Steel Shelving
Steel shelving, also known as steel shelving racks or steel racks, consists of storage units constructed from alloyed steel sheets and supports. Steel shelving is designed to transform unused areas into efficient storage solutions and enhance organization by maximizing available space.
Quick links to Steel Shelving Information
History of Steel Shelving
Steel has been utilized for centuries. In ancient civilizations, people across the globe developed their own steel-like iron alloys. The oldest discovered steel items are carbon steel pottery pieces from 4,000 years ago, found in Anatolia, present-day Turkey.
- During 1800’s
- Although steel has existed for many years, steel shelving is a more recent development. Industrial steel production was historically costly and labor-intensive, but in 1855, Henry Bessemer revolutionized steel manufacturing with his Bessemer Process. This method enabled economical bulk production of steel, known as mild steel, which was stronger than previously available wrought iron and cast iron, even if not as strong as modern varieties.
- During 1900’s
- The Bessemer Process and methods like the Siemens-Martin Process remained prevalent for about a century. In the 1950s, new oxygen-based steelmaking processes, such as basic oxygen steelmaking (BOS) and the Linz-Donawitz process, further improved steel quality and production speed.
- Steel shelving emerged around this era. In 1939, engineer Demetrius Comino designed slotted angle shelving made from steel to improve storage at his business, Krisson Printing Ltd. Traditional wooden shelves proved inefficient, while his adjustable steel units offered durability and flexibility. He began manufacturing these as Dexion steel strips in 1947, adapting a die press for continuous operation. Initially popular at exhibitions, steel shelving soon expanded into warehouses, commercial settings, and homes. As steel became more affordable, other companies adopted similar designs, leading to worldwide production of steel shelving.
- Current Years
- Today, steel shelving remains widely used. Modern manufacturing allows shelves to be produced quickly and cost-effectively, often utilizing recycled scrap metal. Sustainability is increasingly important to the future of steel shelving solutions.
Advantages of Steel Shelving
Stainless steel shelving is favored in many industries due to its outstanding durability, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting performance.
Customers choose steel shelves over other materials such as alternative metals, plastics, wood, and composites for several reasons. Steel shelving is strong and resists corrosion, protecting valuable items in demanding environments. It is also lightweight, easy to handle, and offers versatility. Manufacturers can customize steel shelving to nearly any size or shape. Furthermore, steel shelving is highly reusable and can be recycled, making it an environmentally friendly storage solution.
Design of Steel Shelving
- Purposes
- Shelving systems and racks are used for a broad range of applications. These storage solutions can be installed as standalone units or as part of larger mezzanine systems in industrial, commercial, or residential spaces. You can find steel shelving racks in locations such as commercial coolers, manufacturing plants, warehouses, fire stations, and hospitals.
- Production Process
- Manufacturers produce steel shelving components primarily from steel sheets, which are shaped through various forming and fabrication techniques. Dividers, bases, and shelves are made using processes like annealing, bending, cold rolling, drawing, forging, mechanical working, press forming, or roll forming. Posts and support frames are created with methods such as cold rolling, drawing, and stamping.
- Materials
- Steel shelving is fabricated from a variety of steel types, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and structural steel. Steel's primary elements—iron and carbon—provide strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and a relatively light weight. Adding other metallic elements allows manufacturers to fine-tune steel's properties to suit specific applications. The steel’s composition greatly affects its performance characteristics.
- Considerations and Customization
- Safety is a primary concern in steel shelving design. Manufacturers must know the dimensions and weight of items to be stored to ensure the shelving meets capacity and load requirements. The type and thickness of steel used depends on the desired strength and weight capacity. Shelving units should always support more weight than the total load they will bear. Additional considerations include accessibility, compliance with standards, and budget. Steel shelving can be tailored to meet diverse specifications and needs.
Types of Steel Shelving
There are many types of shelving racks, but they generally fall into two main categories: open and closed shelving. The difference depends on whether the shelving units have an open structure or have panels on one or more sides, forming a backing.
- Open Shelving
- Offers greater accessibility compared to closed shelving. Supported by back and side braces rather than panels, open shelving helps reduce lateral movement. These shelves are ideal for environments where access is needed from both sides and the risk of tipping is low.
- Closed Shelving
- Features panels on the back and sides to prevent items from falling off, though this reduces accessibility compared to open frames. Adding a door increases security and stability, as some closed units can be locked. Lockable cabinets present a professional appearance.
- Beyond these basics, there are multiple other adjustable and standardized shelving options. The descriptions below provide more details about these variations.
- Adjustable Shelving
- Designed for flexibility, these storage or display units can be reconfigured to make the most of available space.
- Heavy Duty Shelving
- Engineered for large and heavy items that exceed the weight limits of standard shelves. Also called industrial shelving, these systems use robust frameworks and shelving to store equipment and products. They are common in industries such as automotive, garage, chemical, food processing, manufacturing, warehousing, textiles, and publishing.
