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Ready to ShipAs the name implies, a shelf rack or shelf rack system is a type of storage that uses shelves for storing different kinds of accessories, such as tools and Kitchen items. Since tools in a workshop or kitchen items come in different dimensions, various shelf rack systems are available. They include the following:
This stationary shelf rack system is moored on the floors of the rooms where they are being used. Thus, they cannot be moved to other areas of the building with ease. The center of the shelf consists of a laminate-top worktable, while the sides are racks. The bottom part of the shelf can be either open types or closed types. Closed types have cabinets. Stationary shelf racks are generally used in all kinds of organizations, either large or small.
Mobile shelf racks are quite similar to stationary shelf racks. However, the major difference is that they are mounted on wheels and hence can be moved from one area to another quite easily. Some mobile shelf racks also have a brake mechanism to prevent them from moving unintentionally.
As the name suggests, suspended shelves are mounted on the walls and can be even suspended from the ceiling in some cases. They are ordinarily produced in horizontal patterns and can be expanded. Wall-mounted shelf racks are, therefore, best suitable for small working areas.
These types of shelf racks can be stacked on each other. The height of these shelf racks can be increased by adding more shelves or tiers. Hence, stackable shelf racks are suitable for storing items that are in a high demand to occupy storage spaces.
They are also known as a mobile comrade. The card shelf rack system consists of shelves that are mounted on wheels and can easily slide in and out of the bay. The wheels make it a very flexible option for the user. Also, it allows an easy arrangement of things.
These are also known as arm shelves. They are designed to accommodate long items, such as tools, pipes, and wood. One of the unique features of cantilever shelf racks is that they do not come with a back panel. This feature provides easy access to items that are being stored.
Shelf rack systems are used in numerous working environments due to their storage capability. Here are some of the places where these shelf racks are used:
They are large storehouses that store large quantities of products before they are supplied to retail outlets. Warehouse shelves, hence, are expected to have very high loads. This is because they are designed to deal with the heavy storage of stock.
Office shelf racks are most often used to arrange documents, files, and other business activities. They are, therefore, designed to be organized and easy to access.
Workplace shelves help keep workplace tools, equipment, and supplies in order. They are, therefore, strong and very robust to withstand heavy tool loads. Kitchen shelf racks and workplace shelf racks sometimes can be interchanged.
Retail store owners use shelf racks to display their products. Store shelves are designed to be attractive to potential customers.
They are storage places for books and other reading materials. Book shelf racks are, therefore, designed with an emphasis on order and ease of access.
Schools store their learning materials in shelf racks, including books, instruments, and laboratory apparatus.
Some residential areas also have shelf racks. For instance, kitchens, garages, and home offices provide convenience in access and organization.
As stated, the shelf rack system has several variations and designs. Shelf rack systems' height, load capacity, shelf material, mobility, and adjustability have become major distinguishing features. The following are some of the commonly used specifications and features of a shelf rack system:
Today, shelf rack systems can be made from various materials to make them more attractive to their end-users. The materials used to make the shelf rack system are, to a great extent, responsible for the strength and functionality of this equipment. For instance, metal shelf racks are sturdy and are normally used in areas that are exposed to heavy loads, such as warehouses and workshops. On the other side, wooden shelf racks are used mostly in houses and offices, as they look nice and are also durable.
This refers to the vertical distance between the lowest and highest points of a shelf rack system.
It refers to the amount of weight that can be supported by the structure without risking damage to the structure or collapse. Henceforth, the loading capacity should be considered primarily when purchasing a shelf rack system. This is important because the intended storage items have much weight.
Mobile shelf racks are mounted on wheels and can be rolled from one space to another, as discussed above. Fixed shelf racks, however, are permanently located in one area and, therefore, can be incapable of moving them to another space with ease.
These shelf racks come with adjustable shelves, making them more flexible. These basically include perforated shelf racks. The height of an adjustable shelf rack can, therefore, be modified to suit the storage requirements of various items. Fixed shelf racks do not offer flexibility, as the shelves are set at a certain height and cannot be changed.
However, like every other item, shelf rack systems are also prone to certain quality issues. In addition, proper maintenance is paramount to ensure shelf rack maximizes its functionality as intended. It is done together with making and keeping this storage system durable. Some of the quality-related issues to consider when purchasing shelf racks include the following:
Corrosion is a common problem that affects the majority of metal shelf racks. Moisture or water is one of the leading causes of this problem. When water gets on the metal surface, it tends to form oxide on the surface of the metal. Eventually, this will eat into the metal and damage its surface.
