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Pallet racking is found in many a warehouse as it can store a wide variety of items. Within pallet racking, there are several kinds, each with its own specialty and unique purpose. Depending on a facility’s needs, one kind of pallet racking may benefit a setup more compared to another. Let’s compare structural pallet rack and roll-formed pallet rack to see how their designs vary and what makes them ideal for different warehouse environments.

Roll-Form Pallet Racking

What is roll-formed pallet racking?

            Roll-formed pallet racking is a type of warehouse shelving that is made from cold-rolled steel. This is shaped into upright frames and beams with a rolling process.

            This type of industrial shelving often uses a rivet-style connector.

What are the benefits of roll-formed pallet racking?

            The way that roll-formed warehouse pallet racking is designed makes it simple to assemble. These industrial shelving units do not require bolts to attach the beams to the uprights. Instead, beams will quickly snap into the uprights and stay seated in the upright, secured by a safety clip that is attached to the beam endplate. Compared to structural pallet racking, this type of warehouse pallet racking is quicker to assemble.

            These warehouse pallet racks are also easily adjustable. With teardrop or slotted connections, these shelf heights can be adjusted without intense labor.

            Roll-forming pallet racking can be more cost effective than structural pallet racking. These industrial pallet racks are better equipped for lighter loads, so if there’s not a need to store very heavy items, these can be more cost effective.

What is roll-formed pallet racking ideal for?

            Roll-formed pallet racking is ideal for warehouses that may need to reconfigure their setup more often than others. Not all industrial racks are easily adjustable, but roll-formed pallet racking is more versatile as it can be changed without intense labor.

            As this type of industrial warehouse shelving is better for warehouses with lighter loads, it’s great for standard warehousing applications. Roll-formed pallet racking can be more susceptible to damage from lift trucks, so slower-paced warehouses may benefit more from this type of industrial shelving. Guard rails and column protectors are great additions to this type of shelving if forklifts are used frequently in your warehouse.

            Warehouses that store seasonal products, or have items that may change over time, and inventory with varying sizes might find these industrial storage racks ideal. Typically, retail warehouses and 3PL warehouses use roll-formed pallet racking.

Structural Pallet Racking

            What is structural pallet racking?

            Structural pallet racking is made from hot-rolled structural steel. By using a bolted connection for added strength, it’s heavier than roll-formed pallet racking, making it more resistant to impact.

            What are the benefits of structural pallet racking?

            Structural pallet racking is heavy duty and can support heavier capacities than roll-formed pallet racking. These heavy duty storage shelves have a bulkier construction, making them more resistant against any hits and damage from forklift impacts.

            This heavy-duty shelving has an open style design, allowing it to be cleaned easier. Structural pallet racking can also be highly customized although installation does require more skilled labor than roll-formed pallet racking.

            What is structural pallet racking ideal for?

            Structural pallet racking is ideal for heavy-duty applications. Structural racking can be designed for much higher capacities than roll-formed pallet racking. As this industrial warehouse shelving is more resistant to forklift impacts, these are great for high traffic environments.

            Often, structural pallet racking will be found in food and beverage distribution facilities and cold storage warehouses.

            Additionally, as these pallet racks can be more easily galvanized, you’ll see them in more outdoor uses than with roll-formed pallet racking.

            Are you ready for your next storage solution?

            After considering factors such as load capacity, versatility with layout changes, and budget, the right storage solution for your facility will become clear. It’s important to consider your needs and current pain points before choosing the right storage solution for your facility.

            At Industrial Shelving Systems, we’ll take a full inventory of your space, storage needs, and available floor space before recommending a storage system. Let us know what you’re looking for here, or give us a call at 1-800-875-6201 to talk to one of our design experts.