Industrial racking systems are essential for optimizing the storage space and efficiency of warehouses and industrial facilities. They are metal structures that support different types of unit loads, such as pallets, cartons, or small items. Depending on the storage needs and situation of each warehouse, various types of industrial racking systems can be used. In this blog post, we will explain the main categories and characteristics of industrial racking systems, as well as some quality criteria to consider when choosing them.
Industrial racking systems can be classified into two main categories based on the type of unit load they store pallet racking systems and picking solutions. Pallet racking systems are designed to store large and heavy loads that are handled by forklifts or other lifting equipment. Picking solutions are designed to store smaller and lighter loads that are picked by hand or with carts.
Pallet Racking Systems
Pallet racking systems are the most common type of industrial racking for warehouses that store palletized goods. They allow direct and immediate access to all the pallets stored, which facilitates inventory management and order fulfillment. They also offer a high degree of adaptability and versatility, as they can be adjusted to different heights, depths, and widths depending on the size and weight of the pallets.
There are four major types of pallet racking systems:
– Adjustable pallet racking: This is the most standard and widely used type of pallet racking. It consists of upright frames and horizontal beams that form shelves where the pallets are placed. The beams can be moved up or down to adjust the height of each shelf according to the size of the pallets. The aisles between the racks are usually wide enough to allow the maneuvering of forklifts.
– Compact pallet racking: This is a type of pallet racking that reduces the number of aisles and increases the storage capacity by using rails or rollers on which the pallets slide. There are two main variants of compact pallet racking: drive-in/drive-through racking and push-back racking. Drive-in/drive-through racking allows forklifts to enter and exit from either end of the rack, while push-back racking uses a gravity system that pushes the pallets back when a new one is loaded.
– Live pallet racking: This is a type of dynamic pallet racking that uses rollers or chains to move the pallets along inclined lanes. It works on a FIFO (first in, first out) principle, meaning that the first pallet loaded is also the first one to be retrieved. Live pallet racking is ideal for warehouses that handle perishable goods or products with a high turnover rate.
– Mobile pallet racking: This is a type of movable pallet racking that uses electric motors to move the racks along rails on the floor. The racks can be moved together or apart to create or close aisles as needed. Mobile pallet racking is suitable for warehouses that need to store a large number of pallets with a low frequency of access.
Picking Solutions
Picking solutions are another type of industrial racking for warehouses that store cartons or small items that are picked by hand or with carts. They allow easy access and visibility to all the items stored, which improves picking speed and accuracy. They also offer a high degree of customization and flexibility, as they can be configured to different heights, widths, and depths depending on the size and shape of the items.
There are three main types of picking solutions:
– Shelving: This is the simplest and most economical type of picking solution. It consists of metal shelves that support boxes or bins where the items are stored. The shelves can be fixed or adjustable, open or closed, single-sided or double-sided. Shelving is suitable for warehouses that store light and small items with a low turnover rate.
– Carton flow rack: This is a type of dynamic picking solution that uses rollers or wheels to move the boxes or bins along sloped lanes. It works on a FIFO principle, meaning that the first box or bin loaded is also the first one to be picked. Carton flow rack is ideal for warehouses that handle products with a high turnover rate or seasonal demand.
– Mezzanine: This is a type of multi-level picking solution that uses an intermediate floor to create additional storage space above or below an existing rack or shelving system. The mezzanine can be accessed by stairs, lifts.
