The concept of single stock inventory management—maintaining exactly one location for each material type and consuming directly from that location without intermediate handling—has long been a goal in lean manufacturing. However, sheet metal’s physical characteristics have historically made single stock impractical. Heavy loads, large dimensions, and the need for fork truck access have forced fabrication shops into multiple stocking locations, duplicate inventory, and inefficient material flow. Herochu has solved this problem with its Vertical Automatic Storage System Single Stock configuration, a purpose-built solution that enables true single-stock management for sheet metal fabrication.

The Herochu vertical automatic storage system single stock architecture centers on one fundamental principle: every sheet of every material grade, thickness, and surface finish has exactly one designated storage position within the vertical tower. When material arrives from the supplier, it goes directly into that position. When a production order requires that material, the system retrieves it from that same position. No secondary storage areas, no overflow racks, no temporary staging locations. This discipline forces accurate inventory tracking and eliminates the multiple-stock situations that inflate working capital and confuse production planning.

Model selection for single stock configurations typically favors higher layer counts and broader sheet size compatibility. The HC-A6020-105, with ten customizable layers and sheet capacity up to 6000x2000mm, provides the volume needed for comprehensive single-stock implementation in medium-to-large fabrication shops. The HC-A4020-85 offers eight layers with 4000x2000mm sheet capacity, suitable for smaller facilities or shops with narrower material variety. Both models maintain the core single-stock functionality of dedicated positions for each inventory SKU.

Layer count customization takes on special importance in the single stock configuration because each layer typically holds a different material type. A fabrication shop with 150 active material SKUs cannot implement single stock with an eight-layer tower unless each layer holds multiple SKUs—which defeats the single-stock principle. Therefore, Herochu engineers work closely with customers to determine the exact number of layers required based on their SKU count and expected growth. For shops with high SKU counts, the system can be expanded horizontally by installing multiple towers side by side, each tower serving as a single-stock repository for a specific material family.

Load capacity per layer in single stock applications defaults to 3T for the 3015 and 4015 models, and 5T for the 4020 and 6020 models. However, because single stock implies each layer holds only one material type, the per-layer load capacity must accommodate the maximum expected quantity of that material. A layer designated for 10mm thick mild steel plates might need 5T capacity to hold a full supplier lot, while a layer for 1mm aluminum might need only 1T capacity. Herochu offers graduated load capacities within the same tower, allowing heavier layers at the bottom and lighter layers above—an optimization that improves stability and reduces structural requirements.

Movement mode combines linear guide rail precision with chain drive power, as in other Herochu configurations. However, the single stock version includes enhanced positioning accuracy features. Because each sheet returns to the exact same position after every use, the system must maintain absolute positional repeatability over years of operation. Herochu achieves this through hardened linear guide rails with wiper seals, pre-tensioned chains with automatic lubrication, and absolute encoders that remember position even after power loss. Repeatability is specified at ±1mm horizontally and ±0.5mm vertically, meaning a sheet returned to storage lands within a millimeter of its previous location every time.

Transmission mode remains chain drive, selected for its combination of strength, reliability, and serviceability. In the single stock configuration, chain drive includes a tension monitoring system that alerts maintenance personnel when adjustment is required. This proactive maintenance approach prevents the gradual positioning drift that can occur with neglected chain drives, ensuring single-stock integrity over the system’s lifetime. Vertical lifting speed is 9 meters per minute, slightly slower than some competing systems but intentionally chosen to minimize sheet sway and maximize positioning accuracy.

Inlet and outlet speed at 12 meters per minute represents a throughput-conscious design choice. Faster speeds would increase the risk of sheet misalignment during transfer, potentially compromising the positional accuracy required for single-stock operation. The 12 m/min speed has been validated through extensive testing across sheet thicknesses from 0.5mm to 25mm, confirming that sheets of all common gauges transfer smoothly without edge damage or positional shift.

