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Stop paying to ship "dead air" back to your facility. |
In the glass distribution game, particularly for those handling Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) or wholesale tempered sheets, the Double-Sided A-Frame has long been the factory floor standard. It’s balanced and holds inventory on both sides. However, once that rack leaves your dock for a jobsite delivery or an inter-branch transfer, its greatest strength becomes a liability.
An empty A-frame takes up the same footprint as a full one. If you are running a fleet of flatbeds or dry vans, you know the pain of "dead freight"—hauling empty steel back to the plant while burning diesel. This is where the Glass Transport Rack (L-Rack variant) changes the math.
Figure 1: Empty L-racks nested together, reducing return logistics volume by up to 70%.
The primary commercial argument for switching from standard A-frames to L-racks for transport is the Nesting Capability. As shown in the image above, the L-shaped geometry allows the base of one rack to slide into the next, similar to grocery carts.
The Real-World Impact:
Transporting heavy tempered glass or sensitive Low-E coated sheets requires more than just steel. A common failure point in generic racks is the rubber lining. Many competitors use glue to attach rubber pads. In the summer heat of a glazier's truck or under the shear force of a 3,000 lb load shifting, glue fails. The rubber slides off, the glass hits the steel upright, and you end up with a chipped edge or a shattered unit.
Figure 2: Steel-core rubber profiles mechanically fastened to the rack ensure zero metal contact with the IGU.
Our solution utilizes Steel-Core Rubber Profiles. These are not glued; they are mechanically fastened to the Q235 steel frame with self-tapping screws through the internal steel insert. This guarantees that the cushion stays in place for the lifespan of the rack, protecting the edge quality of your L-Shape Glass Holding Rack.
A double-sided A-frame demands access from both sides, meaning it must be placed in the center of an aisle or open space. This creates "dead zones" in your facility layout.
The L-Rack is single-sided with a 90° vertical back (and a 3-5° tilt for the glass). This geometry allows you to push the rack flush against a warehouse wall or arrange them back-to-back to simulate an A-frame only when needed. This flexibility is crucial for smaller fabrication shops or crowded glazing contractor depots where every square foot of floor space is billable.
Figure 3: L-racks arranged back-to-back optimize aisle space while providing high-density storage.
1. Can these L-racks handle Jumbo size sheets (130" x 204")?
Yes, we manufacture heavy-duty custom versions specifically for Jumbo sheets. The standard L-rack is optimized for standard cases and loose lites, but we reinforce the Q235 steel base and increase the vertical height for Jumbo applications to prevent glass deflection.
2. What is the Safe Working Load (SWL) per rack?
Our standard L-rack is rated for 3,300 lbs (1.5 Metric Tonnes). Heavy-duty variants using 60x60mm posts can go up to 8,800 lbs (4 Metric Tonnes). Always balance the load; do not front-load heavy sheets without counterweight if the rack is not bolted down.
3. Will the rubber stain soft-coat Low-E glass?
No. We use non-marking EPDM rubber with a specific hardness (Shore A 70-80). It provides grip without transferring oils or residue that could compromise the coating or interfere with IGU sealant adhesion.
4. Can I lift these racks with an overhead crane?
Absolutely. Every rack comes standard with 4 welded lifting lugs on the top beam. This allows for safe movement of fully loaded racks using a spreader bar, which is essential for moving product from the cutting table to the tempering furnace input.
5. How do you prevent the rack from tipping forward when loaded?
The L-rack design includes a calculated base length and a 3-5 degree backward tilt. However, for standalone use, we integrate a rear counterweight block and extended feet to ensure the center of gravity remains within the footprint, even when fully loaded with 1/2" tempered glass.
