Steel Shelving

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As storage shelving is common in even harsh industrial environments, steel's properties are highly valued as the shelves themselves must ensure the safety and security of valuable inventory. The type and amount of inventory varies widely as virtually all industries require some degree of storage. To accommodate this need, shelving units are available in a broad array of standardized and adjustable shelving arrangements with capacities as high as thirty five thousand lbs. This heavy duty shelving, which is also referred to as industrial shelving, is used in automotive, garage, chemical and food processing, factory, warehouse, textile, publishing and many other industrial facilities. Stainless steel shelving is the most popular steel shelving option because of its particularly positive characteristics. Lighter duty and smaller shelving systems are commonly used for commercial and residential office and storage needs as well. No matter the application, metal shelving increases organization while optimizing space. Wall shelving and mobile shelving are two styles of shelving that achieve this. Wire shelving is also popular in areas of limited space as it is less imposing and more transparent. The convenience and convertibility of steel shelving makes it a popular option in any industrial, commercial or residential setting, though several factors must be considered to ensure the most effective and safe use of space.

In any workplace, safety should be a priority. To ensure that safe and responsible shelving is used, the dimensions of the items to be stored or displayed on a shelving unit should be carefully considered in regards to the capacity and weight bearing capabilities of that particular shelf. This relies heavily on the type and gauge of the steel components used to create that shelf. Steel is a rigid alloy of predominantly iron praised for its strength, durability, corrosion and wear resistance as well as its comparatively light weight. While carbon is the other consistent element of steel, several other metallic fillers may be present in a given alloy. The type and amount of carbon or other fillers present in steel significantly impacts its strength and other desirable properties. The manufacturing process used to create shelves may also have an impact. Steel sheets, used for the dividers, bases and flat surfaces upon which items sit are made through annealing, bending, cold rolling, drawing, forging, mechanical working, press forming or roll forming processes. The posts and supporting framework are likewise made through variable processes such as cold rolling, drawing and stamping. In addition to the specific alloy used and manufacturing processes, the gauge of steel shelving components should be carefully considered. The capacity of a shelving unit should always exceed the total weight of items it will hold.

In addition to material capability, the dimensions and configuration of the shelf must also be compatible with the items it will house as well as the necessary accessibility. While there are many specific types of shelves, the two basic categorizations are open shelving and closed shelving. The distinction is, as the name implies, based on whether or not the units have an open design, or a panel along one or more sides that creates a backing. Open shelves are ideal for applications where workers will need access to inventory from both sides of the shelf and where the risk of tipping is minimal. Closed units offer maximum stability and security as they may also include a locking front panel. Panels also help to prevent loose items from falling or rolling off shelves, though they significantly reduce accessibility as compared with open frames. When selecting both open and closed shelving units, it is important to consider the dimensions of the shelf as well as the inventory. Length, width, height and depth should be carefully considered. As some suppliers measure the overall dimensions of a shelf, rather than the cubic feet of storage space, it is important to be clear on this point to ensure the selection of optimal shelving.

No matter the type, purpose or size of a shelving system, proper installation is integral to the success and safety of the work place. Pre-assembled shelves are available as are those which are assembled on location. The appearance of a shelf varies with type and model, but supports and braces should be securely fastened. Welding and mechanical fastenings, such as nuts, bolts, and rivets, may be used to join components. Additionally, when tipping is a concern, shelving units should be secured to the floor with foot plates or braces. These anchor the shelves and provide a more rigid structure that is far less prone to shifting or overturning. Both before and after final braces are put in place, the levelness of both vertical and horizontal components should be checked. Where applicable, it is important to follow federal, state and local building and fire safety codes to verify workplace safety. Properly installed steel shelving can increase process flow and workplace efficiency creating significant space and time savings.

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Types of Steel Shelving

• Adjustable shelving is a type of storage or display unit that is designed to be flexible in configuration in order to optimize space.
• 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.
  
• Metal shelving is an extremely rugged organizational tool that allows for maximum use of horizontal and vertical storage space in industrial, commercial and residential settings. 
• 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.
• Shelving systems encompass the complete storage arrangement in a given industrial, commercial or residential area. Engineers carefully calculate these organizational designs in order to maximize unused horizontal and vertical space.
• Shelving units are the individual components that are combined to form a complete storage shelving scheme.
• Stainless steel shelving is an organizational system designed to provide optimal use of storage space. These shelves are made of an extremely durable and anti-corrosive steel alloy.
• Storage shelving is comprised of sets of horizontally placed surfaces that are parallel to the ground.
• Wall shelving creates organizational storage or presentation space without taking up floor area as it is fastened directly to the wall.
• Wire shelving is a particular type of shelving unit wherein the base or surface upon which items are placed is composed of several interwoven or latticed metal rods.

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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.

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