Pallet racking comprises uprights, beams, frames, and many other components. Here we discuss one of them, namely beams.
What are the pallet racking beams?
Beams are horizontal metal profiles that you use every time you want to place palletized loads. They are attached directly to the frames and could be in different designs. Thanks to the beams, you can expand the use of pallet racking. For example, shelf panels made of different materials such as lattice, wood, or metal can be placed on the beams. Thus, you can store not only pallets but also wheels, drums, etc.
Here are some key facts about pallet rack beams:
- The height of pallet racking beams can be adjusted to accommodate different product sizes, providing flexibility in storage configurations.
- They are designed to withstand heavy loads, providing safe storage for a wide variety of goods.
- They prevent the frame columns from bending under the weight of the lower frame structure.
- Many pallet racking beams come with safety clips or locks to prevent accidental shifting, increasing the security of the storage system.
- They are resistant to impact and wear, even in high-traffic areas, which contributes to their durability.
- Pallet rack beams are relatively easy to install and set up, requiring minimal tools and experience. Once installed, they require minimal maintenance, making them a hassle-free storage solution.
What types of beams exist?
There are several classifications of beams by shape, connections to the column, and material. There are three types of beam shapes: box beam, step beam, and c-channel beam. Let’s talk about each of them.
Box beams lack an interior step slot, and if a wire deck is employed, it must be clipped onto these bars. They have great strength per square inch compared to step beams.
Step beams have a step that is used to slot crossbars and wire decks. Since the height of a stepped beam increases its load-carrying capacity, stepped beams can compensate for their strength with a height.
The C-channel beams are formed from hot rolled channel steel welded together and have c-shapes.
Use your beams according to their specifications or the beam will not maintain its original design load capacity. Inspect your beams continually, but at least once a year, to comply with OSHA requirements. If your beams have been damaged, you should replace them immediately.
Why stile of upright beams is important?
There are seven most typical racking styles: Teardrop style (most common), newstyle, structural, speedrack, ridg-u-rak style, keystone, and penco style. We’ll talk about three common styles.
- Teardrop style represents an inverted teardrop. These slots are in a vertical pattern with a 2″ gap between slots.
- Newstyle racking is similar to Teardrop. Their holes are more rectilinear than the teardrop and a bit more narrow. Notice that the beams also use riveted pins. In this case, the pins are in the form of pointed teeth or sometimes tapered ovals.
- The uprights and beams of the structural racking are constructed of a structural grade C channel. Beams have no hooks or pins. Instead, they are bolted to the uprights.
To sum up
When selecting pallet rack beams, the most important factors to consider are:
Load Capacity. Overloading beams can lead to structural failure, posing significant safety risks. Consider the maximum weight per pallet and the total weight the beam will need to support.
Beam Length and Dimensions. The length of the beams must match the width of the pallets and the overall rack configuration. The beam length must correspond to the spacing of the uprights in the pallet rack system.
Beam Type and Construction. There are different types of beam profiles, such as step beams or box beams. The choice depends on your specific needs, like whether you require additional decking or want to accommodate crossbars.
System Matching. If you are expanding or upgrading an existing system, the new beams must be compatible with your current uprights and other components. This avoids costly modifications or mismatches.
Installation. Beams that are easy to install and adjust can save time and labor costs. Look for systems that offer straightforward assembly without requiring specialized tools.
Now you can find out what style of rack you have or choose which one you want to order due to the pallet rack beams. Be careful about what products you will be storing, their characteristics, and packaging. If you still don’t know what you are looking for, you can always ask us.
