Types of Industrial Racking for the Warehouse: Classification and characteristics

Industrial racking systems are metal structures designed to support the goods in a warehouse or industrial facility. The different types of industrial racking are key elements in the smooth functioning of a warehouse and play a central role in the logistics and supply chain operations of companies.

There are types of industrial racking for each situation, storage need, or unit load, but all have the advantage of optimizing the available space in the warehouse compared to floor-level storage.

Today’s reality, with the growth of online shopping and the need to have an extensive network of logistics and distribution centers nationwide, makes optimizing space key. PRK Steel is the best Two Tier Rack Manufacturer in India. To meet this need we have pallet racking systems and picking solutions.

Over the years, the industrial storage system sector has advanced from adjustable pallet racking systems to the current reality with versatile, dynamic, and adaptable systems to the needs of each business.

There are various ways of classifying different types of warehouse industrial racking systems; here we will focus on non-automated storage systems and divide them into two main categories depending on the type of unit load to be stored: Pallet or Pallet Load Racking and Picking Solutions for cartons or small items.

 

Quality Racking Characteristics

It should be remembered that although industrial racking appears to be a simple product with a standard structure, in reality, it is very different.

The design of storage systems from industrial racking is the result of major engineering research and innovation efforts that make it possible to create efficient structures that optimize the time and space of companies internationally.

Some key aspects for considering the quality of the different types of industrial racking are:

• Engineering: in the most complex storage systems, the structural calculation, load and resistance studies, and seismic calculation carried out by a specialist technical team are essential.
• The reliable production process in each element of the structure: An automated manufacturing process,  with control, traceability, and quality monitoring in all phases to offer a rack of the highest quality.
• The raw material is the base: using steels of the highest quality standards will make our racking securer and more durable.
• Compliance with international and local regulations: all global and specific quality regulations in every country must comply with both the manufacture and design of industrial racking.
• Tests and simulations: all the above key aspects must undergo field tests to certify the reliability of the racking elements. Planncosteel is one of the best Slotted Angel Rack in Haridwar. In AR Racking, we have a Research and Test Laboratory for this in collaboration with the University of Mondragón.

 

Types of Racking Systems by the type of load

After defining the keys for a quality industrial racking system, we break down the different types of non-automated industrial racking according to the type of unit load they will have to support.

We divide these storage systems into two main groups: Pallet Rack and heavy loads and Picking Solutions and light loads.

Types of Industrial Racking for pallets

Pallet racking is a type of industrial racking designed to support large loads that will be lifted by the handling equipment.

We can divide pallet racking into 4 significant categories: adjustable pallet racking, compact pallet racking, live pallet racking, and mobile pallet racking.

Adjustable Pallet Racking

Standard Adjustable Pallet Racking

Adjustable Pallet Racking is a type of industrial racking that stores pallets mechanically using forklifts.

The forklifts access the goods via the aisles that run parallel to the racking and have direct and immediate access to all the unit loads stored.

They have a standard aisle width and store a single pallet at the back of the racking, unlike the other 2 conventional systems outlined below.

Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking

Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking is a compact version of adjustable pallet racking, creating a higher density and capacity storage system without the need for more space.

This type of adjustable pallet racking is compacted by narrowing the aisles, resulting in a space-saving of over 40%. The minimum aisle width must be 1.5 m in this type of system.

Special handling equipment for VNA is required to work correctly in the warehouse with these VNA racking systems.

Double Deep Pallet Racking

Double Deep Pallet Racking is a convenient storage solution, but it shares common features with compact racking.

In this type of industrial racking system, the pallets are stored at two depths, thus achieving higher storage density. Unlike standard adjustable pallet racking, in double-deep pallet racking the operator does not have direct access to all the pallets stored.

Double deep pallet racking must also be used with special forklifts equipped with telescopic forks or a pantograph mechanism to easily and quickly access the second pallet stored.

 

Compact Racking

Compact Racking is a high-density storage system that fully optimizes warehouse space and height by reducing the truck’s work aisles to the maximum.

In these types of warehouse racking systems, parallel aisles are generated inside the structure, where forklifts can enter and move around for the pallet loading and unloading process.

Compact Storage Systems are suitable when the problem of space takes priority over direct access to or selectivity of all the unit loads stored.

There are two main compact racking systems: Drive in and Drive Through.

 

Drive-in Pallet Racking (LIFO)

The Drive in the compact system is the most used. It only requires one access aisle for the forklift and works according to the LIFO (Last in, First out) stock management method, where the last pallet in is the first one to leave.

This type of compact storage is recommended in warehouses with homogeneous products that have a low rotation of material.

 

Drive Through Pallet Racking (FIFO)

Drive Through racking needs two work aisle accesses, one on each side of the racking. Works according to the FIFO (First in, First out) method, where the first pallet in is the first one to leave.

FIFO is a storage system recommended for warehouses with high rotation products; however, space optimization is less than in Drive-In racking.

Live Pallet Racking

Live pallet racking is a type of compact storage system that takes advantage of the forces of gravity and pushing to optimize pallet storage.

Its peculiarity is that using these 2 forces, the pallets are moved inside the racking to their desired position.

Gravity FIFO Live Pallet Racking system

FIFO Live Pallet Racking consists of a compact structure with roller beds at each height that allows the pallets to slide easily thanks to a slight incline.

This type of system uses the FIFO method (First in, First out), where the loading area is at the opposite end of the unloading area, with the pallets traveling that distance on a system of rollers that form a slightly inclined rail.

It is the best system for warehouses that require perfect stock rotation and good use of the available space.

Push-Back LIFO Racking

Push Back LIFO Racking is a live storage solution for the accumulation of pallets that uses the LIFO to manage unit loads.

This type of pallet racking only has one loading and unloading area at the front of the structure, and the pallets are stored by pushing the previous ones toward the back of the racking with a small controlled force.

There are 2 types of Push-Back racking systems depending on the method of movement used: Push-Back with shuttles and Push-Back with rollers.

 

Mobile Racking or Mobile Bases System

Mobile Racking is a storage solution in which the metal structure is mounted on mobile bases or a chassis which are guided by rails fixed to the floor.

With this movement of the racking bays, only one work aisle is opened for forklift access: the aisle to work in.

This type of industrial racking has electric motors and remote traction elements that enable its movement from one side to the other.

The characteristics of mobile racking make it the ideal solution for cold stores, due to reducing the total volume to be cooled.

Multi-Tier Racking

Multi-Tier Racking is a type of manual industrial racking that makes it possible to optimize the available space of a warehouse thanks to the use of height.

In this storage system, aisle levels at different heights are created which are accessed by stairs.

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