GLOSSARY OF TERMS |
Here we provide you with a small glossary of the common terms used when describing racking systems. Many terms in the list will relate to the same item.
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Bay |
A single bay of racking consists of two frames and at least one level of beams (one level consists of two beams) . Additional bays can be added to this using another frame and another level of beams, this then becomes a run or a row.
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Also known as horizontals, two beams (front and back) form the main support for palletised load running horizontally between two frames. Beam sizes vary in length and load bearing typically between 1.2m to 4m. However the UK industry standard is a 2.7m 2000kg beam deisigned to carry two pallets of 1000kg.
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Boards |
When goods are not palletised chipboard can be used between the beams to form shelving, however caution must be taken as chipboard shelving will have a much lower loading capacity than the actual beams. Typical widths of shelving are 15mm and 18mm.
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Bracing Bars |
Bracing bars are one of the main components that make up a frame, the bracing bars run either diagonally or horizontally between the frame legs to give support and strength. Bracing bars are usually bolted together and to the frames however with some systems such as redirack bracing bars are welded.
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Cantilever Racking |
A specific type of racking that is usually used for storing sheets or piping. Cantilever racking consists of a series of central columns with several levals of horizontal arms used for supporting goods alog their length. Cantilever racking is rare on the second hand market.
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Connectors |
Connectors are the section of the beam that connects to the frames, usually consisting of a series of lugs that correspond the correct size whole on a compatible frame. Using this system virtually all heavy duty pallet racking systems are clip together and bolt free.
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Drive In |
Drive in racking is a spefic type of racking system where pallets are stored in an aisle-less racking system. Acces to the pallet is gained by driving into the racking and depositing pallets (supported by rails running either side of the frames. Due to the lack of aisles drive in racking is much more economical with regards to space but has limited accessability as pallets can only be removed in the order they were inserted. Ideal for batch processes.
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Dropovers |
Dropovers are galvanised metal plates that fit scross the two beams to form a shelving level. Ideal for situations where large amount of chipboard would present a fire hazard. Galvanised steel dropovers also have much more predictable weight loading characteristics.
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Feet |
Located at the bottom af the frame the feet allow the frames to be anchored (Bolted to the floor) recommended for all racking systems. All of our frames come complete, inclusive of feet and bracing bars.
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Floor Anchors |
Bolts used to hold the frames firmly on the ground. No matter how good your drivers are accidents will always happen.
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Frames |
Also know as uprights or legs, the frames form the supprt for the beams. Frames are made up of three components, legs, bracing bars (horizontal and vertical) and feet. Whether welded or bolted all of our frames come complete. Two frames are required to make a single bay of racking, additional bays of racking can be added to this with the addition of another single frame. Weh there are more than one bay in a row this becomes known as a run or a row.
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Horizontals |
See Beams.
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Leg Protector |
Leg protectors are a metal shield that fit arounf the frame legs and are bolted to the floor. The purpose of leg protectors are to guard against accidental damage that may occur during collisions with forklift trucks.
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Locking Pin |
Locking pins are small latches that fit through the beam connector and into the frame in order to prevent beams being accidentally dislodged buy forlift trucks.. Locking pins come in many different varieties depening on the make of the racking but they all do the same job.
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Narrow Aisle |
The term narrow aisle refers to a type of pallet racking that is loaded and uloaded using side loading fork truck. This type truck allows the runs of rackings to be placed much closer together creating very narrow aisles. This type of system is very economical with regards to the utilisation of space.
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Pallet Support Bars |
Pallet support bars run perpendicular to the beams, spanning the gap between them. Two pallet support bars can be used to support the weights of heavy pallets that would otherwise sag in the middle. Similar items can be used to support coils/barrels and other objects.
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Row |
More than one consequtive bay of racking. Also known as Runs.
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Row Spacer |
When two runs of racking are place back to back they are much more stable if row spacers are used to brifge the inevitable gap between them needed for the pallet overhang. A typical row spacer is approximately 30cm but this varies dependant on the pallet type used.
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Runs |
More than one consequtive bay of racking. Also known as Rows.
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Shimms |
Racking systems are very sensitive to uneven ground, when leveling a floor is not an option small metal plates called shimms can be used to counter small differences in ground level.
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UDL |
Universally Distributed Load - The maximum loading capacity of a beam assuming that the load is evenly distributed across it.
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Uprights |
See Frames;
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Wide Aisle
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The term wide aisle refers to a type of pallet racking that is loaded and uloaded using counterbalanced fork trucks. This type of truck means the runs of rackings need to be placed further apart to accomodate the turning circle of the vehicle. This is the most common type of racking system.
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