Pallet racking system, as we all know, is an effective way of increasing storage space in factories and warehouses. These help to improve functionality and increase productivity, as by using pallet racks, industrialists can keep their products better organized. Individual pallets, also known as “skids”, are made from different types metals, plastic and wood and are amalgamated into the larger rack structures that have shelves on different and multiple levels. The decking base, manufactured in varying widths, is used to support the objects that are stored on top of the shelves. These decks are generally manufactured out of a wire mesh that supports the items, and also helps to maintain an inventory of the items that have been placed on top of it. Forklifts are generally used to load the products on to the shelves as these racks may be several feet high. The basic structure of pallet racks are either of the following: a) roll form, that is, columns are supported by the beams; b) structural form, where the beams are mostly bolted. Standard configurations of pallet racks include drive-through/drive-in racks, push-back racks, flow racks and selective racks. Let us look into these categories in details.
Different Types Of Pallet Racks And Their Configurations
Drive-through, or drive-in racks: These are structures that are designed to support high-density storage. Drive-through, or drive-in racks are manufactured out of steel, and have enough space between the bays, or stack lanes to allow the movement of forklifts.
Configuration: Drive-in rack systems have only one point for entry and exit. Drive-through rack structures, on the other hand, can be accessed from both sides. For instance, in the case of drive-in pallet racks, items are stored in the last-in-first-out manner, commonly abbreviated as LIFO. Therefore, non-perishable goods with low turnovers should be stored in drive-in racking systems, as these items cannot be accessed too often. Drive-through systems, on the other hand, follow the FIFO, or first-in-first-out method. Both these racking systems operate in the case of floor-to-ceiling structures.
Push-back racking systems: These are manufactured in structural, or roll forms. Push-back racking systems are the perfect option for storing materials in bulk volume. They are also designed to accommodate items that occupy several pallets in width, as well as height. When an individual pallet is loaded onto the structure, it tends to push back the adjoining pallet from its original position on the rail. During the process of unloading products, the pallets that lie at the back are pushed move forward. Just like drive-in storage structures, push-back systems follow the LIFO system of storage and are capable of storing materials in large volumes.
Configuration: These structures are made of sliding carts and inclined rails, and also feature double lanes in the design.
Flow Racks: Flow racks are synonymously referred to as gravity-flow racks and are the best option for storing items of high density. Items are generally deposited at higher-points, and unloaded from the lower-end. In short, it employs the FIFO loading-system. Racks automatically start rotating with the gradual loading of the products onto the shelves.
Configuration: The gravity rollers in flow racks help to generate movement, as items of storage move on sloped planes. Speed controllers, or breaks are present to manipulate the movement of objects. Electricity is not required for the rails to function, as their slope is mainly maintained by the normal gravitational pull of the earth.
Selective Racks: Manufacturing experts state that this is the most common type of pallet racking system that is used in warehouses. Pallets can be accessed from the aisle. Beams are generally used to support the pallet systems. Selective racking systems can be customized according to the need, and they can be implemented in narrow, standard, or deep reach aisles.
Configuration: Rack structures in narrow aisles require special narrow lift-trucks to move between the bays. These narrow racking structures help in creating optimum storage space for storing in large volumes. Deep-reach systems multiply the amount that can be stored, whereas in the case of standard systems, single deep-loading can be undertaken.
Choosing the correct racking system is an important part of improving the functionality of your warehouse. Therefore, it is best to be aware of different storage systems that are available to make the best choice of singapore pallets.
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