While corrosion is irreversible, there are a few methods to prevent it. For instance, painting the metal surface or using stainless steel or aluminum to make the shelf rack. This is because these two metals are less likely to be affected by corrosion. Other than that, keep the mobile shelf rack system as dry as possible.
Instability can also be caused by several factors, such as what caused the mobile shelf rack to mount on wheels falling over. The most common reason for the instabilities of shelf racks, especially mobile ones, are usually overloaded. Loading only a few of the lower shelves may cause the entire structure to topple over.
Another cause of instability, especially for mobile shelf racks, has to be the failure to lock the wheels. To prevent shelf racks from being unstable, one must observe the loading capacity of every shelf. It is also important to use the brakes on the wheels of mobile shelf racks whenever needed. In some cases, some mobile's shelf racks come with fixed shelf racks as an alternative.
Noise is also another problem that affects shelf rack systems, specifically the mobile ones. Noise can be considered as an inconvenience and damage the items or stocks being stored on it. Usually, noise comes from the two main sources, namely wheels and slides. The best way to reduce the noise is to regularly grease the wheels and slides.
Furthermore, when buying mobile shelf racks, one should look for mobile shelf racks made from rubber because they generate less noise when in motion. Maintenance of the shelf rack system primarily entails avoiding overloading any of the tiers of the system.
Grinding and scraping can also lead to serious damage to the items being stored on the shelf rack systems, and these are common problems. These two problems normally occur on mobile shelf racks when the wheels are not taken good care of, especially when the wheels are rusty or dirty, and furthermore, when trying to push the shelf rack. The worst part is that this may end up damaging the products that may be on the shelf rack.
Choosing shelf rack system for own organization or clients requires one to consider several factors. These factors include the following:
Determine the customers or own storage requirements. Consider the types of items to be stored and their sizes and weights. For example, heavy items may require to be placed on metal or plywood support bottom cells. On the other hand, light items can be stored on wooden shelf rack systems and the like.
How much space is available also significantly affects the type of shelf rack that will be used. For example, wall shelves are best used in small spaces since they can be closed in on. Large spaces more often than not allow the use of the stationary shelf rack systems in combination with some mobile shelf rack system.
Deciding whether the shelf rack system to host is mobile or fixed mostly depends on the style of operation. Mobile shelf racks are more appropriate if the demand for storage space is dynamic and frequent changes are made. On the other hand, if the operation is more of a constant over a long period of time, then a fixed shelf rack would be more appropriate.
Prices of shelf rack systems are all over the place, depending on the style, design, and material used to make the shelf rack system. It is therefore important to consider the clients' or customers' overall budget. However, while on the budget, also look for a long-lasting and high-performing shelf rack system since it will pay off in the long run.
There is also the possibility of customizing the shelf rack system, especially for customers who need them to be tailored to their specifics. Before going for customization, carefully think through the advantages and disadvantages of going for custom solutions since sometimes they can be more costly than standard options.
A1. Although they can be placed outside, it is recommended that they should be placed indoors. This is because outdoor conditions, such as rain and sunlight, will affect the materials used, especially wood and metal.
A2. When the shelf rack system is shaking or rusting, it is going to collapse any time soon. That is why these two conditions should be dealt with immediately. Another, when the wheels are not turning smoothly and making a lot of noise, it can also be replaced.
A3. To prevent the deterioration of wooden shelves, avoid exposing them to sunlight, which can cause the wood to dry out and eventually develop cracks. Another way to prevent the deterioration of wooden shelves is to polish them regularly with varnish or wax.
A4. The choice of material to use when making shelf rack systems depends on the environment and use. If it is going to be used in a humid place, go for metal. If it's for the office or home, use wood. How much weight does the client intend to put on the shelves also matters.
A5. No, mobile shelf racks cannot be used outside because they are mostly attached to rollers, which can be affected by rain. In addition, they are made of wood, which can also cause them to warp.
In conclusion, shelf rack systems are ideal for organizing and storing a wide range of items in different environments. Therefore, being aware of the various types, applications, specifications, and factors that affect their quality and maintenance will help in choosing the right one for various needs. The information above is everything one needs to know before going to buy the shelf rack system.
