In the last few weeks we have been looking at different types of pallet Racking systems and their suitability for different warehouse uses. This week, we are looking at Cantilever racking and it’s main advantages for strength, simplicity and practicality.
Cantilever Strength
Cantilever construction has been used for centuries in architectural and construction projects around the world. It has remained a firm favourite in the storage industry because of its inherent strength, allied with the simplicity of construction and excellent practicality.
The main difference in cantilevered construction, is that it does not rely on spars or lintels for support. Although structures using cantilever construction can often look flimsy, they are extremely strong and can bear considerable weight.
The weight loading carried on the horizontal support is transferred to the vertical support contact point where it is then distributed and resisted by a combination of momentum and shear stress forces.
Cantilever Rack Storage
When it comes to warehouse and storage, a cantilever rack is a storage system which employs the cantilever support arrangement for its individual racks or shelves.
This system is one where a load bearing beam is supported at one end only, with no other external braces.
Cantilever rack systems rely on individual rack supports –these are attached at one end to upright members by means of slot-and-tag or bolt-on fixtures. There are no other oblique or vertical supports involved which means that the racks can easily accommodate materials that are longer than the rack span.
Cantilever racks may be constructed as single or double-sided units and can be easily combined to form modular assemblies.
Cantilever Advantages
The cantilevered racking system offers several distinct advantages over other rack and shelf storage solutions.
Firstly, because it does not rely on vertical or oblique braces, a cantilever racking system can be used to store loads far wider than its own span. This can be ideal for storing long loads such as timber boards, aluminium and plastic extrusions, steel tubes and bars.
Loading and unloading can also be achieved from the front of the rack using equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts.
Secondly, a cantilevered racking system can be installed as either a freestanding structure or bolted to a suitable wall. In free-standing cantilever structures, the racks can be used in a single or double-sided configuration with back-to-back shelves.
Thirdly cantilevered racking systems allow users to maximise available floor space and are available in many different sizes and load capacities. These can easily be configured to suit a wide variety of your storage needs. Because of the simplicity of their construction, they are also among the most cost-effective of all rack types.
Lastly, cantilever racking systems are one of the easiest and quickest storage solution to be assembled. Making then an excellent choice for many warehouse situations. The majority of smaller cantilever rack systems utilise a slot-and- tag assembly method, which consists of a tag on the horizontal support which locks into a corresponding slot on the vertical member.
This simplicity translates into this quick and easy installation and makes the storage of the racks themselves simple when they are no longer needed.
Larger systems typically use more complex bolt-on horizontal beams but are still simple and quick to construct. Cantilever units are also often modular by design allowing for several units to be bolted together to extend an existing system.
Monarch Shelving Cantilever Racking Systems
The cantilever pallet racking systems we offer at Monarch Shelving are designed to maximise your storage space whilst giving you easy access to your loads wherever they are stored.
All of our storage equipment is designed to specifically accommodate the storage needs of our clients, whatever the load or shape.
Our heavy duty cantilever racking systems are designed to suit your particular application product, achieving the maximum efficiency, economy of layout and peace of mind for a safer working environment.
To find out more about Cantilever Racking Solutions for your Warehouse, contact us today.
