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In this chapter, we delve into the definition and design of metal shelving, focusing on the materials typically employed in its construction.
Metal shelving offers an organized storage solution with compartments and sections for holding tools, equipment, books, files, and even laboratory chemicals. Known for its adaptability, this storage innovation caters to diverse industry needs.
Building metal shelves typically begins with the design and measurement of the intended shelf. This is followed by obtaining the necessary materials, marking, and cutting them to size. The components are welded together, then smoothed and finished. Painting is the final step to protect the metal. The entire design and construction process focuses on affordability while adhering to industry standards.
The materials frequently used in crafting metal shelves include:
Steel is a popular choice for metal shelving due to its durability and versatility. Stainless steel, especially, is preferred for its superior strength over other materials, making it a top choice for businesses.
Stainless steel can handle heavy loads and high temperatures, rendering it reliable for multiple uses. For instance, in the food sector, stainless steel shelving is ideal for supporting large quantities of food and drinks. It is also easy to clean and resists damage. High-grade stainless steel shelving is typically more durable than those made from other materials.
Steel, an alloy primarily of iron, tungsten, carbon, manganese, and chromium, varies in strength based on its composition. Higher carbon content in steel increases its strength, making it extensively used across numerous industries, including beverages and industrial shelving.
Below are some key properties of steel:
Tensile strength measures the extremity a material can endure under stress before fracturing. Steel is renowned for its high tensile strength, making it resistant to breaking.
Despite its tensile strength, steel is also exceptionally ductile, meaning it can be reshaped or formed into various shapes without breaking. Its malleability allows it to be molded into sheets of different thicknesses.
Being a hard alloy, steel is excellent at withstanding wear and tear, suitable for extensive use in numerous applications.
Steel's shiny, lustrous finish makes it an attractive choice for many purposes.
The rust resistance of steel is contingent on its composition. Stainless steel, with components like molybdenum, nickel, and chromium, exhibits enhanced rust resistance, adding to its long-lasting nature.
Chrome wire shelving boasts a sleek, plated finish that boosts its aesthetic appeal. Made from steel wires and vertical supports, this type is extremely sturdy, withstanding up to 800 lbs. at a 48-inch height. Its reflective finish not only brightens storage areas but also maintains a clean look.
A significant benefit of chrome wire shelving is its ability to allow water to drain to the floor below, aiding compliance with fire safety regulations.
The gauge of the steel used in constructing chrome wire shelving determines its weight capacity. Steel gauges range from 12G to 22G, with a lower number indicating stronger shelving. For example, 12G shelving can bear more weight than its 22G counterpart.
Chrome is found in various environments like offices, dormitories, and retail spaces for display and utility areas. Chrome shelving offers a sophisticated and clean finish, making it a viable alternative to stainless steel, especially for those on a budget. Both materials generally outlive other shelving varieties.
Wrought iron is another excellent option for custom metal shelving units, celebrated for its adaptability, durability, and elegant design options. It's often used in furniture making due to these traits. Additionally, wrought iron is water-resistant, capable of supporting heavy loads, and damage-resistant. Although pricier, wrought iron is a sound investment for storage solutions such as metal storage cabinets given its quality, dependability, and attractive appearance.
Aluminum shares multiple characteristics with steel, such as durability and ductility, alongside excellent electrical and thermal conductivity.
Wire steel shelves and supports are coated in epoxy for an additional protective layer. This makes epoxy-coated shelving ideal for food-handling areas, such as kitchens, since it resists tarnishing and bacteria growth.
The epoxy coating can withstand cold and moisture, enhancing the longevity and dependability of wire shelves, making them suitable for storing an array of materials.
Additional characteristics of aluminum include:
Aluminum is widely chosen for industrial shelving because of its lightness, which makes for easy maneuvering. Its strength can also be improved by adjusting its alloy composition.
Aluminum’s natural protective oxide layer ensures high corrosion resistance, maintaining the shelf's structural integrity over time.
Aluminum shelving is both impermeable and devoid of odors, making it ideal for laboratory use where liquids are stored.
