Steel storage racks are known for being the strongest, most durable and resistant metal storage systems available. They are non flammable, temperature resistant, have a good strength to weight ratio and a smooth surface. Steel is commercial iron that contains up to 1.7% carbon and exhibits hardness, ductility and tensile strength.
Steel is a common material for metal storage racks and an alternative to metals like titanium and aluminum because while it is extremely strong and can handle high psi (pounds per square inch), when heated enough, steel is very formable and can be made into sheets, bars and wire-all the components needed to fabricate an industrial storage rack. There are a couple different kinds of steel that are used for racks, including stainless steel, which is considered food grade and FDA approved to use around pharmaceuticals and edible products, and galvanized steel, which has been dipped in zinc to form a corrosion resistant material that will not rust and is therefore often used outdoors or in environments where moisture is common. Steel storage racks are used across a wide variety of industries, including the food and beverage processing, shipping, pharmaceutical, grocery, electronics and cosmetics industries, among many others. Storage rack systems are found in the home, office and workshop, manufacturing plants, storage warehouses and shipping centers.
Storage racks made of steel have many different designs and configurations. They may be many different heights, widths and depths to accommodate a product, material or tool's size and fabricated in various ways. Most are constructed out of a series of decks, or platforms, which are held together by steel rails that are bolted or welded together. The decks are sometimes fabricated from wire mesh. The wire material is made of extruded steel that has been either welded at the cross points or interwoven together. This type of rack provides high visibility, easy access and is inexpensive to fabricate. Other decks are made of smooth sheet metal. These may hold more oddly shaped items, while wire decks are limited to items with a flat bottom. Some decks are inclined to better utilize space. These are called push back racks and rolling racks, and when a forklift removes the front load, gravity causes the next to take its place. Stainless steel racks, which are often used in food grade applications, are smooth, non-contaminating and corrosion resistant, meaning they may be exposed to moisture without rusting. Galvanized steel has been hot dipped in molten zinc, forming a stronger, corrosion resistant surface coating. Racks made of galvanized steel are often used outdoors.
