Having the
right shelving is integral to the efficiency of a warehouse and, in turn, your
business's productivity. From organising all of your businesses products,
whether that's e-commerce items or tools and software, to holding important
business information and files, there are a variety of ways that industrial
shelving can be utilised.
Industrial
shelving is an important component in a variety of industries. But what
materials are used to make industrial shelving? This kind of question is
important for businesses that use dangerous chemicals or materials in their
work as you don’t want to put the rest of the warehouse at risk. Plus, this
question is important as you want your industrial shelving to be durable and
long-lasting. So, with this in mind, we have put together a detailed guide to
the different types of industrial shelving available, as well as the materials
used to create them.
Most Popular Types of Industrial Shelving and
Storage Racks
Below is a
brief description of the different types of industrial shelving available and
why they are so popular for the industries that they are purchased for.
Steel Shelving
Steel
shelving is one of the most popular industrial shelving and storage racks as it
is both robust and durable. In fact, they are so durable that they can be
easily purchased second hand as well as new. Therefore, it is a cost-effective
purchase for every business. Steel shelving has a range of positive properties
including being adjustable, easy to manoeuvre and can be constructed for both
normal floor units and high rise shelving systems. However, steel shelving is
best for businesses that mainly deal with small products.
Rivet Shelving
The main
reasons as to why many businesses choose to purchase rivet shelving is because
it assembles quickly and is perfect for holding heavier objects. The no bolt or
clip system means that they can be constructed and deconstructed easily -
making them a great option for large scale warehouses.
Wire Shelving
If you are
looking for shelving with good visibility, so you can see the number of goods
and what goods are on display easily, then perhaps wire shelving would better
suit your business. Wire shelving is constructed with thin wires on the base of
the shelf, rather than a singular platform of wood or steel. This means that
not only can you see the products more clearly, but it also means that air can
circulate easily around and through the shelves - perfect if you want a dust
free and airy workplace. Plus, wire shelving is also easy to assemble, hence
why they are a popular choice for many businesses, including the catering and
medical industries. However, wire shelving is not as strong as rivet shelving,
meaning that you should only use it to store smaller, more lightweight objects.
Bulk Rack Shelving
If you have
a smaller warehouse, then perhaps bulk rack shelving would suit you. Famed for
its light-duty properties, it is perfect for fitting into small spaces. In
addition, bulk rack shelving is easy to both assemble and unassemble, so it’s a
great efficient option for smaller businesses that mainly stock hand stacking
materials.
Clipless Shelving
Clipless
shelving is a popular option as it is lightweight to manoeuvre, but can hold
heavy duty items up to 700lbs. It is constructed with steel bracing and
particle board, so it is great for businesses that deal with heavy cumbersome
objects. Furthermore, it is easy to
install too, meaning that this is a versatile choice for your industrial
warehouse.
Pallet
Shelving
Pallet
shelving, or pallet racking, is where materials are stored on pallets, in
horizontal rows and on multiple levels. They have become an essential form of
shelving system for a range of industries.
The Properties of Metal Shelving
Broadly
speaking, the main materials that are used to construct industrial shelving are
metal and wood. These include steel, aluminium, copper, chrome, plywood, koa
and oak. This is because these materials are strong, durable and long-lasting.
Steel is the most popular material used in the industry, yet copper and
aluminium come in a close second. Below we have outlined the various properties
of these materials so you can make an informed decision when you purchase
industrial shelving.
Steel
Steel is an
alloy material consisting mainly of iron, as well as carbon, tungsten, chromium
and manganese. The ratio of these elements within the steel will affect is
strength - for example, steel with high
carbon content will mean that it is much stronger than steel with low carbon
content. Therefore, steel is a metal that is used for drinks cans as well as
industrial shelves and is widespread across a large variety of industries.
Below, are the different properties of steel:
Tensile Strength -
The tensile strength of an object or
material can be defined as how much stress the substance can take from a
bearing load. Steel has an impressive amount of tensile strength, so it will
not fracture or break easily.
Ductility -
Though steel is known for having high
tensile strength, it also possesses plenty of ductility, meaning that it can be
easily moulded in a variety of shapes without resulting in a fracture. This
also means that is malleable so it can be compressed into sheets of different
thickness.
Durable -
As it is a hard alloy, steel has a
high resistance to general wear and tear, meaning that it can be used for a
variety of applications for years and years.
Conductivity -
Steel is a good conductor for heat
and electricity, so is a popular choice for cooking utensils. However, perhaps
not the most important property for industrial shelving, it is good to bear in
mind if your business or industry often deals with electrical items or hot
objects.
Attractive Lustre -
Steel is an attractive metal to use
because it has a shiny lustrous appearance.
Rust Resistant
- The makeup of the steel will affect
its resilience to rust. For example, stainless steel that contains nickel,
molybdenum and chromium will have a high rust resistance, overall, making it a
more durable material.
Aluminium
Aluminium
shares many properties with steel, such as its ductility, durability and
electrical and thermal conductivity. Other properties include:
Lightweight -
Aluminium is a popular choice for
industrial shelving simply because it is lightweight, meaning that you can
manoeuvre the shelves around easily. Furthermore, its strength can be increased
by modifying the alloy composition.
Corrosion Resistant -
Aluminium is naturally corrosion
resistant as it has a protective oxide coating.
Impermeable and Odourless -
Aluminium is a popular choice for
food or medical packaging as it is impermeable and odourless. Plus, it is also
a non-toxic metal.
Recyclable -
If you are looking for eco-friendly
alternatives for your business then aluminium is the perfect option. Aluminium
is known for being 100% recyclable and it requires little energy to be made
into something new.
Copper
A popular
choice for interior design, homeware and sculptures, copper is an attractive
material that is also popular for a variety of industrial purposes, including
shelving. Like aluminium, copper is highly corrosion resistant, strong and has
high conductive properties.
Non-Magnetic -
Used in a variety of military
applications, copper is known for being non-magnetic - therefore perfect for a
variety of utilitarian purposes.
Anti-Bacterial -
Great for a variety of industries,
copper compounds are known for having bacteriostatic agents and fungicides.
Therefore, its hygienic properties can slow down the spread of bacteria.
Wood
Many
structures of industrial shelves will have metal frames and wooden boards.
Furthermore, a popular form of wooden shelving is pallet shelves. As mentioned
previously, the main woods used for these are plywood, oak and koa. This is
because these woods are relatively cheap and easy to find as well as possessing
high strength for a variety of applications and to hold objects. However, wood
is less corrosion resistant, ductile and malleable, as well as being prone to
rot in damp areas.
Racking and Shelving: Robust Industrial Racks
and Shelves and Affordable Storage Solutions
Here at
Racking and Shelving, we have a variety of storage solutions for commercial,
industrial and domestic uses. From mezzanine floors to cupboards and cabinets,
we can help you utilise your space in an efficient and organised way.
Based in Northern Ireland, our shelving and
racking experts can design the perfect storage facility for your business’
needs, creating a safe and equally productive environment. Our consultants can
supply, repair and maintain your shelving and racking solutions, plus we can
upgrade your current systems. To find out more, simply
contact us today.
