In the metal service center and fabrication industry, finding a specific heat number of bar stock buried at the bottom of a stack isn't just annoying—it's a profit killer. Stop sacrificing your expensive overhead crane time and risking surface damage to high-purity stainless steel tubes. It’s time to switch from static "dead" storage to a dynamic, high-density retrieval system designed for heavy metal logistics.
If you are managing a Steel Service Center or an OEM manufacturing plant like GHWA, you know that the cost of raw material isn't just the invoice price per pound. The real cost lies in the "Hidden Factory"—the non-value-added activities that bleed your margins dry.
When you store 20-foot stainless steel bars or heavy wall pipes on the floor or in standard static cantilever racks, you are triggering a chain reaction of waste:
Figure 1: High-density storage eliminates aisle waste and allows vertical stacking of heavy structural profiles.
The solution isn't "more racks"; it's smarter racks. The Telescopic Cantilever Rack (also known as Roll-out or Crank-out racking) fundamentally changes the physics of storage.
Unlike static systems, each level of this rack functions as a fully extendable drawer. By using a heavy-duty crank mechanism or an electric drive, a single operator can extend a drawer loaded with 6,000+ lbs of steel bars 100% out of the rack structure.
The defining feature for heavy industrial applications is the ability to use an Overhead Crane (Bridge Crane).
Figure 2: Electric roll-out systems allow operators to access tons of bar stock with a simple remote, ensuring safety and speed.
Implementing a roll-out cantilever rack system yields immediate, quantifiable results in a metal fabrication environment.
You can store different grades (e.g., 304L vs. 316L) or diameters on separate levels. This eliminates the "honeycombing" effect seen in bulk stacking. A single rack can hold the equivalent of what used to take up 500 square feet of floor space.
Manual handling of heavy structural steel or pipe is a leading cause of crush injuries. By keeping the material contained in a cradle and using a crane for lifting, you remove the operator from the "danger zone." The rack's structure is engineered with high-strength H-beam bases to prevent tipping, even under eccentric loading.
Figure 3: Adjustable dividers allow for the organized storage of multiple SKUs of bar stock or tubing on a single level.
We don't sell light-duty shelves. Our systems are fabricated for the rigors of the steel industry.
| Feature | Specification | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | Up to 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg) per arm level | Handles heavy bundles of solid bar stock or thick-wall pipe. |
| Extension | 100% Full Extension | Complete access for overhead crane vertical lifting. |
| Material Length | Standard 20ft (6m) to 40ft (12m) | Accommodates standard mill lengths without overhang. |
| Operation Mode | Manual Crank or Electric Motor | Choose based on access frequency and budget. |
| Surface Protection | Optional UHMW lining | Prevents marring of polished or sanitary stainless steel. |
Whether you are supplying sanitary fittings to the pharmaceutical industry or structural components for construction, your inventory is your biggest asset. Don't let it become a liability through poor storage. High density steel bar storage isn't just a shelf; it's a productivity tool that aligns your warehouse logistics with the speed of your modern CNC machinery.
Q1: Can this system handle the weight of solid stainless steel bar stock?
Yes. Unlike standard racking, our telescopic arms are engineered with heavy structural steel to support high-density loads, ranging from 1,000 lbs up to 11,000 lbs per level, specifically for solid bars and heavy-wall tubing.
Q2: Do I need a forklift to load these racks?
No, and that is the primary advantage. The 100% extension capability allows you to use an overhead bridge crane or monorail system to load and unload material directly from above, which is safer and prevents aisle congestion.
Q3: How do you prevent the arms from sagging under full load?
We utilize high-grade structural steel and precision bearings. The tolerance is calculated to ensure that even at full extension with max load, the deflection is minimal, ensuring the drawer can be retracted smoothly without binding.
Q4: Can we store materials with sensitive surfaces, like polished sanitary tubes?
Absolutely. We offer customized arm options including UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) liners or wood lagging to ensure your high-purity or polished stainless steel products never touch bare metal.
Q5: What is the footprint comparison between this and floor stacking?
Floor stacking requires significant spread to access different bundles. A high-density telescopic rack utilizes vertical space effectively, typically reducing the required floor storage area by 50% to 60%, freeing up square footage for manufacturing.
