Adjustable Pallet Racking
The Adjustable Pallet Racking system (AR APR) is designed to store pallets in a mechanical and functional way using forklifts.
These forklifts access the goods through aisles that run parallel to the racks.
Conventional pallet racking is a logistics proposal adaptable to the dimensions of the load units and forklift trucks.
Efficient, resistant, easy-to-assemble, and with simple load level regulation, this system adapts to any type of product, both by weight and by volume. These systems can be adapted for picking.
Depending on the handling equipment SIN, two types of system can be offered:
- APR system for Class 400 (Conventional Racking System)
- APR system for Class 300 or VNA Pallet Racking for Very Narrow Aisle forklift trucks
The APR storage system is dimensioned according to both the European regulations in force and FEM (European Materials Handling Federation) recommendations.
In addition, these systems can be adapted for picking.
How does it work?
Adjustable Pallet Racking - AR PAL
The Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR) system is a selective storage solution designed to store palletized goods using forklift trucks.
Pallets are reached from aisles that are dimensioned according to the mechanical trucks used. The height of the system and the distance between levels are the result of the storage needs, the handling equipment used and the available space.
This is an efficient and robust system for heavy loads.
The Adjustable Pallet Racking system supports different types of:
- Pallets (Europallets, perimeter base)
- Containers
- Individual boxes
AR PAL systems are a simple structure consisting of beams, frames and optional accessories, including support beams and brackets for containers and drums.
They also offer safety features such as perimeter mesh, frame and strut guards, reinforcements and pallet backstops.
Advantages
Advantages of the Adjustable Pallet Racking system (APR)
- Adapts to any type of unit load and forklift.
- Allows direct and immediate access to goods.
- Quick and efficient assembly, disassembly and replacement of parts.
- Quick placement and access to every pallet directly and immediately.
- Strict control of stored SKUs; each storage location matches a unit load.
- Time and effort saving when handling goods, achieving high stock rotation.
- Ability to meet changing needs.
- With a variety of available accessories and configurations, the rack can be tailored to any load weight or volume.
- Maximization of space by easily and quickly adjusting beam levels to meet any required volume.
- Easy-to-assemble modular structure. The assembly design of the different structural elements makes disassembly and re-installation easy, as well as any racking reconfiguration and/ or enlargements in case of new storage needs.
- Increased safety factor thanks to the accessories used.
- The AR-range uprights and frames are pre-galvanised and have an innovative traceability system.
Main applications of Adjustable Pallet Racking
Since it is the most common and conventional storage system it is the most widely used, and thanks to its adaptability and versatility its application is useful for diverse storage needs.
However, we specifically recommend using an adjustable pallet racking system in the following situations:
- Storage of unit loads with a wide variety of references.
- Storage with need for direct access to each unit load.
- High turnover storage with non-homogeneous products.
- Storage of non-standard unit loads that require specific accessories, such as coils, drums and containers.
- Warehouses that require a combination of pallet and picking racks.
Components and accessories
Adjustable pallet racking components and accessories
The adjustable pallet racking systems are a simple structure consisting of main beams, frames, and optional attachments including support cross bars, and container and drum supports. They also offer security features such as perimeter fencing, frame and strut protectors, pallet reinforcements, and pallet back stops.
Conventional pallet racking frames
Frames are one of the standard components of pallet racking systems. These frames consist of 2 uprights, their corresponding diagonal braces, baseplates and fixing elements (bolts, nuts…).
AR Racking has a broad range of frames with a galvanised finish, which means greater durability and resistance to adverse conditions with respect to the painted finish.
In addition, AR Racking has a system for the identification of its uprights and beams for adjustable pallet racking systems which enables immediate recognition of their design, composition and all the elements identifying the origin of the component. Hence the traceability of the product is fully guaranteed.
The AR Racking traceability system represents a step forward in the company’s automation process and in its development towards the industry 4.0 concept.
Galvanised upright
The upright is the main element of the frame and is galvanised. The customer has a wide range of upright sections and lengths available to them for adjustable pallet racking.
Baseplate
The baseplate is a structural element joined to each upright which distributes the load over the floor and allows you to secure the base to it.
Welded baseplate
The welded base is a component especially designed for frames with the highest load and height.
Shim
Element situated under the baseplate to level the storage system. This option is used on uneven floors.
Adjustable pallet racking beams
Beams are the horizontal elements of the adjustable pallet racking system which support the load and join the adjoining frames, parallel to the work aisle. They have connectors which fit into the drill holes of the upright.
These connectors designed by AR Racking provide an extremely firm and safe connection system formed between the beam and upright, increasing load capacities and making the storage system durable.
