Stop treating high-purity stainless steel like scrap metal. In a busy Service Center, every time a forklift forks "dig" for a bottom bundle of 316L tubing, you risk compromising the surface finish (Ra) and losing 20 minutes of production time. There is a way to feed your laser cutters and band saws without the "secondary handling" nightmare.
If you are managing a facility similar to GHWA, dealing with high-value sanitary stainless steel components, tubes, and fittings, you know that storage isn't just about putting things away. It is about accessibility and integrity.
The traditional method of floor stacking or using standard static cantilever racks creates a massive bottleneck for metal fabricators. When a work order comes in for a specific heat number or a polished tube buried at the bottom of a stack, your operators are forced into "secondary handling." They have to move the top three bundles just to get to the one they need. This is where accidents happen, and where mirror-finish surfaces get scratched.
Figure 1: High-density storage maximizing vertical space while maintaining crane accessibility.
Furthermore, standard racks require wide aisles—often 12 to 14 feet—to accommodate the turning radius of a heavy-duty side-loader or forklift. In a facility where every square foot could be used for a new fiber laser or CNC machine, these "dead aisles" are a financial liability.
The solution gaining traction among top-tier steel distributors in the USA is the Telescopic Cantilever Rack (often called roll-out or crank-out racking). Unlike static racks, these systems are dynamic.
Each arm level is essentially a heavy-duty drawer. Whether manual (hand-crank) or electric, the arms extend 100% out into the aisle. This simple mechanical shift changes the entire logistics flow:
Figure 2: Electric control systems allow operators to access specific levels instantly via remote, streamlining the feeding of laser cutters.
When you deploy Crank Out Cantilever Rack systems directly next to your processing equipment—such as band saws or laser tube cutters—the rack transforms from a storage unit into a point-of-use dispenser.
Moving 20-foot steel bundles weighing 5,000 lbs is inherently dangerous. Manual handling is out of the question, and forklift visibility is often poor when carrying long loads. The extendable rack allows a single operator to crank out a fully loaded level with minimal physical effort, hook up the crane, and move the material to the saw feed table. The risk of product tipping or crushing is significantly reduced.
For service centers handling a high mix of SKUs (e.g., distinguishing between 304 and 316L grades, or different wall thicknesses), organization is critical. These racks can be outfitted with dividers to keep different bar stocks separated on the same arm level.
Figure 3: Customized dividers allow for the organized storage of multiple SKUs of smaller diameter tubing on a single extendable level.
We understand that in the US metal market, durability is non-negotiable. These systems are not lightweight retail shelves; they are structural steel assets designed to anchor your heavy inventory.
| Feature | Specification Impact |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Up to 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg) per arm level. Handles solid bar stock and heavy-wall pipes easily. |
| Extension | 100% Extension. Full clear access for overhead lifting gear. |
| Material | High-tensile structural steel profiles, Powder Coated for corrosion resistance in industrial environments. |
| Drive Mechanism | Heavy-duty crank or Electric motor drive. |
Because the center of gravity shifts when heavy loads are extended into the aisle, proper installation is critical. Our units utilize massive H-beam bases and require deep anchoring into high-PSI concrete floors. This ensures that even when a 5-ton load is fully extended, the structure remains rigid and safe.
Figure 4: Secure anchoring is vital. Our teams ensure the H-beam base is bolted down to withstand the moment forces of extended heavy loads.
For distributors looking to optimize their pipe and tube storage, shifting to an extendable system isn't just an equipment purchase—it's a process improvement strategy that pays dividends in reduced scrap and faster cycle times.
Q1: Can we install these racks directly next to a laser cutting machine?
Yes, this is a primary use case. By placing the overhead crane accessible racking next to the laser or saw, the operator can pull material directly from the rack to the machine infeed without waiting for a forklift from the main warehouse.
Q2: We store polished stainless steel. Will the arms scratch the tubes?
Standard steel arms can be abrasive. However, we offer optional UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) liners or rubber strips for the arms to protect high-purity (ASME BPE) surfaces from scratches and carbon contamination.
Q3: What is the maximum length of tubing we can store?
The system is modular. By adding vertical columns, we can accommodate standard 20ft (6m) bundles, 24ft bundles, or even longer custom extrusions. The key is ensuring enough arm support to prevent the tubes from sagging.
Q4: Do I need a special foundation for installation?
Generally, a standard reinforced industrial concrete floor (minimum 6 inches depth) is sufficient, but we always perform a load calculation based on your specific floor specs and the intended load (e.g., solid bar stock vs. hollow tubing) to ensure safety.
Q5: Can existing overhead cranes be used with this system?
Absolutely. The system is designed specifically to unlock the potential of your existing bridge cranes or gantry cranes. The 100% extension means the crane block can lower directly over the material without obstruction.
