For high-purity stainless steel tube manufacturers and metal service centers, the difference between profit and scrap often lies in how you handle your inventory. If your operators are still "fishing" for specific heat numbers of bar stock using a forklift in narrow aisles, you are bleeding money through surface damage and machine downtime. It is time to compare the legacy static systems against the crane-accessible Roll Out Cantilever technology.
In the world of metal fabrication and steel distribution—specifically for companies dealing with high-value assets like hygienic stainless steel tubes, polished bars, or delicate aluminum profiles—static cantilever racking creates a bottleneck known as the "Hidden Factory." This refers to the non-value-added work that happens just to get the job done.
With static cantilever systems, the primary pain point is the "honeycombing" effect and the reliance on forklifts. To access a bundle of 316L stainless steel tubing located on the bottom arm, your forklift driver must remove the three bundles above it. This process, known as "secondary handling," introduces two critical risks:
The roll out cantilever (also known as telescopic or crank-out racking) fundamentally changes the retrieval logic. Instead of a static arm, the rack features extendable arms that roll out 100% into the aisle space, functioning like a heavy-duty drawer.
Remote-controlled electric roll-out arms allow for single-operator access without physical strain.
The defining advantage for steel processors is the ability to use an overhead crane (bridge crane) or vacuum lifter. Once the rack drawer is extended, the material is completely exposed from above. An operator can use nylon slings or a vacuum lifter to pick a single bundle of delicate tube fittings or bar stock without touching adjacent materials. This "zero-contact" handling preserves the surface finish and eliminates the "digging" associated with static racks.
Static racks dictate your floor plan because they require wide aisles for forklifts to turn with long loads. Roll Out Cantilever racks eliminate this requirement. Since loading is done vertically via crane, the aisle width only needs to accommodate the depth of the extended drawer and the operator. Companies like GHWA often reclaim up to 50% of their floor space—room that can be repurposed for additional laser cutting tables or CNC machining centers.
When evaluating the ROI for a metal service center, the comparison focuses on speed, safety, and space utilization.
| Feature | Static Cantilever Rack | Roll Out Cantilever Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Handling Equipment | Heavy-Duty Forklift / Side Loader | Overhead Crane / Vacuum Lifter |
| Aisle Width Requirement | Wide (12ft - 20ft depending on load length) | Narrow (Only needs operator walking space) |
| Selectivity | First-In-Last-Out (FILO) issues | 100% Selectivity (Pick any bundle instantly) |
| Surface Damage Risk | High (Fork impact, sliding friction) | Near Zero (Vertical lift, no friction) |
| Retrieval Time | 15-20 mins (for buried items) | 2-4 mins (Direct access) |
These are not lightweight retail shelves. The structure is fabricated from heavy-duty structural steel profiles to handle the extreme weight of solid steel bars and thick-walled pipes.
Double-sided crank-out configuration maximizes density for bar stock storage.
The bases are anchored deep into the concrete to prevent tipping when arms are fully extended under load. Whether you choose a manual crank out mechanism (ideal for loads up to 6,600 lbs per arm) or an electric system for heavier gauge materials, the drive systems are designed with high-grade industrial bearings to ensure that a single operator can extend a fully loaded arm with minimal effort.
Secure anchoring is critical for the stability of extendable cantilever systems.
If your facility processes raw steel beams or manufactures precision stainless components, the transition from static to roll-out storage is not just a storage upgrade—it is a workflow revolution. By enabling overhead crane access and eliminating the dangers of forklift maneuvering, you protect your high-value inventory and drastically reduce machine idle time waiting for materials.
1. Can Roll Out Cantilever racks hold heavy solid steel bars?
Yes. These systems are specifically engineered for heavy loads. Standard models can hold up to 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg) per arm, making them ideal for solid bar stock and thick-walled pipes.
2. How does this system protect polished stainless steel tubes from scratches?
The rack allows for 100% extension, meaning you can use an overhead crane with nylon slings or vacuum lifters to pick the material vertically. This eliminates the sliding and scraping caused by forklift forks in static racks, preserving the surface finish (Ra value).
3. Do I need a specific type of floor for installation?
Yes, because of the high density and cantilevered loads, a reinforced concrete floor is typically required. Our engineering team will review your slab thickness and psi rating to determine the appropriate anchoring pattern.
4. Is the crank mechanism hard to operate with a full load?
No. The manual crank systems utilize a high-ratio gear reduction and industrial bearings. An operator can easily crank out a fully loaded arm weighing several tons with one hand.
5. Can we store different lengths of material on the same rack?
Absolutely. The arms are independent. You can store 20ft pipe on the bottom levels and shorter 10ft bar stock on upper levels, provided the load is distributed correctly across the bearing points.