Plate support selection becomes critical in single stock applications because different material types often require different support surfaces. The optional selection feature allows fabrication shops to assign specific support types to specific layers. A layer storing electro-galvanized sheet might use felt supports to protect the coating. A layer storing hot-rolled plate might use roller supports for easy movement. A layer storing aluminum sheet might use brush supports to prevent scratching. The system’s control software tracks which support type is installed on each layer, ensuring that operators never store material on an incompatible surface.

The number of storage units in the single stock configuration equals the number of layers, with each unit holding exactly one material SKU. This one-to-one relationship simplifies inventory management considerably. The material tracking database needs only to know which SKU occupies which layer. When a new coil or sheet lot arrives, the operator scans the material barcode, the system verifies that the designated layer is empty, and the tower retrieves that layer for loading. No decisions about where to place material, no optimization algorithms, no risk of misplacement. Single stock eliminates the complexity that plagues shared-storage systems.

Integration with ERP and WMS platforms is particularly valuable in single stock implementations because the simplified inventory model enables real-time material requirement planning. When the ERP system releases a production order for parts requiring 10-gauge HRPO steel, it checks the single stock tower’s inventory level for that specific SKU. If sufficient quantity exists, the order proceeds. If not, the system automatically generates a purchase requisition. This closed-loop planning eliminates the safety stock that fabrication shops traditionally hold to compensate for inventory uncertainty, reducing working capital requirements significantly.

For fabrication shops currently operating with multiple stocking locations, the transition to Herochu Vertical Automatic Storage System Single Stock typically reveals substantial hidden inventory. When every sheet of a given material must be stored in one designated location, any sheets found elsewhere represent either miscounts or duplicate purchases. Shops implementing single stock often discover that their actual inventory levels are 15 to 25 percent lower than their records indicated—and that their purchasing patterns have been inflating orders to compensate. Correcting these discrepancies typically recovers working capital equal to the system’s purchase price within the first year of operation.

The Herochu single stock configuration also supports just-in-time delivery models. With accurate, real-time visibility into sheet inventory, fabrication shops can schedule supplier deliveries to arrive exactly when existing stock reaches reorder points. No need for weeks of safety stock to buffer against inventory uncertainty. The vertical automatic storage system provides the data accuracy and retrieval reliability that JIT requires, while the single stock principle provides the inventory discipline that JIT demands. Together, they enable sheet metal fabrication shops to operate with inventory levels that would have been unthinkable in a manually managed environment.

Laser cutting machines have grown increasingly sophisticated, with faster traverse speeds, higher power outputs, and greater accuracy than ever before. Yet many fabrication facilities continue to feed these advanced machines using manual material handling methods that introduce delays, damage, and inefficiency. Herochu addresses this disconnect with its Automated Vertical Storage Systems explicitly engineered for laser cutting materials, creating a seamless bridge between raw sheet inventory and the laser cutting table.

The Herochu automated vertical storage system departs from conventional approach by treating storage not as a separate warehouse function but as an integral component of the laser cutting workflow. Models including the HC-A3015-83, HC-A4015-85, HC-A4020-85, and HC-A6020-105 accommodate sheet dimensions that align directly with standard laser cutting bed sizes—3000x1500mm, 4000x1500mm, 4000x2000mm, and 6000x2000mm respectively. This dimensional alignment means that sheets removed from storage require no repositioning or reorientation before loading onto the laser cutter, eliminating a common source of positioning error.

The automation architecture rests on three synchronized subsystems: the vertical storage tower, the gantry robot loading mechanism, and the material cart transport system. Each subsystem communicates with the laser cutting machine’s controller, creating a fully coordinated material flow. When the laser cutter completes one job and sends a request for the next sheet, the Herochu system simultaneously identifies the target sheet’s location, positions the vertical lift to the correct layer, extends the loading arm to extract the sheet, transfers it to the gantry robot, and delivers it to the laser cutting table. The entire sequence executes without operator intervention, typically completing within 60 to 90 seconds depending on the target layer height and sheet dimensions.

