Steel Shelving

About Steel Shelving and Steel Shelving Manufacturers Including: Heavy Duty Shelving, Industrial Shelving, Mobile Shelving, Shelving & Storage Shelving.

Steel shelving aids in the systematization of groups of items. Steel shelving utilizes any number of various types of steel materials. Steel is a rigid compound that is highly durable, and its durability makes it an excellent choice for large, heavy loads. Steel shelving can be assembled in most locations, providing great flexibility.

There are several types of steel shelving units, each with its own advantages. If space is a limiting factor and easy access to every stored article is not a necessity, a closed type shelving system would be appropriate. However, if there is a sufficient amount of space at hand and easy access to every item on the shelves is necessary, consider an open type shelving unit. A steel shelving unit with a box-beam shelf design would be appropriate for office supplies, as double-sided compression clips allow up to 350 pounds per shelf. Heavy-duty steel shelving can hold up to 1,000 pounds and is ideal for stock rooms, factories or office. If standard steel shelving components are too big, small or awkwardly shaped, a custom-fitted shelving system may be necessary.

When selecting a steel shelving unit, several factors should be considered. Steel shelving units should comply with federal, state, local, fire and building codes. Layout is also an important consideration. The width, depth, height, weight and clearance needed for the handling of the product to be stored will determine the width and depth of the shelves. Adequate working aisle space must be left between shelving units. The shelves themselves should be selected based on the load that each shelf is expected to carry, including the size and height of the load. If products are to be stacked, note that the space between shelves will be increased, which may result in the reduction of post capacity.

Correct installation of steel shelving units depends on several factors. Typically, steel shelving is braced using bars, straps or angles placed in an "X" arrangement. Rectangular plates, gussets and corner braces are also used. Steel shelving can be connected in many different ways, the most common of which are mechanical fastenings (e.g. nuts and bolts), compression clips and ledge type clips. Steel shelving should be installed with plumbness and levelness in every direction. It is recommended that steel shelving be anchored to prevent overturning or shifting and to provide a more rigid structure. Steel shelving foot plates are commonly used to anchor shelving units. These steel shelving foot plates are attached to a vertical post and then to the floor with one of a variety of floor anchors.

Steel Shelving Image Provided by Industrial Shelving Systems	Steel Shelving Image Provided by RTI Shelving Systems

Types of Steel Shelving

• Closed shelving is shelving that is covered on both the back and sides using panels. When combined with a door, a closed shelving unit can make a lockable cabinet, providing a clean, professional look.
  
• Heavy duty shelving is made for bulky and weighty loads that surpass maximum load capacities of normal shelving.
  
• Industrial shelving consists of a framework of heavy-duty supports and shelves used to hold and display goods.
• Light duty shelving has many advantages, including the following: no need for nuts or bolts, quick and easy to assemble, adjustable shelves, unobstructed spans, free standing shelf units and access from all sides.
  
• Mobile shelving is a storage unit that has wheels on the bottom so that it can be easily transported from one location to another.
• Open shelving is more easily accessible than closed shelving. With the use of back and side braces, lateral sway can be minimized greatly.
  
• Shelving optimizes space by stacking goods horizontally and vertically.
• Stainless steel shelving makes use of stainless steel materials, rather than other variants of the steel family, which are prone to corrosion.
  
• Storage shelving is comprised of sets of horizontally placed surfaces that are parallel to the ground.

Steel Shelving Terms

Adder Unit - A unit of shelving that attaches to a starter unit and employs common sides to produce a row of shelving.

Back Braces - Pieces that attach to the rear posts of open style shelving, providing lateral stability.

Back Panel - A part that closes the rear of shelving units and also provides additional lateral stability.

Base Strip - A section that closes the gap between the floor and bottom shelf. Base strips prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris beneath the bottom shelves.

Bin Front - A shelving accessory that provides storage for small bulk parts.

Box Post - A post that is used as a front post or row end. Box posts provide accessibility to the full width of the shelf and some vertical adjustability.

Drawer Insert Unit - Small drawer units that are designed for the organization and efficient storing of smaller sized items.

Full Height Dividers - Vertical separators used to subdivide shelving into smaller units.

Heavy-Duty Modular Drawers - Accessories that allow for the transformation of sections of shelving units into high-density storage areas for smaller parts.

Offset Angle Post - A roll-formed, high-strength post that provides added rigidity and allows for independent shelf clip adjustment.

Partial Height Divider - A shelving accessory used to divide shelves into sections.

Shelf Boxes - A steel shelving accessory that provides storage for small parts. Shelf boxes are sometimes equipped with a built-in stop.

Shelf Capacity - The maximum weight each shelf is capable of bearing. Shelf capacities are calculated with the assumption of even weight distribution on each shelf.

Shelf Clip - A part that attaches the shelves to the posts and enables easy repositioning of the shelving units in a given interval of length.

Shelf Depth - The dimensions of a shelving unit from front to back.

Sliding Divider - A piece that fits around the rear and front flanges of a shelf. Sliding dividers can be slid, providing variable divided spaces.