Cantilever racking is a warehouse storage system which is used for storing long and bulky items and non-palletized inventory. Cantilever racking systems are lack of front support columns, that increases product visibility and material handling access.
A cantilever is commonly used to store lumber, PVC pipe, furniture and cars, but there are more innovative ways to use them. Combining a cantilever system with a deck creates a hybrid storage solution by combining aspects of cantilever and pallet racking.
Cantilevers can also accommodate rail attachments for hanging inventory such as clothing or boxes. Cantilevers have been designed to meet unique inventory needs, and with these innovative uses, they may be just what you need to optimize storage space in your warehouse.
Equipping Cantilever Racking with Decks
Appointing decks to cantilever racks creates cantilevered shelving that can accommodate both pallet inventory and larger items normally stored on cantilevers. The floor adds vertical storage without taking up floor space. Decking options range from wire decking to particle board and steel decking.
Wire Mesh Decking
For cantilever decks with maximum visibility, use wire mesh decking. Aceally wire mesh decking is available in a variety of sizes, from a minimum of 18 inches deep x 35 inches wide to a maximum of 48 inches deep x 47 inches wide. Wire mesh decking also maintains the cantilever’s fire safety rating by providing access to water and fire suppression from the automatic sprinkler system.
The wire decking provides visibility to help material handlers locate and accurately pick inventory. Loads on wire racks must be evenly distributed to avoid point loads, which can lead to deck damage, excessive deflection or collapse.
Particle Board Decking
Particleboard decking is a cost effective way to create a lightweight storage platform. Particleboard is attached to cantilevers and uprights. Aceally particleboard decking has a load capacity range of 650 lbs. to 1,000 lbs. Because particle board is relatively light, it is best suited for lightweight cantilever systems, which typically have a maximum load capacity of 1,500 pounds per shelving unit.
Heavy Duty Steel Sheets
If your cantilever racking system requires heavy-duty product storage in both palletized and non-palletized form, heavy-duty steel plates are the way to go. The all-welded steel frame deck has a load capacity of 3,000 lbs. per deck section. The sections measure from 36″ x 46″ to 48″ x 58″ in depth to width.
The steel deck has a waterfall lip that covers the cantilever for added safety, unlike particle board decks. The number of arms per deck section depends on the width of the section, arm capacity and stock weight.
Attaching rails for hanging inventory
Another innovative way to utilize cantilevered racking systems is to install horizontal rails between the arms to suspend lightweight inventory. This storage solution is ideal for storing large quantities of clothing or unfolded boxes.
Aceally medium cantilever racks are perfect for horizontal rod mounting and hanging storage. The arms for hanging storage should be straight arms that can be adjusted up and down the poles at 3″ intervals. This means the rack can be adapted to the size of the inventory. The cantilever arms on this Aceally cantilever rack are also available in 12, 18″, 24″, 30″ or 36″ lengths. The longer you hang the stock, the better, as more horizontal bars can be installed on the arm as long as it stays within the load capacity of the arm. This should not be a limiting factor for this frame, as even the longest arm options have load capacities ranging from 3,800 lbs. to 4,100 lbs.
Protect your inventory and employees
Cantilevered racks offer excellent accessibility, but this poses the risk of reduced product retention. Fixed tubes at the end of the arms prevent material from falling out of the front of the rack, and mesh cabling does the same for the back of the rack.
Mesh guarding is an additional feature of cantilevered racks that improves worker safety and storage retention. Wire protection on the back of the cantilevered rack prevents inventory from falling off the back of the storage system.
Customize your storage space with cantilever racking
Cantilever racking can store bulky items, support decks of pallet inventory, and even accommodate hanging inventory like clothing. Its many innovative uses make it ideal for warehouses with ever-changing storage needs.
Contact Aceally Racking Systems, Inc. to learn more about how cantilever racking can meet your storage needs. Check out our other blogs and product details to learn more about warehousing and storage systems.
Further Reading:
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3 common types of mezzanine floor
Selective Pallet Racking vs Double Deep Pallet Racking
Logistics rolling security cage use guide
Method of assembling boltless rivet shelves
Post time: Jan-04-2022