The material handling industry is overflowing with new technologies and innovations. Behind the scenes of all this extravagant new technology is a wide range of less thrilling, but just as important tools and equipment. This includes pallet racking and pallet racking guidelines.
With all the moving elements of a material handling system, pallet racking is often seen as “just a rack”. In many cases it tends to be the last part of the system to be considered and is quite often seen as a simple piece of the puzzle.
However, there are in fact an array of different aspects that need to be considered when it comes to designing and ordering pallet racking. Why? So that you are sure that what you have purchased is the perfect fit for your material handling system. This is why it is extremely important to allow ample time for industry experts to analyse the many aspects of a proper rack design.
- The design of a pallet racking system can be broken down into three major elements
- Details of the product that is to be stored
- Physical site variables
- Rack design variables
Here we have more insights into these elements
Size and weight of the Product
The first, and most important, aspect of designing a pallet racking system is the size and weight of the product. Since racks are designed with a built-in safety factor, it is important to ensure that the weight of the product does not inflate, as this will increase the cost of the pallet racking components.
Type and Construction of the Pallet
The type and construction of the pallet is the next consideration. There are a couple of variations of pallets. This is why we need to know which type you intend to use so that we can choose the suitable sized pallet racking system.
Storage of the Product on the Pallet
The last thing here is to consider how the product is to be stored on the pallet. If the product overhangs the pallet, then the pallet racking system may need to increase in width or depth to accommodate the overhang.
Definitions
The first thing to think about here is the definitions. An upright frame is constructed of two vertical columns with bracing between them. Horizontal beams connect the uprights together and support the pallets.
Rack Profiles
A rack “profile” is a drawing that demonstrates the distance between beam levels for each bay of rack. If there are long spans between the beam levels, you may find that you will need additional bracing.
Reinforcement
Additional bracing of the upright frame may be needed. As mentioned, this is something that is determined by the distance between beam levels, but also the seismic classification. This can include bracing that is thicker, doubled bracing and perhaps a bracing pattern that is closer together.
Beam Design
Bean design is driven by the seismic classification which determines the size and the kind of connector, as well as how these connectors are attached to the ends of the beams. The length of these beams is determined by establishing what clearances are required between the pallets as they are stored on the rack, as well as the distance that is needed between the pallets and the rack uprights. Clearances tend to fall between 4 to 6 inches.
Closed or Open Tube
This refers to the construction of the vertical columns of the upright frames. These columns can have an open back, or “open tube”, or closed back. In many cases, the choice comes down to the preference of the customer, but one can come with more disadvantages than the other depending on the application.
Structural Steel Racking
This may be utilised in lieu of formed steel racking, based on the application. Structural steel racking is commonly costlier than formed steel racking, but it can also offer an increase in load capacities if necessary.
Column Punching
These are the holes in the front of the vertical columns to which the beams are connected and vary greatly buy manufacturer. This is important in the case that the holes must match the existing pallet rack.
Pallet Racking Accessories
The most common pallet racking accessories are wire decks, pallet support bars, column protectors and end-of-aisle guarding. It is important to inform your integrator if any of these are required for the application.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Stations
Pallet Racking is usually designed with one bay removed from the end of every other row for pallets to be temporarily stored on the floor until they can be placed within the racks. These are known as P&D Stations.
Contact Monarch Shelving Ltd
If you would like to make the most out of your warehouse space through the use of brand new or second-hand pallet racking, then get in touch with Monarch Shelving Ltd today.
