Cantilever racks function as a storage system tailored for long, bulky, and irregularly shaped items like lumber, pipes, metal bars, sheet metal, furniture, and comparable materials. They provide an effective solution for organisations needing to store and retrieve long, heavy items in bulk. The distinguishing feature of cantilever rack design is the unobstructed access to items, eliminating the need for vertical support columns commonly found in other racking systems. Cantilever racks are commonly used for storing lengthy items such as lumber, pipes, or metal bars.
Consider the following key factors when designing a cantilever rack system:
- Load Capacity: Identify the maximum weight and size of items planned for storage on the cantilever racks. Ensure the racks are designed to safely handle these loads.
- Rack Configuration: Determine the rack’s height, width, and depth based on storage needs and available space. Consider the overall layout of your warehouse or storage area.
- Material Selection: Choose the appropriate material for cantilever racks, such as steel or aluminium. Various grades and thicknesses are available to accommodate different load capacities.
- Arm Length and Spacing: Decide on the length and spacing of cantilever arms, ensuring suitability for the dimensions of stored items and providing adequate support.
- Rack Height and Safety: Pay attention to the height of the cantilever rack system to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes. Proper anchoring and bracing are essential for stability, particularly for tall racks.
- Load Handling Equipment: Confirm that handling equipment, such as forklifts or cranes, is compatible with the cantilever rack system and can effectively reach stored items.
- Load Distribution: Consider how weight is distributed on cantilever arms. Place heavier items closer to the rack’s uprights for enhanced stability.
- Fire Protection: Take into account fire safety measures, including fire sprinklers and fire-resistant coatings, especially when storing flammable materials.
- Installation: Ensure proper installation by hiring professionals experienced in rack installation. This is crucial for the safety and stability of the system.
- Maintenance: Establish a regular maintenance schedule to inspect and maintain the cantilever rack system, ensuring its ongoing safety and efficiency.
📚 Also Read:
- Proper Lifting Techniques in a Warehouse
- What Is the Difference Between Racking and Shelving?
- Types of Cantilever Decking
Maximising Space with Double-Sided Cantilever Racks.
Double-sided cantilever racks offer a space-efficient storage solution that maximises storage capacity while ensuring accessibility. In contrast to single-sided racks, which have arms on only one side of the upright columns, double-sided racks feature arms on both sides, effectively doubling the storage capacity within the same footprint. The design of maximising space on cantilever racks involves arms on both sides of the vertical uprights, enabling the storage of long items in a compact footprint. By utilising both sides of the rack, double-sided cantilever racks optimise space utilisation in warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. This design not only enhances storage density but also improves material handling efficiency, as forklifts or cranes can access items from either side, reducing the need for additional aisle space. Double-sided cantilever racks prove to be a versatile and practical choice for businesses aiming to maximise their storage area while ensuring easy accessibility to stored items.
FAQ’s
What is the primary purpose of cantilever racks?
Cantilever racks are designed for storing long, bulky, and irregularly shaped items like lumber, pipes, and metal bars, offering an efficient solution for organisations dealing with these items in bulk.
How do cantilever racks differ from other storage systems?
Cantilever racks stand out due to their design, providing unobstructed access to items without the need for vertical support columns seen in other racking systems.
What factors should be considered when planning a cantilever rack system?
Key considerations include load capacity, rack configuration (height, width, and depth), material selection, arm length and spacing, rack height and safety, compatibility with handling equipment, load distribution, fire protection, proper installation, and regular maintenance.
How are cantilever racks commonly utilised?
Cantilever racks are frequently used for storing lengthy items such as lumber, pipes, or metal bars in various industrial and warehouse settings.
What sets double-sided cantilever racks apart from single-sided ones?
Double-sided cantilever racks feature arms on both sides, effectively doubling the storage capacity within the same footprint when compared to single-sided racks.
How do double-sided cantilever racks maximise space utilisation?
By utilizing both sides of the rack, double-sided cantilever racks optimise space in warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial facilities, enabling the storage of long items in a compact footprint.
In what way do double-sided cantilever racks enhance material handling efficiency?
These racks improve material handling efficiency as forklifts or cranes can access items from either side, reducing the need for additional aisle space.
Are double-sided cantilever racks suitable for all businesses?
Yes, double-sided cantilever racks are versatile and practical, making them a suitable choice for businesses seeking to maximise storage space while ensuring easy accessibility to stored items.
Conclusion
Cantilever racks offer an efficient solution for storing long and bulky items, distinguishing themselves with unobstructed access and versatile design. The key considerations in designing a cantilever rack system, including load capacity and safety measures, are crucial for effective storage. Double-sided cantilever racks further enhance efficiency by doubling storage capacity within the same footprint, making them a strategic choice for businesses aiming to optimise space while ensuring easy accessibility. Overall, the utilisation of cantilever racks, especially their double-sided variants, reflects a practical approach to maximising storage in various industrial settings.