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The sound of a "pop" in the back of a delivery truck is every logistics manager's nightmare. |
In the architectural glass industry, we often focus on the structural integrity of the steel. While using Q235 carbon steel is non-negotiable for load capacity, the real enemy of safe transport is often the dunnage itself.
When a 2,000 lb load of glass sheets shifts during transit—even slightly—the bottom edge of the glass acts like a guillotine blade. Standard, glued-on rubber pads (often used in generic A-frames) cannot withstand this shear force. The glass slices through the soft rubber, causing the strip to delaminate or tear completely. Once that happens, your premium Low-E coated glass is resting directly on bare metal.
The result? Edge clams, spontaneous breakage during tempering, or immediate shattering on the truck. This isn't just about losing a piece of glass; it's about the downtime required to remanufacture a custom unit and the delay in your jobsite delivery.
Detailed view of IGU units resting on steel-core rubber profiles, preventing the sharp glass edge from cutting through to the frame.
To solve the "guillotine" problem, we don't just use harder rubber; we change the internal structure of the dunnage. Our glass transport racks utilize a Steel-Core Rubber Profile.
This is not a simple adhesive strip. It is a specialized EPDM or polyurethane profile with a steel plate vulcanized directly inside the rubber.
Effective dunnage must be paired with correct rack geometry. A perfect rubber pad won't save your load if the rack angle allows the glass to "slap" against the back supports.
Our L-Shape Glass Holding Rack is engineered with a precise 3-5° incline. This slight angle utilizes gravity to keep the lites naturally resting against the backboard, minimizing movement. Combined with the friction coefficient of our rubber profiles, the glass effectively "grips" the base, reducing the need for excessive strapping tension that can warp the frames of window units.
Close-up of the mechanically fixed, steel-core rubber base. Note the screws securing the dunnage directly to the frame.
For glass wholesalers and distributors, your inventory is your business. Every sheet that arrives chipped or broken is a direct hit to your bottom line and your reputation with glazing contractors.
Investing in L-Shape Glass Holding Racks with integrated steel-core dunnage is not an accessory purchase; it is an insurance policy for your logistics workflow. Whether you are moving jumbo sheets of float glass or finished IGU orders to a jobsite, ensuring your dunnage is up to the task is the first step in a "zero-breakage" policy.
1. Can the rubber profiles be replaced if they eventually wear out?
Yes. Because we use a screw-fixed steel-core system rather than adhesive, you can simply unscrew the worn profile and attach a new one. This extends the lifespan of your rack indefinitely compared to glued-on systems.
2. Is this dunnage suitable for Low-E coated glass?
Absolutely. The EPDM material is non-marking and chemically stable. It will not react with or scratch soft-coat Low-E layers, ensuring the glass arrives at the fabrication line in pristine condition.
3. How does the dunnage handle outdoor storage?
Our rubber profiles are UV-stabilized and weather-resistant. Unlike felt or wood dunnage which can rot or hold moisture (leading to glass staining), our rubber system is designed for long-term yard storage.
4. What represents the "Shock-absorbing" aspect of the dunnage?
The "shock absorption" comes from the durometer (hardness) of the rubber. It compresses slightly under the load of the glass to absorb road vibration (high-frequency shock) that causes glass to shatter, while the steel core prevents deep compression that leads to contact with the rack frame.
5. Do I need different dunnage for heavy stone slabs vs. glass?
While the rack structure might need to be heavier for granite, the same steel-core rubber profile is excellent for stone. It prevents the polished edge of the stone from chipping against the metal, just as it protects glass.