Aluminum is an environmentally friendly material, noted for being 100% recyclable. Its repurposing requires minimal energy, showcasing aluminum shelving as a sustainable option.
Copper is an appealing metal frequently used for industrial shelves and is a popular choice for interior designs. Known for its strong, corrosion-resistant, and high conductive properties, copper makes a durable shelving material.
Other notable properties of copper include:
Due to its non-magnetic characteristics, copper is ideal for shelves used in storing other metals.
Copper contains bacteriostatic and fungicidal properties, contributing to its sanitation benefits and inhibiting bacterial spread.
The different types of metal shelving are:
Steel shelving is known for being adjustable, cost-effective, and durable, which contributes to its popularity in various industries and retail environments. Clip-style steel shelving combines these benefits with the added convenience of compression clips, allowing for easy adjustment and configuration to suit your needs.
Steel is well-suited for heavy-duty applications due to its ability to support substantial loads and its long lifespan. While it is commonly used for storing cartons or smaller items, clip-style steel shelving can accommodate a wide range of items, provided they are within the system's load capacity and the units are configured correctly. With fully adjustable shelf heights, steel shelving can effectively handle items of various shapes and sizes.
Bulk rack shelving, also referred to as wide-span shelving, is designed to manage large or bulky items in warehouses and distribution centers. These systems are typically boltless, allowing for easy assembly and adjustment.
These systems are similar to standard pallet racks and feature horizontal beams and vertical uprights. They can be constructed from wood, wire, or metal. Bulk rack shelving is an excellent choice for storing medium to heavy, extra-wide items.
This shelving type is ideal for those who prioritize durability and ease of use. It features a unique design that does not require clips or bolts yet can support heavy loads and is fully adjustable. However, it's important to note that there are various types of rivet shelving, with some capable of handling heavier loads than others.
The shelves in rivet systems can be made from either particle board or metal wire. While particle board is cost-effective, it can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures and moisture, unlike metal wire, which is more resistant to these conditions.
This type of shelving may not support the heavy loads that traditional warehouse shelving can handle. However, it offers improved product visibility and better air circulation. Despite this, wire shelving is not exclusively for lightweight items.
Industrial wire shelves can often handle heavy loads with ease, but this will only depend on the type of wire shelf used.
This type of shelving is commonly categorized as backroom shelving. It offers the easy assembly and adjustability typical of backroom systems and is highly versatile. Capable of supporting over 500 pounds in many cases, it is suitable for a broad range of industrial applications beyond backrooms and stockrooms.
Clipless shelving is an excellent choice if you anticipate needing to frequently change the layout of your warehouse. It is also ideal for situations where you need a shelving system that can be easily assembled and disassembled for temporary use.
Boltless shelving is designed to meet heavy-duty storage needs. Its versatile design allows for easy configuration and adjustment without the need for bolts.
Rivet connections are used instead of bolts and nuts for assembling the shelving, allowing for precise shelf adjustments in small increments to meet your storage needs.
Mobile shelving is preferred when space utilization is a priority. These systems are set on a track rail system, with the ability to open the individual aisles as needed, and they fall among many of the most space-efficient choices. Mobile shelving is often used in offices and storerooms, and they are customized to store archives or small parts.
One drawback of these systems is that aisles need to be opened using a wheel crank, which can be time-consuming and challenging, especially with heavy items on the shelves. To address this issue, a mechanized system can be installed, allowing control from a terminal or computer. However, this solution increases the overall cost.
This chapter will explore the various applications of metal shelving, including a comparison between steel and rivet shelving. Additionally, it will examine the differences between wire and wood shelving for closet storage.
The various uses of metal shelving are:
Metal shelving is designed to support heavy loads, unlike plastic or other materials. This capability allows for more efficient use of space in storerooms or warehouses by enabling items to be stacked higher, thus reducing the need for additional floor space.
Metal shelving is well-suited for storing documents. Companies often use wire shelving to organize banker’s boxes filled with years of archived data. With metal shelving, businesses can rely on the durability of the shelves to prevent collapse over time, making it easier to locate and access documents when needed.