Transfer speed within the automated vertical storage system is calibrated for laser cutting production rates. The horizontal movement of the loading arm operates at 10 to 30 meters per minute, while vertical lifting occurs at 5 to 10 meters per minute. These speeds represent an optimal balance between throughput and material stability. A faster vertical lift might introduce sheet vibration or misalignment, while slower speeds would create bottlenecks in high-volume production. Herochu engineers selected these parameters after extensive testing with typical laser cutting materials ranging from 0.5mm aluminum to 25mm mild steel.

The system accommodates the full spectrum of laser cutting materials. Maximum sheet weight capacity varies by model: 3000kg for the HC-A3015-83 and 5000kg for the larger configurations. An applicable sheet dimension range extends from the standard sizes up to 6000x2500mm, ensuring compatibility with oversized laser cutting beds. The loading arm itself handles individual sheets up to 500kg, sufficient for most common gauges within the dimensional envelope. For heavy plate applications exceeding 500kg, Herochu offers a reinforced loading arm option that extends capacity to 800kg while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Integration with multiple laser cutting machines represents a key engineering achievement of the Herochu automated vertical storage system. A single storage tower can synchronize with two, three, or even four laser cutters simultaneously, each machine requesting sheets independently based on its production schedule. The system’s control software manages these concurrent requests using a priority-based queuing algorithm that accounts for sheet availability, machine utilization rates, and job deadlines. A laser cutter running a rush order receives priority access to the storage tower, while machines processing standard jobs are queued appropriately. This multi-device synchronization capability transforms the storage tower from a passive resource into an active production coordinator.

The gantry robot component deserves specific attention for its role in handling laser cutting materials. Unlike suction-based systems that struggle with oily or slightly irregular sheet surfaces, the Herochu gantry robot employs a combination of vacuum grippers and mechanical clamps. The vacuum grippers engage first, lifting the sheet just enough to confirm secure attachment. Then mechanical clamps engage as a secondary safety measure, preventing sheet drop in the event of vacuum failure. This redundant gripping architecture is particularly valuable for laser cutting materials that may have surface oil residues from rolling processes, which can compromise suction-only systems.

Material cart integration completes the automation loop. When the laser cutter finishes a job and removes the finished parts, the skeleton or remnant sheet is transferred back to the material cart. The cart returns to the storage tower, where the system either stores the remnant for future use or directs it to a scrap cart based on predefined remnant management rules. This closed-loop material flow ensures that laser cutting waste is removed from the work area immediately, maintaining a clean and safe operating environment around the laser machine.

From a software perspective, the Herochu automated vertical storage system includes an interface module for direct communication with laser cutting nesting software. When the nesting software generates a cutting plan, it also produces a material requirement list that the storage system reads automatically. The system then pre-stages the required sheets in a fast-access buffer area, reducing retrieval time when the laser cutter signals readiness. Conversely, when nesting software identifies opportunities to use remnant sheets for smaller parts, the storage system provides real-time inventory data including remnant dimensions and material grades, enabling the nesting algorithm to make optimal material utilization decisions.

Facilities that have implemented the Herochu Automated Vertical Storage Systems for Laser Cutting Materials typically report three measurable improvements. First, laser cutting machine utilization increases by 25 to 40 percent because the cutting head spends less time waiting for material. Second, material waste decreases by 10 to 15 percent because the system enables better remnant tracking and reuse. Third, labor costs associated with material handling drop by 50 to 70 percent, reallocating skilled personnel from forklift operation to higher-value activities such as quality inspection and process optimization.

For fabrication shops planning to scale their laser cutting capacity, the Herochu automated vertical storage system provides a path that avoids proportional increases in floor space and labor. Adding a third laser cutter does not require tripling the storage area or adding three material handlers. Instead, the existing vertical storage tower absorbs the additional demand, retrieving and delivering sheets as each machine requires. This scalability makes the Herochu system particularly attractive for growing contract manufacturing operations where capital efficiency determines competitive positioning.

Breaking the “Honeycombing” Bottleneck

Protecting High-Value Materials

Seamless Integration with Automation

Customizable Configurations

Introduction: The Mechanical Advantage of Full-Extension Drawers

The most overlooked variable in laser cutting productivity is the physical distance between the raw material and the machine bed. In workshops processing 6-meter (20-foot) sheets, that distance is often measured in minutes of forklift travel time and square meters of congested aisle space. The Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack from Herochu changes the geometry of your workshop. Instead of moving a forklift to a stationary sheet, the sheet moves to a retrieval position via a precision-engineered drawer mechanism.

