Cantilever Racking: Safe and Efficient Storage Solutions

Cantilever racking is a warehouse storage system that uses several cantilevers in sequence to store long, heavy, and bulky industrial parts. This system is similar to the lumber rack, often used for storing large plywood sheets and large pipes.

This racking system is easy to install and so versatile that it can be used from either side to save a lot of space, and the racks are easily adjustable. 

For the safe, secure retrieval of your long products, the cantilever racking system is one of the best storage systems.

Advantages of cantilever racks

There are advantages to installing these racks in your storage area. Some benefits are listed below.

Large variety of loads

The system’s components and accessories make it easily adaptable to a wide range of long, bulky loads of varying weights, sizes, and shapes.

Direct access and excellent visibility

The racks enable quick visual identification of stored goods and direct access to them. Get easy-access storage with cantilever warehouse racks from Space Aid Manufacturing.

Easy assembly

The system is composed of movable elements for easy assembly. Also, it can be adapted to future needs by adding modules.

Space refinement

The racks can be installed on mobile bases to configure a mobile cantilever racking system. This setup compacts the racking units while maintaining direct access to each product.

Suitable for outdoor use

Several roofing options are available to protect both the goods and the structure from adverse weather conditions in outdoor facilities.

Safety and Precautions

The system incorporates elements such as vertical bracing and stops, giving the installation excellent stability and resistance.

Main Parts of a Cantilever Rack System

Understanding how these racks work makes it easier for you to choose and use them. The most important parts are:

• Uprights: These are perpendicular (vertical) columns from the ground and act as a primary support structure. They also define the rack's height.
• Arms: These are the horizontal extensions that carry the materials being stored. These could be either straight or inclined based on the type of load.
• Base: These components provide stability and help the racks stay upright even when overloaded.
• Braces: These parts bind the vertical columns to enhance their strength and firmness.

Every single element is designed for high loads and simple modification, thus allowing you to create a system that fits your warehouse layout perfectly.

Types of Cantilever Rack Systems

There are different types of cantilever systems:

Single-Sided Cantilever Racks

This type of cantilever rack system attaches the rack to a wall or to a single vertical column. The racking system allows for storage only on one side; thus, it is perfect for places with limited space or where access from one side is enough.

Double-Sided Cantilever Racks

The arms of double-sided cantilever racks extend from both sides of the vertical columns. With this setup, storage is possible on both sides of the structure, therefore offering a larger storage and access area.

Light-Duty Cantilever Racks

Light-duty cantilever racks are designed for storing lighter, shorter inventory. Normally, they have smaller arms and less weight capacity. These racks can be seen in retail stores, workshops, or minor storage areas.

Medium-Duty Cantilever Racks

Medium-duty cantilever racks take up less space and offer higher weight capacity than light-duty ones. They are suitable for supporting steel bars, pipes, and lumber in the medium range. 

Medium-duty racks are primarily used in storage areas and facilities where goods are manufactured and distributed, so they are very common in warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.

Heavy-Duty Cantilever Racks

Heavy-duty cantilever racks can take up a lot of space and hold large, heavy, and awkward items. They have very durable construction, thicker arms, and higher weight capacity. 

These racks are very common in industries such as steel manufacturing, metalworking, and the automotive sector, where storing heavy steel coils, metal sheets, and oversized materials is a daily routine.

Structural Cantilever Racks

Structural cantilever racks are composed of heavy-duty structural steel elements, providing them with exceptional strength and durability. 

They are intended to endure demanding environments, heavy loads, and constant use. Structural cantilever racks are widely used in industries with rigid storage requirements.

Roll-Out Cantilever Racks

Roll-out cantilever racks, or roll-out cantilever shelves as they are sometimes called, include roll-out shelves that can be easily accessed by sliding them forward. 

This setup promotes visibility and accessibility simultaneously, making it ideal for frequent access scenarios such as order picking and inventory management.

Conclusion:

Cantilever racking is one of the most efficient ways to store and handle flat, long, or low-profile loads such as aluminum sheets, lumber, tubing, wood crates, bars, piping, and much more. 

It is one of the fastest and easiest storage systems used in industries, and one thing you need to take care of is the layout and handling system before going with this racking system.

FAQ’S

What are cantilever racks used for?

These racks are used to store long, bulky, and oddly shaped and sized materials.

Where are these racks mostly used?

These racks are used in warehouses, retail stores, and factories etc.