Using steel in lieu of plastic for metal shelving provides a lot of benefits.
Metal not only last longer but also withstands the sometimes rough treatment a shelve or rack undergoes in the course of a normal day in a busy warehouse.
There are several different types of metal shelving to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.
No matter the type of metal shelving you choose, manufacturers have many accessories to permit customization and improve the operational efficiencies of your facility.
Basic Types
There are hundreds of types of metal shelving produced under different brand names.
These brands may have slightly different features and accessories for the product. For example, some may come with rail guards included, some may offer rail guards as optional accessories, and others allow different coatings or colors for the shelves.
All fit into three basic categories: wire, steel clip and rivet.
Wire shelving
Wire shelving provides a clean, aesthetic look to your warehousing operations.
Lightweight and easy to clean, warehouse personnel can easily move wire shelving on casters when there is a need to reconfigure the storage setup.
Wire shelving has open construction, without any braces or arms, allowing access to all four sides.
Installation is simple. For facilities with product requiring wash-downs or wet applications, wire shelving makes this process simple and easy.
Wire shelving also fits well into corner areas or spaces with right-angles.
Some disadvantages include slightly higher costs compared to many other types, and less load or weight capacity, usually no more than 1200-pounds per shelf.
Steel Clip
Manufacturers build two types of steel clip shelving: open and closed.
Open clip shelving generally costs much less and has the advantage of making the product visible and easily accessible. Open shelves have X-braces for stability on the sides and back.
Closed clip shelving has semi-enclosing pieces of metal along the back and sides.
All parts of steel clip shelving are made from steel. The type of decking makes no difference.
Rivet shelving
Rivet shelving allows storage of close to 2000-pounds per shelf.
This sort of metal shelving normally uses a 5/8-inch particle board for decking.
The shelves require very little hardware for assembly and are the most economical type of the three types of metal shelf. Warehouses can purchase rivet shelving in open or closed configurations.
Rivet shelves support bulky, heavy, or high-density products. It is the most common type of shelving seen in industrial warehouses.
Although not as attractive as wire shelving, in industrial settings its attractiveness does not usually matter.
Rivet shelving is very heavy, so it costs more to ship and moving the shelves once in place can be difficult.
Closed or Open
Warehouses and other enterprises either use closed or open metal shelving.
Closed steel shelving looks similar to a cabinet or bookshelf without doors. Closed shelves protect product well and provide stability to the units.
Customers can add lockable doors for high value, pilferable, or sensitive items.
Open shelves lets companies store large quantities and varieties of product.
An open shelf, such as a wire metal shelf, has openings on the back and sides. Access is easy and quick.
Other Advantages of Metal Shelving
Metal shelving offers several additional advantages depending on the type.
Vulcanized steel shelving protects against moisture in wet areas or humid climates. These types of metal shelves work well for outdoor storage needs.
The vulcanization also helps protect the shelf from damage, maintaining a clean look for the facility.
Metal shelving products assemble easily and quickly. These types of racking solutions have mostly welded parts with few bolts and nuts.
The most difficult assembly issue is anchoring the units to the floor for stabilization.