This is not a simple shelving unit. A true Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack is a heavy-duty, industrial-grade system where each level extends horizontally out of the tower, presenting the full 6,000mm length of the sheet in a cantilevered but fully supported orientation. The operator then uses an overhead crane or jib crane with a vacuum lifter to pick a single sheet without disturbing the sheets above or below. This article explains the mechanical engineering, operational workflow, and financial benefits of adopting a Herochu roll-out system for large-format fabrication.

Engineering Deep Dive: Drawer Construction and Guidance Systems

The critical component of any roll-out rack is the guidance system. Standard industrial drawer slides are rated for 500 kg to 1,000 kg, but a Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack for 6m laser cutting sheets must handle loads up to 5,000 kg per drawer. Herochu achieves this using a proprietary telescopic rail system with six precision-ground bearing trucks per drawer. The rails are fabricated from cold-drawn C-channel steel with a black oxide coating for corrosion resistance in workshop environments.

The drawer body itself is constructed from welded structural rectangular tubing, with cross-members placed every 400mm to prevent deflection. The front face of each drawer includes a reinforced pulling point that accepts a standard electric crank or hydraulic extension arm. For workshops without powered assists, Herochu offers a manual crank with a 40:1 gear reduction, allowing a single operator to extend a fully loaded 5,000 kg drawer with less than 15 kg of hand force.

Why Vertical Density Improves Workflow

A common misconception is that vertical racks slow down retrieval because operators must reach high levels. The Herochu Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack includes a mobile work platform that travels vertically along the front of the tower. The operator stands on this platform, activates the height adjustment, and moves to the desired level. Once positioned, they crank out the drawer, pick the sheet with a vacuum lifter, and lower the sheet directly onto a roller conveyor or laser shuttle table.

This vertical arrangement achieves a storage density that floor stacking cannot match. A single Herochu tower occupying a footprint of 7m (length) by 2m (depth) can store up to ten levels of 6m sheets. That is approximately 50 to 60 metric tons of steel in a footprint smaller than one parking space. In high-rent industrial zones, this spatial efficiency translates directly to lower operating costs or the ability to add another laser cutter in the same building.

Preserving Surface Quality for High-End Applications

For workshops processing stainless steel, aluminum, or pre-coated sheets for architectural or automotive applications, surface quality is paramount. Any scratch or abrasion on a 6m sheet can render the entire blank unusable. The Herochu Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack is designed with non-marring contact surfaces. The drawer cross-members are fitted with replaceable urethane pads that cushion the sheet and prevent metal-to-metal contact.

Furthermore, because the roll-out mechanism allows the crane to pick the top sheet directly from the drawer, there is no dragging. In a floor stack, the act of sliding a sheet off the top of a bundle creates microscratches from any embedded grit or scale. In the Herochu system, the vacuum lifter lifts vertically, eliminating horizontal abrasion. For fabricators who supply to medical, semiconductor, or architectural cladding markets, this surface preservation alone justifies the investment.

Integration with Laser Auto-Load Systems

Many modern fiber lasers include an automated shuttle table or walking beam loading system. The Herochu Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack can be directly integrated with these systems. By positioning the rack adjacent to the laser’s load station, the operator can roll out a drawer, and a powered roller conveyor can transfer the sheet directly from the drawer to the shuttle table. This creates a continuous material flow from storage to cutting, with no intermediate staging area.

The time savings are substantial. In a typical floor stacking environment, moving a 6m sheet from storage to the laser table involves forklift pickup, travel to the laser area, positioning on the load table, and manual alignment. Total time: 15 to 20 minutes. With a Herochu roll-out rack adjacent to the laser, total time from drawer extension to laser start: 3 to 4 minutes. Over a 10-hour shift, these savings add up to multiple additional cutting jobs per day.