The extensive range of AR Racking beams covers many types, lengths and load capacities to suit each customer’s specific needs.
AR Racking beams have a traceability system that allows full control of their production process, thus enhancing their reliability, safety and efficiency.
Orange 2C Beam
The AR Racking orange 2C beam consists of two “C” shaped profiles welded together.
These beams come in a wide range of lengths, widths and resistances to suit each load capacity.
Orange Light Beam
Orange light beams are for light load storage cases.
Its design versatility allows you to use these beams for any type of palletised loads or for picking levels.
Hot Dip Galvanised Beam
Hot dip galvanised beams for adjustable pallet racking are zinc-coated to increase their corrosion resistance.
They are therefore suitable for very aggressive environments, as is the case in warehouses that store chemicals or in very saline environments.
As with the light beams, there is a broad range to suit each customer’s needs.
Orange Z Beam for Picking
These types of beams are formed with a “Z” shaped profile. This special shape makes it possible to create levels for manual picking systems based on an adjustable pallet racking solution, incorporating metal, wooden or mesh shelving.
Pre-galvanised standard pin
The safety pin is an individual element that is placed on the connector that joins the beam to the upright and prevents accidental displacement of the beam.
It is an approved component that enhances the safety of the structure. It is a reliable and simple safety system that enables correct and rapid use with the naked eye.
This pin is compatible with all beams in the AR Racking range. The hot dip galvanised beams use a red pin to enable their control from the floor.
Racks and panels
Mesh panel (protection and fall-arrest)
Metal mesh panels are a component used as a load level to support the goods on the pallets and their different loads on the adjustable pallet racking.
The rectangular mesh is attached to the support bars which gives the structure rigidity. The unit is placed on the AR beams without the need for extra fixings. Meshes can also be installed for picking, adapting the solution to the measurements and weights of the products required by each customer.
Galvanised tray
AR Racking’s galvanised metal trays fit directly onto the beams without the need for extra fixings.
It is an AR PAL adjustable pallet racking accessory used in combination with orange Z beams for picking. The trays can have a smooth or grooved surface.
Chipboard panel
Chipboard panels (also called boards) can be used in different ways in AR PAL adjustable pallet racking.
They can be placed directly on the beams with the aid of retainers at the ends for better fixing. Also, depending on the load, support bars must be placed to support the unit load.
Support bars and container support
TM55 support bar for wood
TM55 support bars for wood are especially designed for placement on their upper level 22 mm thick wooden boards or chipboard, with the wood flush with the height of the beam. The dimensions and thicknesses of the support vary according to project needs.
T451 support bar
T451 support bars are structural elements crossly arranged on the beams and which enable the placement of pallets on them. They provide an extra level of safety to prevent the falling of pallets in certain situations.
TNP84 Raised Support Bar
TNP84 “Top hat” raised support bars enable the entry of forklifts under the unit load. They are used in cases in which loads without pallets or bottom runners are stored. They are the perfect solution for easy loading and unloading.
Container support
Container supports are used when the unit load to be stored are containers with legs at their ends. It consists of a set of 2 supports crossly arranged on the beams.
Adjustable pallet racking prevention and safety measures
There are various accessories to help ensure a more secure installation such as pallet backstops, protection meshes and protectors.
Pallet backstops and protection meshes
Single and double pallet backstop
Single and double pallet backstops are preventive safety backstops for adjustable pallet racking. Their main function is to prevent the pallet from falling in case of an inappropriate manoeuvre.
They consist of a metal profile set on top of 2 arms bolted to the sides of the uprights.
The single backstop is used for single runs and the double backstop for double runs.
SINGLE PALLET BACKSTOP | DOUBLE PALLET BACKSTOP
Kibi pallet backstop
This is a structural element crossly arranged on the beams on double runs.
Its function is to also warn and prevent the pallet from falling in case of an inappropriate manoeuvre with the unit load.
Floor pallet backstop
Floor pallet backstops are different to the other backstops.
They are fixed to the floor to serve as a warning and to retain unit loads placed on the floor. They can be either single or double.
SINGLE FLOOR BACKSTOP | DOUBLE FLOOR BACKSTOP
Protection meshes
Protection meshes are mesh panels used as a protection element on both the base and on the sides of the adjustable pallet racking. It is a safety element that prevents unintended displacement or falling of the unit loads.
They can be either nylon or metal. The flexibility of the nylon type mesh makes it able to fully recover its original state after any incident.
NYLON MESH | WIRE MESH
Pallet Racking protectors
Upright protector
They are installed on each of the external uprights of the installation.
