For decades, standard fixed cantilever racks (like those often associated with brands like Ross Technology) have been the default for storing structural steel. However, for manufacturers dealing with high-purity stainless steel tubes, pharmaceutical-grade fittings, and precision bar stock, the "standard" solution is no longer sufficient.
When your business relies on maintaining a surface roughness average (Ra) of 15µin or 20µin for dairy or semiconductor applications, the storage method becomes a production variable. The industry is shifting towards the Telescopic Cantilever Rack. This isn't just storage; it is a contamination control strategy that integrates directly with your cutting saws and polishing lines.
Figure 1: Single-sided roll-out cantilever rack optimizing storage for high-value tube stock.
In a typical steel service center or OEM facility producing sanitary valves and heat exchangers, the "Hidden Factory" refers to the rework and scrap caused by improper handling. Using standard cantilever racks creates three specific risks for stainless steel inventory:
The roll-out cantilever rack fundamentally changes how material is retrieved. By allowing the cantilever arm to extend 100% out of the rack structure, the material is presented completely open to the overhead space.
This allows you to use an overhead crane (bridge crane) with nylon slings or vacuum lifters instead of a forklift. The crane lifts the tube bundle straight up—zero friction, zero dragging, and zero metal-to-metal contact. For high-polish stainless steel, this is the difference between a compliant product and scrap metal.
Figure 2: Electric automated extension allows for single-operator handling of heavy stainless bundles.
While standard racks are rigid, our alternative is dynamic. Whether you are storing 20-foot polished tubes or solid round bars for machining, the system is tailored to the weight and protection needs of the sanitary industry.
| Feature | Standard Cantilever (Ross Style) | Telescopic Cantilever Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Access Method | Forklift Only (Side Access) | Overhead Crane & Forklift (Top Access) |
| Surface Protection | High Risk (Fork impact, sliding) | Zero Impact (Vertical lift via sling/vacuum) |
| Aisle Requirement | Wide Aisles (12ft+) | Narrow/Zero Aisles (Crane access requires no turning radius) |
| Storage Density | Low (Air space lost to fork clearance) | High (Compact vertical stacking) |
For facilities handling frequent changeovers of heavy raw materials (like solid stainless bars for valve bodies), the crank out cantilever rack offers a mechanical advantage that allows a single operator to move up to 6,600 lbs with just a hand crank.
However, for high-volume steel service centers processing massive bundles of tube stock, the electric model is superior. It integrates with your ERP workflow—operators select the shelf via remote, the drawer extends, and the crane is already moving into position to feed the laser cutter or saw.
Figure 3: Manual crank-out option allows precise control for smaller batch picking.
Implementing a high-density system requires precision. Unlike static racks that are simply bolted down, telescopic racks involve moving parts and dynamic loads. Proper installation ensures that when a drawer loaded with 5 tons of steel pipe is fully extended, the center of gravity remains secure.
The system utilizes heavy-duty structural steel profiles and requires deep anchoring into your concrete slab. This robust footprint allows you to store vertically up to 5 or 6 levels high, reclaiming 50% of your floor space for new machinery like automated polishing lines or hydrostatic testing stations.
Figure 4: Secure anchoring is vital for the stability of extended heavy-duty drawers.
Q1: Can we add protective liners to the cantilever arms to prevent carbon contamination?
Yes. For sanitary stainless steel applications, we highly recommend and can install UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) or rubber liners on the arms. This prevents the stainless tube from touching the painted carbon steel of the rack, eliminating the risk of iron contamination and rust spots.
Q2: What is the maximum length of tubing this system can hold?
The system is modular. By adding more columns and adjusting the spacing, we can accommodate standard 20-foot (6-meter) tube bundles or even longer custom extrusions. The structural rigidity ensures the tubes do not sag, maintaining straightness for CNC feeding.
Q3: Is the electric system compatible with our existing overhead crane?
Absolutely. The overhead crane accessible racking is designed specifically to work with your crane. The drawer extension clears the structure entirely, allowing the crane hook to drop perpendicular to the load.
Q4: How does this help with inventory tracking of different heat numbers?
Because each level is an individual drawer, you can segregate inventory by heat number, grade (304 vs 316L), or diameter. Visual inspection is immediate—you don't have to unstack three bundles to check the tags on the bottom one.
Q5: Can this rack be placed directly next to a laser tube cutter?
Yes, this is a prime use case. Placing the rack adjacent to the laser cutter allows the crane to pull raw material and feed the machine loader in one motion, drastically reducing machine idle time waiting for material.
