High-Capacity DRAWER Type Sheet Metal Rack

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing and warehousing, efficiency is directly tied to how easily materials can be accessed and moved. The DRAWER type sheet metal rack represents a significant leap forward from traditional storage methods. Designed as a 6-layer boltless steel storage rack with fully roll-out shelves, this system addresses the core inefficiencies of handling heavy, bulky sheet materials like steel, aluminum, and composite panels. By merging the density of pallet racking with the accessibility of tool chest drawers, it creates a seamless interface between storage and production. This article explores the technical specifications, operational benefits, and transformative impact this rack system can have on your material logistics, workflow speed, and floor space utilization.

Core Technology: The Engineering Behind the Roll-Out Shelf
The defining feature of this system is its rack with roll-out shelves DRAWER mechanism. This isn’t a simple slide; it’s an integrated load-bearing system engineered for precision and durability.

• Full-Depth Extension for Complete Access: Each shelf is mounted on heavy-gauge rollers that engage with reinforced tracks. When the access doors are opened, they form a rigid, aligned extension of the rack’s frame. The shelf can then be rolled out to its full 100% depth, presenting the entire load on a stable, accessible plane. This eliminates the dangerous and time-consuming practice of “fishing” for sheets at the back of a deep shelf.

• Dual-Access Configuration: For production lines, the rack can be specified with doors on both the front and rear. This transforms it into a flow-through system: raw sheets are loaded from the warehouse side, and the machine operator retrieves them directly from the production side. This minimizes cross-traffic and streamlines the supply chain right at the point of use.

• Direct Machine Feeding Compatibility: The primary use case is installation adjacent to metalworking machinery. With a shelf fully extended, a vacuum or magnetic gripper—mounted on a jib crane or robotic arm—can effortlessly pick a sheet directly from the stack and transfer it to the machine table (laser cutter, punching machine, brake press). This integration cuts handling time by over 70% compared to using forklifts and degalletizing stations.

Uncompromising Structural Integrity and Safety
Safety under load is non-negotiable. This rack is built to exceed industry standards, providing a secure environment for both personnel and valuable materials.

• Heavy-Duty Boltless Construction: The term “boltless” refers to the main frame assembly, which allows for quicker, tool-free setup. However, all critical load-bearing joints and the shelf roller mechanisms are secured with high-strength class 8.8 bolts, ensuring a rigid connection that resists shifting and swaying.

• Integrated Safety Locking System: Safety is automated. The mechanism locks the main access doors whenever a shelf is in the extended position, preventing accidental closure. Each shelf also has positive-acting locks in both the stored and fully extended positions, securing the load during transport or seismic activity.

• Engineered Ergonomics: Manually handling 3,000 kg is impossible, but moving a shelf loaded with that weight is simple with this system. The high-efficiency roller bearing system reduces pull-force effort. Ergonomically positioned handles and lock levers are designed for intuitive use, reducing operator fatigue and the risk of strain injuries.

Specifications and Tailored Customization
The rack is available in standardized models but is inherently customizable to fit exact needs.

• Standard Model Range: From the HC-B3015-63 (3T/layer, for 3×1.5m sheets) to the massive HC-B6020-610 (10T/layer, for 6x2m sheets), there is a model for most common sheet sizes. The standard 6 customizable layers offer flexibility.

• Comprehensive Customization:

  • Layer Count & Load: The number of shelves and their individual load capacity (up to 10,000 kg) are designed based on material thickness and total storage volume.

  • Dimensional Flexibility: The rack can be built to the exact size of your largest material, plus a safe working allowance. Crucially, the overall height can be maximized to fit under your facility’s ceiling, leveraging unused vertical air space.

  • Accessory Integration: The system supports add-ons like integrated label holders for visual inventory management, compatibility with overhead crane systems for mechanized loading, and matching ladder trucks for safe access to top shelves in taller configurations.

Case Study & The Mezzanine Advantage
A practical application involves storing sheets for a laser cutter. A rack placed bedside, even with simpler static doors, creates a dedicated feeding station. An operator uses a jib crane’s vacuum lifter to pull sheets directly from the extended drawer, swivel, and load the machine. This condenses a multi-step process into a single, efficient motion.

To maximize ROI on floor space, adding a Multi-purpose mezzanine on the rack’s roof is a game-changer. This secondary platform, accessible by forklift, can store finished parts, tooling, palletized goods, or less-frequently-used materials. It effectively creates a two-story storage system within the same footprint, dramatically increasing storage cubic capacity without expanding the building.

Conclusion
The DRAWER type sheet metal rack is more than storage; it’s a productivity multiplier. It solves the critical bottleneck of material access in sheet metal processing and heavy panel storage. By ensuring every sheet is as easy to retrieve as the first, it reduces labor costs, minimizes material damage, enhances safety, and accelerates throughput. For any operation looking to modernize its material handling and embrace lean manufacturing principles, this innovative drawer style board shelving system is the foundational tool for a smarter, more efficient workshop.