Wire shelving is widely used across various industries due to its ability to endure a range of temperatures. It is particularly well-suited for IT departments as server racks, and for refrigeration units in restaurants and grocery stores. The flow-through ventilation of metal shelving helps reduce condensation buildup and maintain cooler temperatures for stored items.
Wire shelving is commonly used in commercial kitchens because it promotes better air circulation between shelves, helping food stay fresh longer. In industrial and commercial kitchens, where quick access to large inventories of frozen or fresh food is essential, wire shelving provides an effective solution.
In addition to its advantages in weight support and ventilation, metal shelving provides a sleek and clean appearance in retail environments. Its effective visual merchandising makes it a standard choice in retail settings.
In many industrial environments, highly corrosive products are used, making the integrity of shelving units crucial. A failure in shelving could lead to hazardous situations with dangerous chemicals. Metal shelving is ideal for safely and securely storing drums, allowing for clear visibility of labels to ensure that contents meet all necessary storage and shipping regulations.
Repair shops require versatile storage solutions, and metal shelving provides high visibility for easy access. Additionally, bin systems can be integrated to help organize and track smaller parts efficiently.
Metal shelving is widely used for general organization due to its durability, versatility, and visibility. It is commonly chosen for storerooms where heavy document boxes or parts can be stored in one area, while daily business items and supplies are neatly organized on other shelves.
Metal shelving is perfect for organizing laundry, cleaning supplies, and extra linens. Shelves can even be mounted above washers and dryers to maximize space.
This section will analyze the differences between steel shelving and rivet shelving.
Industrial steel shelving, also known as clip shelving or metal shelving, is ideal for storage environments that need accessories such as dividers, modular drawers, and cabinet doors for organizing and separating items. Its popularity stems from its flexibility and ease of reconfiguration to adapt to changing workflow processes. This type of shelving can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your picking operations.
Steel clip shelving typically offers a higher weight capacity per square foot compared to other shelving types. For scenarios requiring bulk storage, rivet shelving is an effective solution for holding large quantities of products. Rivet shelving is a straightforward storage option, often eliminating the need for hardware like nuts and bolts.
Rivet shelving features beams with rivets that can slide and secure into position when attached to the corresponding uprights. This design provides more flexibility in adjusting shelf heights compared to steel clip shelving. Storage surfaces are created using wire decking or particle board that rests on the beams and uprights.
Industrial steel shelving is considered the gold standard for warehouses and large storage facilities due to its efficient design, durability, and substantial weight capacity per shelf. Steel shelving offers enhanced stability and robust structural integrity, allowing you to maximize storage by stacking items higher. Metal shelving can be configured in open or closed styles. Open steel shelving provides easy access and greater strength when supported by braces. Closed shelving, with its side and back panels, offers additional rigidity and support.
Rivet shelving is a versatile choice for warehouse storage, featuring a straightforward design with interlocking rivets and teardrop holes. This design allows for quick and easy installation without the need for extra hardware, providing a stable and efficient storage solution.
Both steel and rivet shelving serve important roles in warehouse settings. The primary advantage of steel shelving is its capacity for expansion, allowing for the creation of multi-level platforms by stacking units on top of each other.
In today’s homes, especially smaller ones, finding adequate closet storage can be challenging. To maintain a clean and organized home while preserving your sanity, optimizing available space is essential. The choice of shelving can significantly impact this. You can choose between wire or wood closet shelving, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Often, one type may be more suitable for a particular closet than the other.
Wire shelving is an excellent choice for various areas of the house, whether it’s your pantry, garage, or linen closet. Constructed from industrial-grade steel and coated with epoxy, wire shelving provides a durable, smooth finish. The epoxy coating prevents rust, discoloration, and peeling, ensuring that the shelves remain non-sticky over time and resist chips, corrosion, and chemicals.
Wire shelving offers long-lasting durability and excellent ventilation. These systems enhance air circulation, improve visibility of stored items, and resist warping and moisture accumulation. They are highly durable and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for areas where airflow is crucial, such as linen closets, pantries, and shoe closets.
