Stop scrapping high-value sanitary tubes due to storage damage.
In high-purity stainless steel manufacturing, a single scratch on a 10 µin Ra polished surface turns a premium product into scrap. Traditional A-frames and static racks force your operators to manhandle heavy bundles or risk forklift collisions. It's time to switch to a system designed for "No-Contact" overhead handling.
For decades, the metal service center industry has relied on A-frame racks or standard static cantilever systems. While these might suffice for rough construction-grade rebar, they are fundamentally flawed for storing high-quality hygienic stainless steel components used in dairy, pharma, and semiconductor industries.
The problem isn't just capacity; it's the method of retrieval. In a standard setup, accessing a specific bundle of 316L stainless tubing often requires moving other materials out of the way ("double handling"). Every time a fork truck interacts with your inventory, or bundles slide against each other, you risk compromising the surface finish. For a manufacturer adhering to ASME BPE standards, where surface roughness is measured in micro-inches, friction is the enemy.
The Telescopic Cantilever Rack (also known as a Roll-Out or Crank-Out rack) is the engineered alternative that eliminates these risks by changing the retrieval geometry entirely.
Figure 1: Overhead crane accessible racking allows for vertical lifting, eliminating side-impact risks common with forklifts.
The core innovation of the telescopic system is its drawer-like functionality. Unlike static racks where a forklift must drive into the rack face (risking collision with the uprights or the material), the telescopic arms extend 100% horizontally into the aisle.
This extension capability transforms your workflow from a forklift-dependent operation to an overhead crane accessible racking system. Here is why this matters for stainless steel logistics:
Figure 2: Double-sided configuration showing fully extended levels, allowing complete exposure of long materials for crane access.
Depending on your throughput volume—whether you are a high-volume Steel Service Center or a specialized OEM manufacturing heat exchangers—the drive mechanism matters.
Ideal for maintenance shops or lower-frequency access. High-precision industrial bearings ensure that even a rack loaded with 5,000 lbs of solid bar stock can be cranked out by a single operator with minimal effort. The mechanical advantage provided by the rack-and-pinion system means no strain on the worker's back.
Figure 3: An operator easily extends a fully loaded level using the ergonomic crank handle.
For high-speed production environments feeding laser cutters or automated saws, electric systems are superior. A remote control allows the operator to extend the rack while simultaneously positioning the overhead crane, shaving minutes off every pick cycle.
When storing dense materials like solid stainless steel bars or heavy-wall pipes, structural integrity is non-negotiable. Our racks are fabricated from heavy-duty structural steel profiles, not light-gauge roll-formed metal.
| Feature | Specification Range | Benefit for Stainless Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Arm Capacity | 1,000 - 11,000 lbs per arm pair | Handles heavy solid bar stock without deflection. |
| Arm Length | Customizable (typically 24" - 60") | Matches specific bundle widths to prevent overhang. |
| Extension | 100% Full Extension | Allows complete vertical access for vacuum lifters/cranes. |
| Surface Protection | Powder Coating / Optional UHMW Liners | Prevents carbon contamination and scratching of stainless surfaces. |
Switching from A-frames to roll-out cantilever racks also recovers significant floor space. By removing the wide forklift aisles required for turning and maneuvering long tubes, you can condense your footprint by up to 50%. This creates room for more processing equipment, such as tube lasers or polishing stations.
Installation is a critical process involving leveling and anchoring the heavy-duty steel base to your concrete floor to handle the eccentric loads when drawers are extended.
Figure 4: Secure installation is vital. Here, a team drills anchor points to ensure stability for the heavy-duty base.
Q1: Can we store delicate polished tubes (Ra < 20 µin) directly on the steel arms?
We recommend adding UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) liners to the cantilever arms. This creates a non-marring interface that protects the surface finish of your sanitary tubes from contact with the painted steel rack.
Q2: How does this system compare to honeycomb racking for tube storage?
Honeycomb racks are good for high density but terrible for retrieval speed and surface protection. Dragging a tube out of a honeycomb slot creates friction along the entire length of the tube. Our roll-out cantilever allows you to lift straight up, eliminating friction completely.
Q3: What is the maximum length of pipe we can store?
The system is modular. We add vertical columns to support longer lengths. Whether you are storing standard 20-foot (6m) lengths or custom 40-foot extrusions, we simply adjust the number of columns and arm spacing to prevent material sagging.
Q4: Do we need a special forklift to load these racks?
No. In fact, you don't need a forklift at all for the daily picking process. The primary value proposition is that it becomes an overhead crane accessible racking system. Forklifts are generally only used for initial bulk restocking.
Q5: Can the rack accommodate different bundle sizes on different levels?
Yes. Each level operates independently. You can have heavy solid bars on the bottom levels and lighter, sensitive tubing on the upper levels. The shelf heights are adjustable to maximize vertical density.
