An industrial shelving system is required in many industries as it is used for storing and organizing products in a warehouse or for displaying items for sale. Many manufacturers offer a variety of racks and shelves in different colors, sizes and shapes. Before buying a shelving system for your business, you should consider these important factors:
- Size of your storage or display area.
- Size, weight and shape of the items that you will store or display.
- Type of environment of your storage area (Indoor, Outdoor, Humid, Cold, etc.)
Once you’ve determined the above factors, looking for the most suitable shelving system for your business will be easier. Here are some of the most common industrial shelving options available today.
Slotted Angle Shelving
A slotted angle shelving system is designed for storing light or medium loads. A slotted angle rack features a multi-hole design that lets you easily adjust the height and width of the rack according to your storage needs. Most manufacturers use electrostatic powder-coating technology on their slotted angle bars and horizontal beams to prevent corrosion. Slotted angle shelving systems are typically used in bookstores, supermarkets and commissaries. Slotted angle shelves may also be used in storing documents and office supplies, electronics or automotive parts.
Rivet Shelving
Rivet or boltless shelving systems are faster and easier to install as they require no nuts, clips or bolts to assemble. Rivet shelves are stackable so they can be designed for multi-level racking, allowing you to maximize your storage space. Rivet shelving systems are ideal for retail, warehouse and records storage.
Wire Shelving
Wire shelving is typically used in industries such as education, healthcare and food service. Wire racks have a steel mesh base on each level supported by metal frames. Wire shelving systems are lightweight and resistant to mold and rust. They are also suitable for storing items that require light or air circulation to prevent dust accumulation or bacteria formation.
Pallet Shelving
Pallet racking systems are designed for heavy-duty storage of palletized or boxed products. They are commonly used in the textile, automotive, construction and import/export industries, where large quantities of items are stored. Pallet shelves can be welded together for a more stable horizontal storage system.
Carton Live Shelving
Carton live shelving implements FIFO (first-in, first out) system. Racks are made up of inclined or horizontal racks with rolling tracks for faster and easier storage and retrieval of goods. Carton live shelving systems are suitable for the chemical, cosmetics, and food and beverage industries.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile shelving systems are utilized in storing office supplies, archives or large number of files and references. Storage racks are placed on mobile bases, allowing you to move racks one directly in front of the other to maximize storage space in a compact manner. Mobile shelving systems allows you to reconfigure and move storage space faster while minimizing injury risks.
Now that you know the different types of shelving systems, you can select which one is appropriate for your business needs. The good thing about shelving systems is that they are highly customizable, allowing you to set-up your storage system to match your organizing needs and maximize the available storage space.