Conclusion: A System Built for the Long Haul

The Herochu Roll Out Vertical Sheet Rack is not an expense; it is an infrastructure investment. The all-welded steel construction, corrosion-resistant finishes, and replaceable wear components are designed for a 20-year service life in heavy fabrication environments. When you compare the total cost of ownership against the ongoing labor, waste, and safety costs of floor stacking, the roll-out rack is the clear economic winner. For any laser cutting workshop handling 6m sheets, the Herochu roll-out vertical system is the definitive solution.

Space is expensive. Every square foot of your fabrication floor costs money in rent, utilities, and lost productivity if materials block work cells. The Herochu vertical sheet storage rack with roll-out shelves addresses the space problem directly by storing sheet goods vertically while maintaining full access to every piece. This is not a static rack where sheets lean against a backstop and require wrestling to extract. The roll-out mechanism brings the material to you, not the other way around.

The core concept is simple but transformative. Standard vertical racks store sheets on edge in fixed channels. To remove a sheet from the middle of the stack, you must slide past the outer sheets, risking damage and worker injury. Herochu’s roll-out vertical sheet rack assigns each sheet or small stack its own independently moving drawer. Pull the drawer, and the sheet sits completely outside the rack’s footprint, ready for lifting with a crane, hoist, or vacuum lifter. No tugging, no tilting, no partner required.

Herochu manufactures the vertical sheet storage rack with roll-out shelves in three standard plate size configurations. Model HC-V2010-15 accepts sheets up to 2000mm x 1000mm. Model HC-F2513-15 handles 2500mm x 1500mm. Model HC-F3015-122 takes 3000mm x 1500mm. The number 15 in most model numbers indicates 15 layers as standard, though custom units range from 6 drawers up to 25 layers. Each layer has an available partition height of 50mm in standard form, adjustable to your exact sheet thickness during ordering.

Load capacity per drawer reaches 2000 pounds with a 2-inch loading space, and the drawers extend 100% of their length. That means a 10-foot sheet sits fully accessible, with only a few inches of overhang beyond the drawer front. The drawer slides themselves come from a German manufacturer known for industrial conveyor systems – not cheap hardware store slides. Herochu tests every slide batch for straightness and smooth operation before assembly.

What can you store in a Herochu roll out vertical sheet rack? The list includes sheet metal (steel, aluminum, copper, brass, titanium), glass panels, marble and granite slabs, foam boards, wood panels, plastic sheets, composite materials, granite countertop remnants, windows, door panels, and even large leather hides (with wire grid drawer option). The versatility comes from the open drawer design and available accessories. Solid backing supports heavy stone. UHMW strips protect finished surfaces. Wire grid panels allow clips and hanging.

The Dutch family business heritage behind Herochu ensures meticulous attention to detail. The original Netherlands-based company prioritized quality and service above volume, testing every new product comprehensively at their factory before release. Herochu’s roll out vertical sheet rack program follows identical protocols. Welds get ultrasonic testing on critical frames. Drawer alignment gets laser-verified within 1mm over the full extension length. Each unit receives a final load test before disassembly for shipping.

For shops that use overhead cranes, the Herochu vertical sheet storage rack with roll-out shelves becomes a productivity multiplier. Without roll-out shelves, crane operators struggle to hook a sheet that’s leaned against a rack. The hook has to reach past the top edge at an angle, often requiring a second person to guide it. With Herochu’s system, the operator pulls the drawer, attaches the vacuum lifter or sling straight down onto the sheet’s center of gravity, and lifts vertically. The sheet rises cleanly without contacting the rack. This cut retrieval time by 60% in one Iowa fabrication shop.

Customization goes beyond simple size changes. Herochu engineers can design a roll out vertical sheet rack for any sheet dimension from 48” x 96” up to 80” x 160”. Drawer configurations include solid backing (for heavy or abrasive materials), wire grid panels (for hanging items or allowing dust to fall through), extra slats (for small parts and remnants), and UHMW strips (for fragile or finished surfaces). For stone and marble slabs, specify the heavy-duty reinforcement package that adds cross-bracing and thicker drawer floors to handle concentrated point loads.

