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The Hidden Cost of Adhesive Failure in Glass LogisticsStop replacing rubber pads every summer. Your current racks likely rely on adhesive that melts at 100°F or shears off under the weight of 4,000 lbs packs, risking catastrophic metal-on-glass contact. Discover the L-Shape rack that uses steel-core, screw-fixed profiles—guaranteed never to peel, slip, or fail. |
In the glass distribution business, specifically when handling high-value tempered glass or heavy insulated glass units (IGUs), the integrity of the contact surface is everything. Traditional A-frames often use standard rubber strips attached with industrial contact cement.
The problem? In a non-climate-controlled warehouse in California or during transit on an open flatbed, heat degrades the bond. When you load a 3,000 lb pack of float glass, the shear force strips the rubber away. The result is "Metal-on-Glass" contact, leading to immediate edge chipping or, in the case of tempered glass, spontaneous shattering.
The mechanically fixed profile disperses pressure evenly, preventing the glass edge from cutting through the protective layer.
Our glass transport rack systems solve this permanently. We utilize a specialized rubber profile that contains an internal steel plate (Steel-core).
For glass fabricators delivering to job sites or window manufacturers, the return trip is a sunk cost. Traditional A-frames are bulky; if you send out 10 racks, you need the same truck space to bring 10 empty racks back.
Our L-Shape design fundamentally changes this ratio. By using a 90-degree asymmetric structure with a calculated base geometry, empty racks can be nested (stacked into one another) like shopping carts.
Top-down view of the nesting capability. This geometric alignment allows for a 70% volume reduction during empty transport.
This "Nesting" capability allows you to fit roughly 98 to 112 empty racks in a single 40HQ container or standard truckload. This drastically reduces your freight cost per unit, turning the rack from a "storage cost" into a "reusable logistics asset."
Glass inventory is rarely uniform. A wholesaler might need to store 144" x 96" Jumbo sheets one day and racks of varied window units (IGUs) the next. The Grack (L-Shape Rack) is designed with a 3-5 degree incline.
This specific angle uses gravity to keep the sheets stable against the backboard without requiring excessive strapping for internal warehouse moves. The integrated base blocks and balance weights ensure the rack remains stable even when loaded with high-center-of-gravity items like tall insulated units.
Accommodating Insulated Glass Units (IGU) with secure edge protection, ensuring sealants cure without stress deformation.
Q1: Will the rubber profile leave marks on soft-coat Low-E glass?
No. We use non-marking EPDM rubber with a Shore A hardness of 70-80. It provides the necessary friction to prevent sliding but is soft enough to protect delicate coatings from scratches.
Q2: Can these racks be used for both storage and truck transport?
Yes. They are designed as a hybrid glass transport rack. The base includes forklift channels for warehouse movement, and the frame has anchor points for ratchet straps to secure the glass for highway transport.
Q3: What happens if a rubber strip eventually wears out?
Because they are mechanically fixed with screws, maintenance is simple. You do not need to scrape off old glue or sandblast the steel. Simply unscrew the damaged profile and screw in a new one. It takes minutes, not hours.
Q4: How many empty racks can I stack?
For the standard L-Shape design, you can typically nest or stack 7 to 10 units high for storage or return shipping, reducing the floor space required by over 70% compared to non-nesting A-frames.
Q5: Can you customize the rack for 130" or larger Jumbo sheets?
Absolutely. While our standard export size is optimized for shipping containers (approx 63" long), we regularly fabricate extended length racks (up to 80" or 90") and reinforced bases for handling heavy Jumbo float glass sheets.
