What are the components of a warehouse rack?

A shelving unit can be clearly broken down into several major parts. Generally, we are referring to storage racks. If it is a display shelf, due to the wide variety and diverse structures, the differences between various display racks are significant and difficult to classify. As for storage racks, their main components include the following:

1. Upright Posts
Upright posts are the columns of the shelving, serving as the "legs" that support the shelf on the ground. Typically, a set of storage shelves has four upright posts. Every two posts are connected by horizontal and diagonal braces to form one upright frame. When a shelf extends sideways from an original set, the extended part is called an auxiliary rack. Since the auxiliary rack is attached to the main frame, only one additional upright frame is needed.

2. Beams
Beams are similar to beams in a building. Their ends are fixed to two upright posts, forming a horizontal bar spanning across the two upright frames. Each shelf level usually consists of two or more beams, commonly two. For example, on heavy-duty racks, each level has two beams that support pallets and the goods placed on the pallets.

3. Shelves
Shelves are not a necessary component of storage racks. For heavy-duty racks that hold pallets, shelves may not be needed, as the pallets can rest directly on the beams. However, racks without shelves require a storage medium, such as pallets, to store goods. If there is no medium and goods are placed directly on the rack, shelves are necessary. A shelf is a flat panel, which can be made of wood or steel. It is placed on the beams, and goods are placed on the shelf.

4. Other Accessories
Besides the three main components mentioned above, shelves also have other accessories, such as cross braces and backstops. These are designed to fulfill specific, less common functions.

The main components of the shelving are as described above. Of course, depending on different functions and requirements, the materials used for each part may vary and should be selected according to specific needs.