Pallet rack vertical arms are a key component to maximizing warehouse storage capacity. Understanding how they work can help you make informed decisions when purchasing a new system for your facility.
Upright Frames
Pallet rack upright frames are sturdy vertical columns that connect to horizontal beams that store inventory. They are available in two forms: roll-formed and structural. Both are durable and designed to support a high load.
Beam connector plates vary by system type and manufacturer but are generally welded at 360 degrees to prevent dislodging of beams from upward forklift pallet impact. The size of these plates can impact the maximum load capacity of your system. Larger plate sizes allow more space for connection of beams to the upright frames.
Crossbars are horizontal or diagonal metal profiles fitted to the upright frames to reduce the chance of load instability and increase load capacity. They are not included with all systems but can be a cost-effective option to consider for some applications.
Horizontal Beams
The horizontal load bars, or beams, of a pallet rack are perpendicular to the vertical upright frames and connect to them with either lugs or pinch clips. Ridg-U-Rak slotted uprights use a hook material that fits into slots to quickly and securely connect the beams. The most popular and common form of racking is teardrop – the punched hole design allows horizontal beams to lock to vertical upright frames for fast assembly.
Cantilever rack is a system that supports long and cumbersome loads like pipes, lumber or carpet rolls with horizontal arms fixed to the vertical uprights with welds, bolts or brackets. It is used to reduce aisle space requirements and improve accessibility for high-density storage but it can be susceptible to forklift damage if not optimized for the type of inventory stored.