Their function is to protect the installation from any damages caused by impacts from the forklift. There are several models to suit each upright.
Corner protector
Corner protectors are an alternative option when it is not possible to install upright protectors.
They protect the external uprights, are fixed to the floor and are made of sheet metal.
Their design can either be smooth or grooved, as required.
Upright reinforcement protector
Upright reinforcement protectors are used in adjustable pallet racking systems where the upright must be protected at a height higher than that reached by the upright protector.
They can be either sheet metal or plastic, and both are fixed to the upright itself.
Side frame protector
Side frame protectors protect the adjustable pallet racking on its lower side areas.
These “C” shaped protections are placed on the outer frames, where impacts are more common. They are normally coupled to the upright protectors for greater effectiveness.
There are also side wood protectors, which serve the same purpose.
Drum and cylinder supports
The AR Racking supports for drums or cylinders fit directly on the beams.
Their function is to facilitate the storage of special cylindrical loads, mainly drums.
They consist of a set of 2 elements that are fitted into the beams to support the front and rear of the drum.
Two “L” shaped elements welded to each of the units immobilise the cylindrical load on the rack.
This adapted support allows you to handle the loads while stored in complete safety.
Coil racks
Coil racks enable the simple storage of any material wound on the coils (cable, rope, cloth, etc.).
These side supports require a central metal spindle on which the coils can rotate.
The side coil support is fixed to the sides of the frame. 2 parts placed in parallel are needed for their operation.
Coil racks make the AR PAL system versatile and usable with other storage systems.
Adjustable pallet racking signs
Markers
Markers are rectangular metal plates that are placed on the external parts of the adjustable pallet racking to indicate with letters and numbers the different aisles of the installation.
The plate is fixed to the upright in different ways as required.
Load warning notice
The load warning notice is a component fixed in visible places of the structure to provide personnel with information for the safe use of the storage system.
It is normally fixed to the outer frames of the installation.
The following appears on the notice: safety warnings, reference to the storage system, load capacities and manufacturer and distributor contact information.
Vinyl load label
The vinyl load label is an identifier indicating the load capacity of each beam.
This helps ensure safe use of the storage system, reducing risks and any confusion when loading and unloading.
The vinyl printed label is an adhesive that is placed directly on the beam of the adjustable pallet racking system.
Quality and security
Adjustable pallet racking solutions comply with the strictest European safety standards, and also come with AR Racking’s quality and innovation guarantee.
5-year quality guarantee
The reliability of our adjustable pallet racking solutions means we are able to offer 5-year quality guarantees against all types of manufacturing or hidden defects in the components of the main structure of our racking solutions.
Pioneering component traceability system
Since 2016, our adjustable pallet racking components have included a component traceability system.
With this system, the various above-mentioned elements have an identifying mark, which means being able to trace and document each component from origin without needing to have the package label, and therefore, knowing which piece it is, its design and what raw material has been used in its manufacture.
100% automated production
Our industrial racking production process is fully automated: it incorporates state-of-the-art profiling machines with a continuous cutting process and laser measurement control, welding centres, painting and packaging processes, all automated, which guarantee the highest quality parameters.
Designs in R&D&I Centre
The structures of our adjustable pallet racking systems are designed in our exclusive R&D&I technology centre and supported by the advanced engineering project development area, helping to provide a suitable response to the most demanding logistics requirements.
Tests at Research and Testing Laboratory
With the creation of our Research and Testing Laboratory in collaboration with the University of Mondragón, our technical area continuously tests and analyses products and materials to improve our adjustable pallet racking systems; it simulates, calculates and researches (with specialist software) the efficacy of the geometries, and makes full structural calculations on the behaviour of the systems already installed in different situations.
Adjustable Pallet Racking quality certificates:
- ISO 9001: 2008
- ISO 18001: 2004
- OSHAS 18001: 2007
- Welding certificate: UNE EN ISO 3834-2: 2006
- Galvanized steel corrosion resistance certificate: UNE EN ISO 14713-1
- Galvanized steel reaction to fire: EN 13501-1: 2007
- Adjustable Pallet Racking Quality Certificate:
- EN 15512
- EN 15620
- EN 15629
- EN 15635
- FEM 10208
References
As adjustable pallet racking experts with more than 26,000 storage projects implemented in over 60 countries, we are fortunate to have collaborated in the optimisation of the warehouses of major international companies from various sectors: food and beverage, automotive, distribution, electronics, pharmacy and cosmetics, industrial and transport and logistics.
Some featured Adjustable Pallet Racking projects: