A hairline fracture in a primary seal during transport doesn't just mean a broken unit; it means a fogged window, a failed inspection, and a warranty claim six months down the line. For IGU fabricators, the cost of "transporting air" on return trips is painful, but the cost of seal failure due to vibration is catastrophic. You need a solution that stabilizes the spacer, cushions the glass, and collapses to slash your freight bills.
When transporting Insulated Glass Units (IGUs), the enemy isn't always a massive impact. Often, it's micro-vibration and torsional stress. Standard wooden A-frames or light-duty dollies often lack the structural rigidity required for heavy commercial double or triple glazing. If the rack twists as the truck corners, that torque is transferred directly to the glass. For an IGU, this stress concentrates on the edge seal—the weakest point.
Once the bond between the spacer (whether aluminum or warm-edge) and the glass is compromised, argon gas escapes, and moisture enters. To prevent this, your logistics hardware must provide a "dead" environment where vibration is absorbed before it reaches the unit.
Figure 1: 10mm steel-core rubber pads prevent road vibration from transferring to the IGU seals.
Our Collapsible Glass Transport Pallet is designed specifically to mitigate these risks. We don't use generic glued-on foam that compresses and fails after a few trips. We utilize:
IGUs must be stored vertically (typically at a 4-6 degree lean) to ensure the weight is transferred to the setting blocks and not the face of the glass. The Agrack system features a fixed 90-degree L-profile reinforced with a specific tilt angle provided by the side columns. This ensures that when you strap the units using the integrated steel retention loops, the pack acts as a solid block.
Figure 2: High-density vertical stacking optimizes warehouse footprint while keeping IGUs stable.
Furthermore, space in a glazing shop is expensive. Unlike static A-frames, our racks allow for 3-tier stacking when fully loaded. This effectively triples your storage density for cured units waiting for dispatch, without risking the "domino effect" seen in floor-stacked glass.
The biggest operational inefficiency in window and door manufacturing is the return trip. Sending a flatbed truck to a job site to retrieve empty, bulky A-frames is essentially paying to ship air. This destroys logistics margins.
The Agrack glass storage racks feature a heavy-duty folding mechanism. Operators can collapse the side posts and backstops in seconds using the slide-and-pin system.
The Math of Efficiency:
| State | Stacking Capacity | 40HQ Container Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded (In Use) | 3 High | N/A (Weight Limited) |
| Empty (Folded) | 7 to 11 High | Up to 112 Units |
This capability allows you to collect dozens of empty racks from a large commercial glazing project in a single pickup, reducing your return logistics costs by over 80%.
Figure 3: From full deployment to compact storage—optimizing the reverse supply chain.
Whether your destination is a residential driveway or a high-rise construction zone, the rack must adapt to the available equipment. We integrate:
1. Can these racks handle the weight of triple-glazed jumbo units?
Yes. Our standard Agrack models are rated for 2,200 lbs (1000 kg) to 4,400 lbs (2000 kg). For heavy stone or triple-glazing applications, we use Q235 steel and reinforced base structures to ensure zero deflection under load.
2. Will the rubber padding mark or stain Low-E glass coatings?
No. We use high-grade, non-marking industrial rubber. It provides the necessary friction to prevent sliding without leaving residue on soft-coat Low-E surfaces or glass spacers.
3. How do I secure the IGUs to the rack during transport?
The racks feature integrated steel retention loops (bundling rings) welded to the frame. You should use professional ratchet straps or lashing belts through these loops to pull the glass pack firmly against the rubber-lined backstop.
4. Can we customize the dimensions for specific window lines?
Absolutely. While we offer standard sizes compatible with common trucking dimensions, as a specialized manufacturer, we frequently adjust the base length or post height to accommodate specific production lines (e.g., patio doors vs. standard windows).
5. Are these racks suitable for outdoor storage at job sites?
Yes. While standard powder coating offers good protection, for long-term outdoor exposure in wet climates, we recommend our Hot-Dip Galvanized finish. This provides superior corrosion resistance, protecting the steel integrity for years.
