Cantilever Rack
A cantilever rack is a storage system designed to store long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items efficiently. It uses horizontal arms that extend from a central support, providing an open front for easy access to stored materials. This design is ideal for items too long or awkward to fit in traditional pallet racks or shelves, such as lumber, pipes, or steel bars.
Types of Cantilever Rack
Here are the main types of cantilever steel racks:
1. Single-Sided
Design: Arms extend from one side of the upright column.
Application: Suitable for areas where storage is only required on one side, such as against a wall.
Advantages: Saves floor space on one side while providing sufficient storage capacity on the other.
Use Cases: Warehouses with limited space or when storage is needed along a wall or boundary.
2. Double-Sided
Design: Arms extend from both sides of the upright column.
Application: Ideal for maximizing storage in the center of a warehouse.
Advantages: Doubles the storage capacity compared to single-sided racks, as it provides access from both sides.
Use Cases: Open warehouse spaces where aisles can be used on both sides of the rack.
3. Light-Duty
Design: Designed to hold lighter materials, such as PVC pipes, lightweight aluminum, or trim boards.
Application: Used when the load requirements are lighter or for storing smaller quantities.
Advantages: Cost-effective and easy to install.
Use Cases: Retail stores or warehouses with lighter inventory.
4. Medium-Duty
Design: Built for moderately heavy loads.
Application: Ideal for storage of items like wood, steel tubing, or plastic piping.
Advantages: Offers a balance between weight capacity and cost, versatile for mid-range storage needs.
Use Cases: General-purpose warehouses or construction material depots.
5. Heavy-Duty
Design: Built to withstand heavy loads like steel bars, thick plywood, or large metal sheets.
Application: Ideal for industrial warehouses and environments with demanding weight and volume requirements.
Advantages: Provides significant load-bearing capacity and durability.
Use Cases: Manufacturing plants, steel storage, or other heavy industry applications.
6. Structural
Design: Made from structural steel components for superior durability and strength.
Application: Heavy-duty applications where the rack may need to withstand impacts from forklifts or heavy materials.
Advantages: Extremely rugged and long-lasting, ideal for outdoor use or harsh environments.
Use Cases: Steel fabrication, lumberyards, and other outdoor storage facilities.
7. Roll-Out
Design: Features arms that roll out or extend, allowing easier access to stored items.
Application: Used where access to stored materials needs to be simplified, minimizing the need for large aisles or forklifts.
Advantages: Allows for space-saving and more ergonomic loading and unloading.
Use Cases: Warehouses where vertical space is at a premium or for delicate items that need careful handling.
8. Mobile Cantilever Rack
Design: Installed on mobile bases, allowing the rack to be moved along rails.
Application: Suitable for maximizing storage space and reducing the number of aisles needed.
Advantages: High storage density, flexibility to move units as needed and better space utilization.
Use Cases: Warehouses with limited space, archives, or storage areas requiring dynamic use of space.
9. I-Beam
Design: Constructed using I-beams, offering additional strength and durability for heavy loads.
Application: Heavy-duty applications where significant weight capacity is required.
Advantages: Extremely strong and durable, ideal for handling large and heavy materials.
Use Cases: Steel mills, metal fabricators, and industries handling bulky and heavy goods.
10. Galvanized
Design: Made from galvanized steel to resist corrosion, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Application: Used for storing materials outdoors or in corrosive environments.
Advantages: Provides protection from weather elements, rust, and corrosion, ensuring longevity.
Use Cases: Lumberyards, construction sites, or outdoor material storage in coastal areas.
11. Customized
Design: Tailored to meet specific storage requirements, including custom arm lengths, column heights, or material specifications.
Application: Ideal for businesses with unique storage needs that can’t be met by standard rack designs.
Advantages: Completely adaptable to unique storage challenges and can be designed to handle a wide variety of materials.
Use Cases: Special applications in manufacturing or industries requiring unique storage solutions.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cantilever Rack
Load Capacity
Ensure the rack can handle the weight of the materials you plan to store.
Material Type
Structural steel vs. roll-formed steel based on durability and weight.
Height & Arm Length
Depending on the size and length of the stored materials.
Indoor or Outdoor Use
Galvanized or structural steel options for outdoor environments.
Space Utilization
Consider if single-sided or double-sided racks will optimize your warehouse layout.
Applications
Metal and Steel Storage
In industries where steel and other metals are used, cantilever racks are ideal for storing rods, pipes, tubing, and sheets. The adjustable arms of the rack system allow storage of items of various lengths and weights, making it particularly useful in steel manufacturing plants and distributors. Cantilever racks are available at Al Safrik Steel UAE, where products like beams and metal sheets need efficient handling systems.
Pipe and Tubing Storage
Cantilever steel racks are perfect for storing long pipes and tubes in plumbing and manufacturing industries. They allow for horizontal storage, minimizing damage and maximizing the ease of access. This system is prevalent for storing PVC pipes, copper tubing, and large plastic pipes, which can be challenging to store using conventional shelving methods.
Automotive Industry
The automotive industry uses cantilever racks for storing oversized and heavy car parts, including chassis, bumpers, and exhaust systems. These racks provide easy access and allow safe storage without damaging expensive car components.
Warehousing and Logistics
In warehousing environments, cantilever racks are highly beneficial for storing long, heavy goods like pallet racks, beams, and shipping materials. Many logistics and distribution centers that handle various product types appreciate the flexibility and strength of cantilever systems. Their open design ensures easy loading and unloading, making warehouse inventory management more efficient.
Appliance Storage
Appliance manufacturers and retailers often need specialized storage solutions for large items like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Cantilever racks can support these items without needing shelves or boxes, making them easily accessible for warehouse workers.
Building and Construction Materials
Cantilever steel racks are heavily utilized in construction material warehouses to store items like drywall and other building components. Their ability to store different materials at multiple levels allows construction companies to manage their inventory more efficiently and safely.
Plastic and Foam Product Storage
Industries that deal with lightweight but massive materials, such as plastics and foam products, can benefit from these racks. These materials often come in large sheets or rolls, easily stored on the extended arms of cantilever racks. The racking system minimizes material damage and provides a convenient way to organize the inventory.
Textile Industry
In the textile industry, large steel racks store fabric. These racks ensure that the fabrics are kept safe from creases and other damage, facilitating easy access for workers.
Aircraft and Aerospace Industry
The aircraft and aerospace sectors require unique storage solutions for long, delicate parts like wings, fuselage sections, and pipes. Cantilever steel racks are suitable for this industry due to their heavy-duty construction and the flexibility they offer for storing various components safely and organized.
Conclusion
Cantilever racks offer a practical and efficient solution for storing long, huge, or heavy items across various industries. Their adaptability, safety features, and ability to maximize vertical space make them a valuable asset in any storage or warehousing environment. Whether for retail, manufacturing, warehousing, or construction, cantilever racks can help improve organization, accessibility, and overall efficiency in managing inventory. Contact us now for Quote