Different Types of Pallet Racking Systems

Pallet racking system, as we all know, is an effective way to increase storage space in factories and warehouses. These help to improve functionality and increase productivity, since through the use of pallet racks, industrialists can keep their products better organized. Individual skids, also known as skids, are made from different types of metals, plastic, and wood and are fused together into larger shelf structures that have shelves on different, multiple levels. The platform base, manufactured in different widths, is used to support the objects that are stored on top of the shelves. These covers are usually made with a wire mesh that supports the items and also helps keep an inventory of the items that have been placed on top. Typically, forklifts are used to load the products onto the shelves, as these shelves can be several feet high. The basic structure of the racks for pallets is any of the following: a) in the form of a roll, that is, the columns are supported by the beams; b) structural form, where the beams are mostly bolted. Standard pallet rack configurations include drive-thru/drive-in racks, push-back racks, flow-through racks, and selective racks. Let’s look at these categories in detail.

Different types of pallet racking 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 made of steel and have enough space between the bays or stacking rails to allow forklift movement.

Configuration: Drive-in rack systems have a single entry and exit point. On the other hand, the walk-through rack structures can be accessed from both sides. For example, in the case of drive-in pallet racks, items are stored in a last-in, first-out fashion, commonly abbreviated as LIFO. Therefore, slow-moving non-perishables should be stored in drive-in racking systems, as these items cannot be accessed too frequently. Drive-through systems, on the other hand, follow the FIFO, or first-in, first-out method. Both racking systems work in the case of floor-to-ceiling structures.

Push-back shelving systems: They are manufactured in structural or roll form. Push-back shelving systems are the perfect option for storing bulk materials. They are also designed to accommodate items spanning multiple pallets in width, as well as height. When an individual pallet is loaded onto the frame, it tends to push the neighboring pallet back from its original position on the rail. During the product unloading process, the pallets at the rear are pushed forward. Like drive-in storage structures, push-back systems follow the LIFO storage system and are capable of storing materials in large volumes.

Configuration: These structures are made of sliding carriages and inclined rails, and they also feature double rails in the design.

Flow Shelves – Flow shelves are ultimately called gravity flow shelves and are the best option for storing high-density items. Items are generally deposited at higher points and unloaded from the lower end. In short, it uses the FIFO charging system. The shelves start to rotate automatically with the gradual loading of the products on the shelves.

Setup: Gravity rollers on flow racks help create movement as storage items move on inclines. Speed ​​controllers or brakes are present to manipulate the movement of objects. Electricity is not required for the rails to function, as their slope is maintained primarily by the normal gravitational pull of the earth.

Selective Racking – Manufacturing experts state that this is the most common type of pallet racking system used in warehouses. Pallets can be accessed from the hallway. Beams are generally used to support decking systems. Selective shelving systems can be customized according to need and can be implemented in narrow, standard or long-span aisles.

Configuration: Narrow aisle rack structures require special narrow forklifts to move between bays. These narrow shelving structures help create optimal storage space for storing large volumes. Deep-reach systems multiply the amount that can be stored, while standard systems can only perform a single deep charge.

Choosing the right racking system is an important part of improving the functionality of your warehouse. Therefore, it is best to be aware of the different storage systems that are available to make the best choice.