The professional service team at Herochu provides lifetime support. If a drawer slide wears out after years of use, replacement slides ship within two business days. If your material inventory changes and you need different partition spacing, the team provides adjustment instructions or on-site reconfiguration. For new facilities, Herochu offers free layout consulting to optimize rack placement relative to saws, shears, and laser cutters.

Installation documentation includes step-by-step photos and torque specifications for every bolt. Most customers assemble a standard rack with two people in four hours. Floor anchors are recommended but not required for racks under 2000mm height unless seismic codes apply. For mobile applications, optional locking casters turn the rack into a movable workstation – roll it to the shear, pull sheets, roll it back.

To order a Herochu vertical sheet storage rack with roll-out shelves, provide your maximum sheet dimensions, typical weight per sheet, number of different sheet types (SKUs), and available ceiling height. The engineering team returns a proposal within three business days. Standard racks ship in 2 to 3 weeks; custom sizes and heavy-duty stone versions take 4 to 6 weeks. Visit the Herochu website for downloadable spec sheets on models HC-V2010-15, HC-F2513-15, and HC-F3015-122, or call to discuss a completely custom roll out vertical sheet rack for your unique application.

Every metal fabrication shop knows the scrap pile problem. Leftover sheets, irregular remnants, partially cut panels, and offcuts accumulate against walls, under workbenches, and in corners. Workers step over them, forklifts run over edges, and valuable material goes unused because nobody can find the right piece. The Herochu heavy duty vertical scrap storage rack changes this dynamic by giving remnants the same organized home as full sheets.

Scrap storage presents unique challenges. Remnants come in non-standard sizes – some long and narrow, others short and wide. Many have jagged edges or sharp corners. Traditional shelving allows these pieces to slide around and fall off. Horizontal racks waste floor space on odd-shaped pieces that don’t stack neatly. The vertical roll-out design of Herochu’s scrap rack handles irregular dimensions gracefully because each drawer functions as an independent compartment.

The heavy duty vertical scrap storage rack shares the same rugged construction as Herochu’s standard sheet metal racks. Welded steel frames, full-extension drawer slides rated at 2000 pounds per drawer, and adjustable partition heights. What makes the scrap version different is the interior configuration. Instead of open flat drawers, Herochu offers divided compartments using removable slats. You can set up a drawer with three narrow slots for long thin remnants, another drawer with two wide sections for large offcuts, and a third drawer with UHMW-lined dividers for sensitive material like pre-finished aluminum.

Standard scrap rack models use the HC-V2010-15, HC-F2513-15, and HC-F3015-122 frames, but with higher drawer counts. Since scraps are typically thinner than full sheets, you can fit 20 to 25 drawers in the same height that would hold 15 full sheets. The available height per partition layer reduces to as little as 30mm for very thin materials like copper foil or shim stock. Herochu’s engineering team calculates optimal drawer spacing based on your remnant thickness distribution.

One major advantage of the vertical scrap storage rack is visibility. When scraps lie flat on pallets, you only see the top piece. Workers must move heavy chunks to see what’s underneath – a task nobody does willingly. So scraps get buried and forgotten. Herochu’s roll-out drawers present every piece at eye level. A quick walk down the rack reveals exactly what remnants exist. Some shops color-code drawer handles or attach inventory tags to each drawer for instant identification.

The Dutch origins of this product line emphasize practical durability. The original Netherlands-based family business tested every scrap storage configuration in their own fabrication shop before offering it to customers. Herochu continues that tradition. Each heavy duty vertical scrap storage rack ships only after a 200-cycle test on every drawer slide and a full-load deflection measurement. The professional service team provides recommendations on drawer layouts based on your specific scrap mix – for example, deep drawers for large remnants or shallow high-density drawers for thin sheet scraps.

Safety improves dramatically with organized scrap storage. Uncontrolled scrap piles create trip hazards. Sharp edges cut gloves and arms when workers reach into bins. Heavy remnants leaning against walls can slide and crush feet. Herochu’s rack contains every piece within a drawer. Sharp edges stay inside the drawer cavity. Heavy pieces cannot fall because the drawer extension stop prevents full removal unless intentionally disengaged. For extra safety, add optional drawer covers that shield sharp edges when the drawer is open.

