Aluminum extrusions present storage challenges that steel profiles do not. Anodized finishes scratch easily. Thin-wall hollow sections deform under point loading. Dimensional tolerances measured in fractions of a millimeter cannot survive careless handling. Herochu’s Aluminum Profiles Storage Rack addresses these requirements through a design philosophy centered on distributed support and non-marring contact surfaces.

Purpose-Engineered Contact Geometry

The defining feature of this system is the use of heavy-duty steel pipes as primary load-bearing elements rather than formed sheet metal or light-gauge tubing. These pipes—typically 60 to 100 millimeters in diameter with wall thickness exceeding 3 millimeters—provide rigid support across the full profile length without flexing under load. The round pipe geometry naturally supports extruded shapes along their flat or contoured surfaces, distributing contact pressure to prevent the point loading that causes deformation in thin-wall profiles.

For facilities storing anodized or polished aluminum, Herochu offers optional nylon sleeves that slide over the support pipes. These sleeves provide a low-friction, non-marring surface that allows profiles to move during loading without scratching. The sleeve material resists aluminum oxide accumulation, maintaining surface cleanliness that prevents transfer marks onto stored inventory. When sleeves wear from repeated cycles, replacement takes minutes without removing pipes from the rack structure.

Adjustable Configuration for Dimensional Variety

Extrusion heights range from thin 10-millimeter trim profiles to large 300-millimeter structural shapes. Fixed-spacing racks force operators to waste vertical space or store profiles in incorrect positions. Herochu’s adjustable arm system allows warehouse teams to position pipe supports at vertical intervals matching current inventory profiles. When a facility adds new extrusion dies or changes product mix, reconfiguration proceeds without special tools or extended downtime.

Storage length customization addresses the long-length nature of aluminum extrusions. The system accommodates lengths from 3000 millimeters to 12000 millimeters or more, with multi-bay configurations providing continuous support across extended runs. For 6-meter mill lengths—the most common extrusion size—rack bays spaced at 2.5 to 3 meter intervals ensure uniform support that prevents mid-span deflection.

Structural Integrity and Load Capacity

Load capacity per tier reaches up to 6 tons, customized based on extrusion wall thickness and bundle density. While individual aluminum profiles weigh little compared to steel equivalents, palletized or bundle quantities accumulate significant weight. A full pallet of 6-meter aluminum extrusions in 100-by-50-millimeter cross-section may exceed 2 tons total weight. The heavy-duty pipe design supports these loads without pipe deflection that could transfer bending forces into stored profiles. Each support pipe rests in structural saddles welded to cantilever arms, with pipe-to-saddle connections allowing thermal expansion movement while maintaining vertical alignment.

The skeletal structural design maximizes visibility within the storage area. Unlike solid shelving, the open cantilever configuration provides unobstructed views of stored profiles from aisle positions. Operators quickly identify specific alloy grades, temper designations, or surface finishes without moving adjacent profiles. This visibility reduces search time and prevents picking errors where similar-looking profiles from different production runs become intermixed. For quality-controlled environments tracking lot numbers or heat codes, clear visibility of stored material labels supports accurate inventory management.

Corrosion Protection for Demanding Environments

Corrosion protection requirements for aluminum storage differ from general-purpose applications. While aluminum itself resists corrosion, the steel rack components remain vulnerable to moisture and chemical exposure common in extrusion facilities. Powder coating on all steel surfaces provides durable protection against humidity, coolant residues, and cleaning chemicals. The coating thickness—typically 60 to 80 microns—exceeds standard industrial finishing specifications, providing long-term protection even in unheated warehouses where condensation forms on steel surfaces.

For coastal facilities or locations with aggressive atmospheric corrosion, hot-dip galvanizing adds sacrificial zinc protection that extends rack service life by decades. The combination of galvanized structural components and replaceable nylon contact surfaces creates a storage system that protects both the inventory and the capital investment.

Operational Integration

Herochu designs Aluminum Profiles Storage Racks for compatibility with overhead cranes, vacuum lifters, and forklift handling. The open-front geometry allows crane hooks to descend directly onto exposed profiles without threading through narrow openings. For facilities using vacuum lifting equipment, the clear access path reduces cycle time and eliminates the risk of load swing contacting rack structure.

Installation proceeds with modular components that bolt together on site, eliminating welding and minimizing production disruption. The plug-in design allows racks to be relocated as facility layouts evolve. For operations managing aluminum extrusions where surface quality and dimensional accuracy are non-negotiable, Herochu’s system provides the structural strength and material-friendly contact surfaces required.