A overview of Cantilever Racks: Features & Benefits

Key Takeaway

Cantilever racking systems are ideal storage solutions for bulky and irregularly shaped materials. With a focus on increased storage capacity, easy access, and adjustability, these systems are widely used in multiple industrial applications. This article explores the types of cantilever racking, their configurations, and cost considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking is a specialized storage system designed for large, bulky, and oddly-shaped items such as lumber, sheet metal, and building materials. Unlike standard racks, cantilever systems feature open fronts without vertical posts, allowing for unobstructed access and easy handling of goods.

The primary advantage of cantilever racks is their ability to store items of varying sizes and shapes efficiently. This flexibility makes them a preferred choice for warehouses that handle High volume SKUs.

Types of Cantilever Racking

Structural Steel Cantilever Racks: These racks are made from hot-rolled structural steel, providing exceptional durability. They are suitable for storing heavy items that require forklift access. Structural steel cantilever racks are designed to withstand harsh warehouse conditions and minimal maintenance.

Roll-Formed Cantilever Racks: Fabricated from cold roll-formed steel, these racks are lighter than their structural counterparts. People often refer to them as light-duty cantilever racks, they can support tremendous loads and are highly adjustable. Roll-formed racks use boltless pin connectors, making installation and reconfiguration quick and easy, ideal for fast-paced environments like food and beverage distribution centers.

Configurations of Cantilever Racking

Single-Sided Cantilever Racks: These racks have arms on one side, with a stackable base for balance. They can be positioned back-to-back for double-sided access. Single-sided racks are composed of a tower, stackable base, arms, and brace set,

Double-Sided Cantilever Racks: Offering higher storage density, double-sided racks have arms on both sides, freeing up floor space. This configuration contributes to a safer, more organized warehouse environment.

Benefits of Cantilever Racking Systems

• Increased Storage Capacity: Cantilever racks maximize storage space by utilizing both vertical and horizontal dimensions. This capability is essential for storing bulky items like timber and steel bars efficiently.
• Ease of Assembly: The modular design of cantilever racks facilitates easy assembly and reconfiguration. Lighter varieties use boltless components, while industrial racks employ heavy-duty bolted beams.
• User-Friendly Design: The open-front design of cantilever shelving improves visibility and access to inventory. This feature reduces picking times and makes it friendly to warehouse operators.

Cost Considerations

Several factors influence the cost of cantilever racking systems:

• Material: Structural steel racks are generally more expensive than roll-formed racks due to their higher durability and load capacity.
• Configuration: Double-sided racks cost more than single-sided ones, but they offer higher storage density and better space utilization.
• Customization: Custom-designed racks tailored to specific storage needs can increase costs but provide long-term benefits.

Cantilever racking systems are a highly effective storage option for warehouses handling bulky and awkward materials. If you’re looking for a way to increase storage capacity without impacting your existing storage facility, contact our experts from vison storage for your free warehouse planning service.

FAQ

1.   What are cantilever racks best used for?

o    Cantilever racks are ideal for storing long, bulky, and irregularly shaped items like lumber, pipes, and sheet metal.

2.   How do single-sided and double-sided cantilever racks differ?

o    Single-sided racks have arms on one side and are often placed back-to-back. Double-sided racks have arms on both sides, offering higher storage density.

3.   What materials are cantilever racks made from?

o    Cantilever racks are typically made from structural steel or roll-formed steel, depending on the required load capacity and durability.

4.   Can cantilever racks be customized?

o    Yes, cantilever racks can be customized to fit specific storage needs, including different arm lengths and weight capacities.

5.   Are cantilever racks easy to install?

o    Cantilever racks are designed for easy installation. Lighter varieties use boltless connectors, while industrial types require bolted beams.