Whether you’re looking to install new or replace old pallet racking, understanding what is standard for your storage system will help you choose the right racks.
Most rack systems are built to specific design specifications intended for the storage of standard items. Pallets, boxes, cartons and bins are all built upon these standards of design to maximize storage capacity.
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Beam Length
Pallet racking beams are horizontal load-bearing members that connect the upright frames of the racking system at https://www.savemh.com/products/pallet-rack-m-dividers. They are available in a wide variety of lengths and come in various gauges to suit your specific needs.
Typically, standard racking beams start in four-foot lengths and increase from there. However, custom racks may require longer dimensions based on your specific application.
The overall length of the beam must be long enough to accommodate pallets, allowing a minimum of 8″ of clearance per pallet. This is done to ensure that there is enough room for a load to be stored on both sides of the pallet.
Beams also provide horizontal rigidity to the racking system and torque strength to the frame columns, keeping them from swaying left to right. They are critical to a properly functioning pallet racking system, so maintaining their proper functionality is paramount.
Face Size
Pallet racks are typically standardized to accommodate standard-sized pallets, boxes and other storage containers. However, there are some exceptions to the rule.
The face size of a beam is an important consideration for any warehouse racking system. This measurement, combined with the length of the beam, determines load capacity.
Ideally, the beam face will be at least 3 inches tall. The higher the face, the more load it can safely handle.
For high-capacity needs, consider a 6 inch face. This allows for more storage space and helps increase the overall load capacity of a rack.
A 96″ long beam is sufficient to fit two 40″x 48″ pallets and allow for the necessary clearance for forklift access (approximately five inches between uprights and another six inches between pallets). This will help maximize the storage space available in the rack while complying with building and fire codes.
Run Length
When choosing pallet racking for your facility, it’s important to choose a system that can accommodate your goods and keep them safe. This can be done through careful consideration of your storage needs and the type of warehouse you operate.
The first step is to determine how many beams you’ll need for your run of racking. This number will depend on the amount of load you’ll place on each beam.
Another factor to consider is the depth of the racks. This will determine the spacing between the load beams. It should allow for three inches of overhang on the front and back of the rack.
This allows for the beams to carry the full weight of a properly stored pallet. However, it also creates a safety hazard if someone is trying to lift something off the top of the beam. To ensure the safety of your warehouse and employees, you’ll want to make sure that your pallet racks are deep enough for the weight of your products.
Weight Capacity
Pallet racking systems are necessary to keep products off the ground and safe. They also help store and organize goods until they are ready to ship out.
For these reasons, warehouse owners must ensure that their racking system is designed and built to hold the maximum weight possible. That way, they can prevent damage and injury from overloading the racks.
The capacity of pallet racks varies across manufacturers and can depend on the type of goods stored. However, they typically have a load capacity of around 2,500 pounds.
In order to determine the maximum capacity of your racking, you must first calculate the load capacity per beam level and then add that number to the capacity of your frames. This calculation is critical because racks can easily go over their maximum limit if the beam and frame sizes are not accurately calculated.