For High-Purity Tube Manufacturers: Stop "Digging" for Inventory.
In sanitary stainless steel manufacturing, a scratch on a polished surface isn't just a defect—it's scrap. Traditional static racks force your forklifts to dig through layers of valuable 304/316L tubes, risking surface integrity with every move. Our system eliminates the forklift forks from the equation entirely.
For facilities processing high-purity stainless steel tubes, fittings, and sanitary components—like those serving the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries—the surface roughness average (Ra) is the holy grail of quality control. Whether you are aiming for 32 µin or an ultra-precise 10 µin finish, the biggest threat to your product occurs during storage and retrieval.
Standard cantilever racking forces you to use a forklift. When a specific bundle of polished tubing is buried behind or below other stock, the operator must perform "secondary handling"—shuffling inventory to get to the target. This friction creates scratches, dents, and iron contamination from carbon steel forks.
The solution is the Telescopic Cantilever Rack. By allowing the arms to extend 100% out into the aisle, your existing overhead crane can access any bundle directly from above. Use nylon slings or vacuum lifters to gently lift the stock without metal-to-metal contact.
Figure 1: Overhead crane access eliminates side-impact damage common with forklifts.
Space is a premium asset in any Metal Service Center. Traditional layouts require massive 12-15 foot aisles to allow heavy-duty forklifts to maneuver long 20-foot tube bundles or bar stock. This is "dead air" that generates no revenue.
Because the roll-out cantilever system relies on overhead cranes for retrieval, you can slash your aisle widths significantly. You no longer need a turning radius for a forklift. This allows you to condense your storage footprint by up to 50%, or double your inventory capacity in the same square footage. For distributors stocking a high mix of SKUs—from structural H-beams to delicate sanitary valves and fittings—this density is a game changer.
We understand that a bundle of small diameter instrumentation tubing differs vastly in weight from solid stainless bar stock. That is why the drive mechanism must match your workflow.
Figure 2: The manual crank system allows a single operator to move tons of material with minimal effort.
Your storage must be as tough as the product it holds. Our racks are engineered with structural steel components, not light-gauge roll-formed steel, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of an active metal fabrication shop.
| Feature | Specification Range |
|---|---|
| Compatible Material Lengths | 10 ft to 40 ft (Standard 20 ft / 6m for raw tube stock) |
| Arm Extension | 100% Full Extension (Clear access for hoist/crane) |
| Load Capacity Per Level | 2,000 lbs to 11,000 lbs (Customizable per engineering review) |
| Material Protection | Optional UHMW or rubber lining to protect Polished/Sanitary finishes |
| Rack Finish | Industrial Powder Coating (Resistant to cutting fluids and oils) |
Figure 3: Electric systems allow for remote operation, keeping operators at a safe distance during the extension cycle.
Q1: We store polished sanitary tubes (Ra < 20 µin). Can this rack prevent surface damage?
Yes. The primary cause of damage is horizontal friction from forklift forks digging into the rack. By using a telescopic cantilever rack, you utilize an overhead crane with soft nylon slings. The material is lifted vertically, eliminating sliding contact. We also offer UHMW arm liners for added protection.
Q2: Can I store 24-foot raw stock bundles on these racks?
Absolutely. The system is modular. We can configure the number of towers (columns) to support 20ft, 24ft, or even 40ft lengths of raw material, ensuring proper deflection support so your tubes do not bow or warp during storage.
Q3: My facility has a low ceiling height. Is this compatible?
Yes. Because you don't need the vertical clearance for a forklift mast to extend and tilt, we can often fit more levels in a tighter vertical space. We design the rack height based on your specific building constraints and crane hook height.
Q4: How does this improve safety compared to floor stacking?
Floor stacking (block stacking) creates a "honeycomb" effect where bundles become unstable. It also poses a severe crushing hazard if a pile shifts. Our racks secure each bundle in its own dedicated arm level, preventing rolling and allowing for safe, single-bundle selection without disturbing the rest of the stack.
Q5: What is the lead time for a custom heavy-duty system?
Since these are structural steel systems tailored to your specific load requirements (e.g., solid bar stock vs. hollow tubing), typical production times range from 4-6 weeks. However, this is significantly faster than the downtime caused by a safety incident or the cost of replacing damaged high-value inventory.
