made not only in the traditional form of a high rack with shelves arranged in a strictly geometric order with perfectly straight lines and features, but also have a more modernized appearance. Modern furniture designers offer asymmetrical designs of various heights, widths and depths.

A reader's paradise

And if in common areas a multi-tiered shelf will serve more as a showcase for a variety of souvenirs and other cute little things, then in a nursery or home office the rack is furniture for a special purpose. In a child’s room it will be an ideal place to store numerous toys and educational literature, notebooks, crafts, and awards. In an office or home library, a bookcase will help you properly organize the space and arrange printed publications according to personal preferences and aesthetic beliefs.