Tag Archive for: Term Of The Week

Pallet Flow Rack Explainer

What You Need to Know About Pallet Flow Rack

What is Pallet Flow Rack?

Pallet flow rack is selective rack placed back-to-back to allow for more storage space. Inclined conveyor wheel sections are installed in the rack, enabling back-loaded pallets to flow via gravity to the front or pick face.

Pallet FlowPallet flow rack consists of:

  • Pallet Rack
  • Gravity Flow Rails
  • Gravity Flow Speed Controllers

How it works:

Flow rails slant towards the unloading side of the pallet rack, using gravity to move pallets from the loading side to the picking side for retrieval.  Flow speed controllers are used to control the speed of the pallet as it moves along the rails. Once one load is removed from the unloading side of the pallet flow racks, the next slides into it’s place.

Why Pallet Flow Rack?

Pallet flow rack is not only designed to save valuable floor space and cut down on labor, but it provides high-density storage with multiple order picking levels.  This system is what we like to call a First-In, First-Out flow system (FIFO), which ensures that the faces along the picking aisle are always stocked.

Does this sound like something you are interested in knowing more about?  Is it the perfect fit for your warehouse operation?  Give us a call at 866.474.2001 and one of our knowledgeable sales representatives will be able to help you get what you need!

We also do customizable warehouse configurations, so if a reconfiguration is in order, definitely be sure to contact us!

Upright Column Protectors Term

Term You Should Know: Upright Column Protectors

When one thinks of warehouse safety, one typically thinks of the processes and products available that keep employees safe. However, there are solutions available to you – upright column protectors, for example – that are designed to protect your equipment and maintain returns on the investments you’ve made in your storage infrastructure.

Upright column protectors are the solution to industrial lift truck damage and accidents. They are an inexpensive way to safeguard your workplace and reduce expensive damage to your upright columns.

Here are some of the benefits of upright column protectors:

  • Surrounds upright bases
  • Rugged Column Protectors are prefabricated, eliminating all on-site welding or cutting
  • Resists forklift, hand truck, and heavy cart impact
  • Two different styles include: Bolt to Floor and Bolt to Upright

SOURCE: Wildeck

If you are interested in adding these or learning more about what warehouse safety products may assist in your operations, give us a call. We can talk through some of the challenges you are seeing and find solutions to keep your warehouse running optimally.

Double-Deep Pallet Rack Term

Term You Should Know: Double-Deep Pallet Rack

Double-Deep Pallet Rack is a style of dense storage consisting of selective pallet racking that has been constructed back-to-back to allow for higher storage density. This style of racking requires fewer aisles, which allows for increased flexibility in warehouse design options and an increase in storage space.

Double-deep racks can be installed in a conventional warehouse or any rack-supported building. These racks provide more significant utilization of warehouse space because they store loads of materials and have a narrow aisle design.

There are some disadvantages to utilizing double-deep pallet racking as well. Because the design is placing two racks back-to-back, a double-deep rack only features a 50% selectivity area. This lack of accessibility can lead to reduced productivity and require the use of more expensive life equipment, depending on the configuration.

Typically, double-deep racking is ideal for a client that is storing pallets in a Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) inventory rotation. It is especially suitable if that product is in high volume with limited available storage space.

If you are interested in implementing Double-Deep Pallet Racking configurations or other Dense Storage Solutions in your warehouse, contact one of our Storage Solutions experts to talk about increasing your storage capacity.

Roll-Formed and Structural Racking

What is Roll-Formed and Structural Pallet Rack?

There are two types of pallet rack construction: roll-formed racking and structural racking. While the two variations have similarities, we want to take a minute and explain what makes the two different!

What is Roll-Formed Pallet Racking?

Roll-formed pallet rack is the most common construction of racking. Typically, this type of racking is usually manufactured in the “teardrop” style. The style of the teardrop refers to the teardrop-shaped holes on the columns of the uprights. It is cold-rolled and typically features a rivet connection. There are few circumstances in which the roll-formed rack has a bolted connection.

Pallet racks in the roll-formed style also tend to be less expensive because it is constructed with less steel than structural racking. Roll-formed racking uses mounting clips that allow storage areas to be easily adjustable to different heights according to load size. This flexibility is beneficial for warehouses that store a wide variety of product sizes.

What is Structural Pallet Racking?

Structural pallet rack is different than roll-formed pallet rack in that it is created from hot-rolled steel. In structural racking, components are traditionally bolted together, which is how one can easily spot structural versus roll-formed pallet rack. The horizontal load beams connect to the uprights with bolts, which still allows for an adjustment, but just not as easy as with teardrop rack. Structural rack also typically has a higher weight-bearing capacity.

Structural pallet rack is made of thicker steel c-channels, making it the more expensive but durable pallet rack option. It is most commonly used in warehouses where inventory has a quick turnover because durability is a huge factor when accommodating busy forklift traffic.

For additional information on pallet rack or other material handling equipment, contact our online sales team at 866.474.2001!

Storage Solutions Term of the Week: Mezzanines

It’s been awhile since we have done a term of the week, so to start the week off right, we are re-visiting mezzanines.

mezzanine

A mezzanine is a structure that stands alone and is constructed within an existing building. This structure is designed to maximize space under and above it which creates additional space for storage or offices. These are extremely durable structures; they can be designed to sustain heavy loads. These are great for creating other levels using your existing space; if you need more space allow mezzanines to build up instead of out.

