October 23, 2023
The United States is seeing a significant increase in manufacturing plant construction. Factories are being built across the U.S. and they all need systems for storing and moving product through the plant. Many of these facilities utilized fabricated metal racks, carts, baskets, and storage bins for moving containers. Sometimes they are unpainted, and sometimes paint is used to color code the racks for use in various departments. When a company requests a quote, they supply a print or digital file, a bill of materials, a quantity, and a delivery address. These are the minimum items needed to provide an accurate quote.
Portable racks
Some racking systems are stationary for storage. However, many racking systems need to be portable to support the flow of products through a plant. A metal basket or tote may have a welded base with pockets for fork truck forks. The base is like a pallet except it is made from metal. Often racking systems are built with wheels and casters for rolling racks through a facility. This is commonly utilized for moving parts through a paint line.
Metal baskets
Metal baskets are designed with wire mesh for side panels. This can cut down on the weight and overall shipping cost of a container. Wire mesh panels are welded together with structural steel at the corners and at the base to provide adequate support for the product.
Stacking racks
Many racks have a stacking feature so they can be compactly stored when they aren’t in use. Sometimes they are stacked when they store product as well. Metal racks and baskets can be built with stacking caps and targets to allow for easy storage. Some racks are built with leg systems that can be removed and added as needed to transport them through the facility.
Manufacturing engineers
Manufacturing engineers design storage and racking systems to store and move products through a plant. The engineers work to design systems that increase shop floor efficiency as finished goods move through the plant. The Manufacturing engineers design the racks and supply prints and specifications as requirements for contract fabricators.