- Light Duty Shelving
- Provides benefits like no requirement for nuts or bolts, simple assembly, adjustable shelves, clear spans, standalone design, and easy access from all sides. Light-duty shelving is often used for commercial and residential office storage needs.
- Metal Shelving
- A highly durable storage solution that maximizes both horizontal and vertical space in industrial, commercial, and home environments.
- Mobile Shelving
- Equipped with wheels, these shelving units can be easily moved for flexible storage solutions in changing environments.
- Shelving
- Efficiently utilizes available area by stacking goods both horizontally and vertically.
- Shelving Units
- Individual modules that are combined to create a complete shelving system for storage.
- Stainless Steel Shelving
- Constructed from stainless steel, this shelving is highly durable and corrosion resistant. It is commonly used to organize storage spaces effectively.
- Storage Shelving
- Composed of horizontal surfaces arranged parallel to the floor. These can function either as a single steel rack or as part of a comprehensive storage system.
- Wall Shelving
- Provides storage or display space by being mounted directly on walls, saving valuable floor space.
- Wire Shelving
- This type of shelving features surfaces made from interwoven or latticed metal rods. Wire shelving is especially popular in compact spaces since it is less bulky and allows for more visibility.
Installation of Steel Shelving
Steel shelving may arrive pre-assembled, or you may choose to have your supplier handle assembly onsite. Alternatively, you can install shelving yourself, ensuring that all supports and braces are tightly secured. Assembly methods often include welding or mechanical fasteners like nuts, bolts, and rivets. To prevent tipping, anchor shelving units to the floor with foot plates or braces, which stabilize the structure and reduce the risk of shifting. Always check that vertical and horizontal components are level both before and after final assembly.
Proper installation is essential for workplace safety and the effectiveness of any shelving system, regardless of its type or size. For specific installation instructions, consult your steel shelving manufacturer.
Standards and Specifications of Steel Shelving
It is crucial to comply with all relevant federal, state, and local building and fire safety codes to ensure a safe workplace. Organizations such as OSHA, ISO, ANSI, and MHI (accredited by ANSI) provide applicable standards. Consult industry leaders to determine the appropriate standards for your steel shelving systems.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Steel Shelving
When searching for steel shelving units, select a reputable supplier with proven expertise. To assist you, we have compiled a list of trusted manufacturers.
Before reviewing your options, create a list of your specifications and requirements to streamline the selection process. Include factors such as budget, project timeline, delivery needs, and installation preferences. When evaluating steel shelving, consider both the shelf dimensions and the attributes of your inventory. Clearly communicate the required length, width, height, and depth. Since some suppliers specify overall shelf dimensions rather than cubic storage space, clarify this to ensure you choose the right shelving for your needs.
Once your requirements are defined, compare at least three to four top manufacturers. Reach out to each one to discuss your needs, compare their responses, and select the supplier that best meets your application requirements.
Accessories of Steel Shelving
Popular steel shelving accessories include labels, casters, shelf liners, cart covers, additional wire shelving, stacking baskets, dividers, push handles, enclosure panels, foot plates, hanger rods, and more.
Steel Shelving Terms
- Adder Unit
- A shelving section that attaches to a starter unit, using shared sides to create a continuous row of shelving.
- Back Braces
- Components attached to the rear posts of open shelving, providing additional lateral support.
- Back Panel
- A panel that closes off the back of shelving units, enhancing lateral stability.
- Base Strip
- A strip that fills the gap between the floor and the bottom shelf, preventing dust and debris buildup beneath shelving.
- Bin Front
- An accessory that enables storage of small bulk parts on steel shelving.
- Box Post
- A post used at the front or end of a row, offering full-width access to shelves and some vertical adjustability.
- Drawer Insert Unit
- Small drawer modules designed for organizing and storing smaller items within shelving units.
- Full Height Dividers
- Vertical partitions that divide shelving into smaller compartments.
- Heavy-Duty Modular Drawers
- Accessories that convert shelving sections into high-density storage for small parts.
- Offset Angle Post
- A high-strength, roll-formed post that increases rigidity and allows for adjustable shelf clip placement.
- Partial Height Divider
- An accessory used to section off parts of a shelf.
- Shelf Boxes
- Steel accessories for storing small items, sometimes featuring a built-in stop for convenience.
- Shelf Capacity
- The maximum load a shelf can support, based on evenly distributed weight.
- Shelf Clip
- A device that attaches shelves to posts, allowing for easy repositioning of shelving at set intervals.
- Shelf Depth
- The measurement of a shelf from front to back.
- Sliding Divider
- A divider that fits around the front and rear shelf flanges and can be moved to adjust compartment size.