3 Types of Mezzanine:

A free standing mezzanine is supported by structural columns whereas shelving/bin and racking supported mezzanines are supported by pallet rack uprights or shelving/bin systems.A shelving/bin supported mezzanine is more economical than a free standing mezzanine because the storage units installed under and above the mezzanine floor allow for increased storage capacity.

We recently installed a bin supported mezzanine for a customer. You can check out the installation process in our Project Spotlight Series: Project Illinois.

Rivet Shelving

Terms You Should Know: Rivet Shelving

Rivet shelving is a simple storage solution and an ideal shelving option for situations in which bulk shelving is required to store cases and boxes. It is typically found in case picking.

Because of its design, rivet shelving can be considered a “clean” shelving option. Rivet shelving functions like teardrop beams and uprights, meaning that the upright has open holes on its’ face that are “teardrop” shaped, and the shelf has connectors with rivets that slide and lock into place on the uprights. This dynamic removes the need for accessories and hardware like clips, fasteners, nuts, and bolts. A rubber mallet – used to secure the shelf in place – is the only tool needed to assemble rivet shelving.

Traditionally, rivet shelving commonly held particle board as support for the items and cases picked. Over the years, however, we have found that safety inspectors and fire marshals prefer warehouses instead choose wire decking to increase safety in your operation.

Also, because of the design, rivet shelving offers a benefit of flexibility within each shelving unit. You can easily change the heights of each row to allow for the optimal storage capacity for your products. Double rivet shelving is also available if additional load capacity is required.

Want more information on Rivet Shelving? Contact our online sales team at 317.449.8740, and one of our knowledgeable sales representatives are able to help you get what you need! We also sell new and used rivet shelving!

Storage Solutions Term Of The Week: Wire Decking

wire deckingYes, wire decking was covered in a previous post, but it is such an important component of pallet rack that I thought it was necessary to re-inform you, if you will, of the basics of wire deck!

Wire decking is used in pallet rack and other types of storage rack. Made from steel wire, wire decking gives you the flexibility to store a variety of pallet sizes.  It provides a solid surface while also maintaining an open surface which allows the overhead sprinkler system to suppress fires without restriction. Wire decking is easy to install and is maintenance free.

The wire deck is created with welded wire mesh and integrated support channels. The decking sits on top of the beams to create a shelf on which to store palletized inventory. It can be created to accommodate any depth of rack or beam length. It can also be designed for a range of load bearing capacities.

Buying used wire decks can be an extremely easy way to cut down on expenses. Storage Solutions has a large selection of used beams, used uprights, and used wire decks for you to choose from. We specifically store our pallet racks inside our warehouse; that way we can ensure that all of our customers receive the highest quality of used wire decking available.

Storage Solutions Term Of The Week: Carton Flow Rack

carton flow rackCarton Flow Rack is a form of pallet rack that uses a gravity feed rear load design. One unit is made up of one or more inclined runways.  The cartons are loaded on one side of the system and picked out of the other end. When one item is removed, the item behind it moves forward in its place. The product is rotated on a first in first out basis (FIFO). This system is designed for high volume order picking and reduced operator activity.

Benefits:

  • Lower labor costs
  • Less product damage
  • Better inventory control because items are better organized and easier to locate
  • Similar to pallet flow just on a smaller scale

For more information on carton flow rack systems, contact our online sales team at 866.474.2001!

Source: Unex

Storage Solutions Term Of The Week: Cant-Leg Uprights

Cant Leg Uprights

This exclusive patented Speedrack design recesses columns away from traffic and is tough enough to take on lift trucks. Cant Leg Uprights allow for a wider travel aisle, preventing lift truck damage.

Super Cant-Leg is sealed tubular in structure.  Engineered in heavy gauge, three inch thick, high-yield steel; it is 100% stronger than standard uprights. Cant-Leg Uprights provide maximum safety and rack maintenance costs are cut to a minimum. Total storage capacity is retained and it even makes order picking easier.

CantLeg UprightsBenefits and Features:

  • 100% stronger than normal uprights
  • Greater resistance to truck damage
  • Allows more aisle clearance for lift truck maneuvering
  • Cleaner sealed tube design

Speedrack has been a trusted partner of Storage Solutions for over 10 years.  We have exclusive relationships with leading equipment manufacturers, so we can assemble the best solutions for your site. Contact our online sales team at 866.474.2001, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be able to help you get what you need!

Source: Speedrack

Storage Solutions Term of the Week: Modular Roll Back System

Modular Roll Back SystemTerm of the Week: Modular Roll Back System

Similar to a push back system, the roll back system allows you to store multiple pallet racks in a given area.  The only difference being the roll back can hold up to ten pallets deep in each rack while the push back can store only 5-6 pallets deep.  This is nearly double the capacity of a push back system allowing you to drastically reduce the number of aisles and increase the amount of product that can be stored in a facility.

The system is gravity operated for simple operation and uses minimal vertical space.  The roll back system can hold up to 3000 lbs. per pallet and also allows for the storage of varying pallet weights, sizes and types in the same lane.

Some features of modular roll back:

  • Unique design allows for simple addition of extra lanes
  • Easily stores up to 10 pallets deep
  • Withstands up to 3000 lbs. capacity / pallet
  • Allows for multiple styles of pallets in same lanes

For more information on modular roll back systems, contact our online sales team at 866.474.2001!

Source: Speedrack