Beyond safety, the scrap rack saves money by reducing reorders. Most fabrication shops order new material for small parts because finding a suitable remnant feels impossible. With organized vertical scrap storage, workers check the rack first. If a 12” x 18” piece of 14-gauge steel exists, they pull it from the drawer and cut the part without touching full inventory. Annual material cost savings typically reach 5% to 10% of total sheet purchases – easily covering the rack’s cost within two years.

Herochu builds the heavy duty vertical scrap storage rack in any size. If your largest remnant measures 2000mm x 1000mm, choose the HC-V2010-15 frame. For longer pieces up to 3000mm, the HC-F3015-122 works well. Custom sizes between 48” x 96” and 60” x 120” are available for North American markets. Drawer options include solid backing (for heavy copper or lead scraps), wire grid panels (for hanging soft materials like rubber or foam), and extra slats (for small pieces that would otherwise shift around). UHMW strips protect both the scrap and the drawer floor from scratching.

Installation takes one day for a standard unit. Herochu provides assembly drawings and video instructions. The rack arrives with pre-drilled components, bolts, and leveling feet. For shops with low ceilings, low-profile models keep total height under 2000mm. For high-bay facilities, stacking configurations place two scrap racks on top of each other with a central walkway. Call Herochu to discuss your scrap volume – the team will recommend drawer count, partition spacing, and any special engineering for heavy or abrasive materials.

Steel service centers and metal fabrication shops face a brutal reality: sheet metal weighs a lot, and storing it incorrectly kills productivity. A pallet of 10-gauge steel plates can exceed 3000 pounds. Standard cantilever racks require workers to lift and slide each sheet horizontally, a motion that strains backs and risks sudden drops. The Herochu heavy duty vertical roll out sheet metal storage rack eliminates these hazards through a clever combination of vertical orientation and full-extension drawers.

Why vertical? Because storing sheet metal on its edge reduces the required floor space by roughly 60% compared to flat stacking. More importantly, vertical storage allows each sheet to be accessed independently. No more unstacking five heavy plates to reach the sixth one at the bottom. With Herochu’s roll-out design, you simply pull the desired drawer, and the sheet presents itself at waist height, ready for lifting.

The term “heavy duty” gets thrown around loosely in industrial equipment. Herochu defines it with specific engineering numbers. Each drawer in the heavy duty vertical roll out sheet metal storage rack carries a standard capacity of 2000 pounds (907 kg) with a 2-inch loading space. The drawer slides extend fully and feature hardened steel ball bearings rated for 100,000 cycles under full load. Frame construction uses 4mm to 6mm wall thickness rectangular tubing, welded by certified fabricators following Dutch original specifications.

Standard models include the HC-V2010-15 (2000x1000mm plates, 15 layers), HC-F2513-15 (2500x1500mm plates, 15 layers), and HC-F3015-122 (3000x1500mm plates, up to 122 layers). For non-metric markets, Herochu manufactures sizes from 48” x 96” up to 60” x 120”, with custom dimensions available. The number of drawers ranges from 6 to 25 per unit, depending on sheet thickness and available ceiling height. Each drawer’s partition layer height is adjustable in 50mm increments on standard units, though finer adjustments come on custom builds.

Safety features go beyond basic load ratings. Every Herochu sheet metal rack includes interlocking drawer stops that prevent accidental over-extension. When you pull a drawer to its limit, a mechanical stop engages. To close, you must lift slightly to disengage the stop – this simple mechanism prevents drawers from sliding out if someone bumps into the rack. Additionally, each drawer has a secondary retention catch that holds the drawer secure during crane or vacuum lifter operations.

The Dutch heritage of this product line matters because it dictates how Herochu approaches quality. The original family business in the Netherlands tested every new product comprehensively at their factory before releasing it to customers. Herochu continues that discipline. Every heavy duty vertical roll out sheet metal storage rack undergoes a pre-shipment load test at 125% of rated capacity. Welds receive magnetic particle inspection on critical joints. Drawer slide alignment is laser-checked.

