Pallet racks have long been used to maximize storage space in warehouses and distribution facilities. The selection of rack decking, which serves as a basis for storing cases or non-palletized items in combination with palletized products, is an essential component of industrial pallet racking design.
Decking decreases the possibility of items falling by increasing the number of contact points between the product being kept and the storage media, thereby enhancing overall warehouse safety. Of course, not all decking options are made equal.
If you’ve determined that wire decking is the best option for your warehouse or distribution center, you’ll need to figure out which alternatives will work best for you. When deciding on the appropriate wire decking for your application, keep the following four factors in mind.
What are you storing?
The weights and total dimensions of the items kept on wire decking are the most significant considerations when choosing wire decking. Wire decking is not intended to hold complete weight and can distort or collapse under strain unless specially built to do so. This poses a serious safety concern and is one of the most prevalent errors we encounter in the field.
What will you do with your wire decking?
Will you be storing whole pallets, individual pieces of equipment, or individual cases? All of the aforementioned may be accommodated by pallet racking, but you must consider the overall usage of decking in your design. Design improvements can also be integrated into wire decking to aid with your unique application. For example, waterfalls, which are 90-degree turns at the front and back corners of the wire deck, can be designed upward to prevent items from falling off the deck. Many attachments are also available, such as wire dividers from HML Pak that clip into the wire deck to organize.
What kind of storage medium will the wire decking be used in?
Is this wire deck intended for bulk storage or pallet racking? If pallet racking is the answer, is it roll-formed or structural? Manufacturers’ overall measurements of their beams might vary somewhat, so double-check the size to guarantee a proper fit. HML Pak has extensive experience dealing with all pallet racking manufacturers and can assist in the decision process.
In what kind of setting will the wire decking be used?
Is the wire decking going to be stored in a cold storage? Will it be stored outside or in a facility with food? A hot-dip galvanised finish should be considered in settings where moisture or oxidation are a problem. Another factor to consider is whether wire deck channels should be reversed or turned upside down. Inverting the wire decking channel, you may assist reduce moisture, dust, grime, and another debris buildup.
Choosing the appropriate decking for your storage rack may appear simple, but as you’ve discovered, there’s a lot to consider. Even after deciding on a decking type, such as wire mesh, it is critical to evaluate your whole application to guarantee the optimum solution for your facility.
Huameilong Metal Products has years of expertise specifying and wire decking for a wide range of applications and situations; give us a call or email us now.