Another significant advantage of wire shelving is the wide range of styles and depths available. These shelves are fully customizable to fit various spaces, from small hall closets to larger storage areas, allowing for efficient storage of items like towels or blankets without worrying about dust or debris build-up.
Wood shelving is another excellent choice for various areas of the home. Known for its durability and sturdiness, wood shelving also offers a wide range of finish options. For a more upscale appearance in your closets, wood shelving is an ideal option.
Wood provides numerous design possibilities and typically complements any decor. Its versatility makes it a great choice for any setting, including walk-in closets, where it offers an elegant yet cost-effective solution. Wood shelving can also be custom-made to fit any closet space, enhancing its adaptability to different home environments.
While wood shelving can be visually appealing, it requires more maintenance compared to wire shelving. Unlike wire shelves, wood does not offer the same level of ventilation, so dust accumulation needs to be managed more frequently. Additionally, wood shelving should be placed in areas with minimal moisture and heat to prevent warping and damage. Proper care is essential to keep wood shelving in good condition.
To extend the life of wood shelving, it's important to maintain it properly. For example, placing heavier items towards the edges can help reduce the risk of sagging and warping.
Metal shelving is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, including:
The upcoming sections will explore the advantages of using metal shelving.
Metal shelving also has some significant drawbacks, including:
Since industrial shelving is fabricated from tough durable steel designed to last, it is more expensive than other warehouse shelving types. For small warehouse operations with low volume or limited storage space, the best option for your warehouse may not be steel shelving.
While steel shelving is highly durable, it presents challenges when it comes to uninstalling or reconfiguring. The installation process is more complex compared to other types of shelving due to the need for welding to ensure additional support and strength. This complexity makes it difficult to alter or expand the layout of your warehouse if needed.
Despite these drawbacks, the advantages of metal shelving generally outweigh its limitations.
The benefits of metal shelving include:
Wire shelving comes in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and finishes. Popular options include nickel chrome plating, zinc plating, antimicrobial coatings, and black or white epoxy finishes.
Due to its customizable nature, wire shelving can be tailored to various designs. For instance, contemporary shelving units might feature a gold finish paired with brown wooden shelves.
For a more minimalist look, a sleek white epoxy wire rack is a great choice. Metal shelving is easily paintable, allowing for straightforward customization. Available in various forms such as closet organizers, freestanding units, kitchen islands, and wire racks, metal shelving can meet a variety of needs. Additionally, it is reconfigurable, offering flexibility if you decide to change the shelving layout.
Metal shelving, particularly wire shelving, demands significantly less maintenance compared to wood shelving. Wood shelving often needs periodic refinishing due to scuffs, dents, and warping from environmental factors. In contrast, wire racks require only occasional wiping, as they do not attract dust as readily. Most wire shelving units can support up to 200 pounds, depending on their design, though industrial-grade options can hold up to 800 pounds.
Wire shelving, a type of metal shelving, features gaps between each wire, which minimizes dust accumulation and reduces the need for frequent cleaning. This design means you won’t need to remove everything from the shelves to clean them thoroughly. Instead, the wire racks facilitate dust falling through and settling on the floor, making it easier to clean the surface. Overall, wire shelving is durable, practical, and easy to maintain.
By placing goods on shelves, they are kept off the warehouse floor, which helps prevent damage to packaging and ensures the items remain intact.
Grouping similar items together can streamline their placement and retrieval, ultimately saving both time and labor costs.
Combining storage racks with elevators and forklifts can enhance the efficiency of both entry and exit processes.
Adjusting shelf heights to utilize the unused vertical space in the warehouse allows for placing goods without the need for stacking them high as before.
With goods clearly placed and precisely positioned, counting becomes easier, and the neatly arranged shelves allow for quick visibility, reducing the likelihood of theft.
Metal shelving is a great solution when storage space is limited. It is durable and therefore can handle huge loads. There are different types of metals that can be used to construct a metal shelf including steel, copper, wrought iron, etc. Each type of metal offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Metal shelving has shown greater strength in terms of the amount of loads that it can handle than other types of shelving.
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