For shops storing mixed materials, the modular drawer design supports different interior configurations. Want to separate individual metal sheets for easier retrieval? Add UHMW strips between every sheet – these slippery plastic strips let you slide one sheet out while others remain in place. Need to store smaller remnants and offcuts? Order drawers with extra slats that create divided compartments. Handling aluminum sheets that scratch easily? Specify the UHMW-lined drawers that protect soft metals from edge damage.

Material retrieval becomes a one-person job. Without Herochu’s system, removing a 150-pound steel sheet from a stack often requires two workers or an overhead crane with complicated rigging. With the roll-out shelf, one operator pulls the drawer, attaches a vacuum lifter or sling, and lifts vertically. The crane hook travels straight down, not at an angle, so the sheet clears the rack without binding. This alone reduces material handling labor hours by 30% to 50% in most shops.

Herochu’s professional service team provides on-site or remote installation support. Because the rack ships as a bolted assembly (not welded solid), it fits through standard doorways and can be assembled in place. Leveling feet compensate for uneven floors. For earthquake-prone regions, anchor kits secure the rack to concrete slabs. The team also offers custom engineering for unusual applications – for example, storing radioactive shielding plates or lead sheets that require additional floor loading distribution.

To order a heavy duty vertical roll out sheet metal storage rack, provide Herochu with your maximum sheet dimensions, typical weight per sheet, number of unique SKUs, and available floor area. The engineering team returns a CAD drawing showing rack placement, drawer allocation, and load calculations. Lead times range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on customization level. Call Herochu for current pricing on standard models HC-V2010-15, HC-F2513-15, and HC-F3015-122.

• Load Capacity: Whether you need to store light gauge aluminum or heavy 10-ton steel plates, we engineer the support structures to match. Our single-layer load-bearing capacity can be calibrated to handle up to 10 tons, ensuring safety margins are met for even the heaviest materials.
• Dimensions: We understand that sheet metal comes in various standard and non-standard lengths. Our racks can be customized to store boards ranging from small blanks to massive 6m x 2m plates. The height, depth, and width of the unit can be adjusted to fit your specific ceiling height and floor layout.
• Drawer Configuration: The number of layers and the spacing between them are flexible. This allows you to optimize the vertical space based on the thickness of the materials you stock most frequently.

• Laser Cutting and Shearing: Perfect for storing raw sheets and remnants, keeping them flat and ready for the machine bed.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Ideal for organizing stamped parts and body panels.
• HVAC and Ductwork: Excellent for storing galvanized coils and sheets.
• Decorative Metals: The anti-scratch surface treatment is essential for storing polished stainless steel, brass, or copper sheets used in architecture.

• Precise Analysis: Before production begins, we perform three-dimensional finite element stress analysis. This computer-aided engineering ensures that the custom design will withstand the specified loads without failure.
• Full Process Testing: From the strength of the welds to the accuracy of the guide rails, professional quality inspectors verify every metric.
• Pre-Installation Inspection: Each custom unit is pre-assembled at our 16,000 m² factory to ensure fit and function before it is disassembled and shipped to you.

• Single Sheet Access: You can retrieve a single sheet from the bottom of a stack without moving the layers above it. This “roll-out” capability prevents the “domino effect” often seen in flat stacking.
• Equipment Compatibility: Once fully extended, the material is completely exposed and accessible to cranes, vacuum suction cups, and forklifts. This seamless interface between storage and retrieval equipment streamlines the workflow.
• Inventory Visibility: With full extension, every sheet is visible. This supports “neat and orderly storage,” making it easy to implement barcode scanning or visual inventory management systems.

• Rust-Proof and Corrosion-Resistant: Essential for storing stainless steel and aluminum sheets where cross-contamination or environmental damage must be avoided.
• Abrasion Resistant: It withstands the inevitable bumps and scrapes of daily forklift or crane operations without chipping easily.
• Aesthetically Professional: It gives the warehouse a clean, modern look that aligns with 5S management principles.