Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the largest sheet a multi-drawer roll-out rack can store?
A: Herochu’s standard HC-B3015 configuration accommodates sheets up to 6,000 × 2,000 mm. The company’s automated storage platform extends to 6,000 × 2,500 mm. Custom formats outside these ranges can be quoted.
Q: Can one person retrieve a sheet from a fully loaded multi-drawer rack?
A: Yes, for drawers within the manual-pull or crank-out rating. The roller track and low-friction design are engineered so that a single operator can extend and retract a loaded drawer without assistance. A 3-tonne drawer on the crank-out version is specified for two-finger operation.
Q: How does the interlock prevent tip-over?
A: The interlock is a mechanical steel linkage between drawer-extension latches. When one drawer is open, the linkage locks the drive pinions of adjacent tiers, preventing a second heavy drawer from extending and shifting the center of gravity beyond the frame’s safe zone.
Q: Is the rack compatible with crane loading?
A: Yes. The drawer can be extended to ground level for crane placement of heavy plates, then pushed back into the rack. Routine retrieval remains manual, so the crane is not tied up during picking.
Q: Can the rack be connected to a laser cutting automation system later?
A: The manual rack is a standalone storage unit, but Herochu’s broader storage platform includes automated depots and loading systems that share the same vertical, drawer-based storage logic. A manual rack can serve as the starting point for a phased automation plan without discarding the initial investment.
Q: Can a heavy duty plate rack hold both steel and aluminum without damaging the aluminum?
A: Yes. Herochu’s drawer beds use glide strips and a load-spreading frame that isolate the sheet from bare steel contact. For scratch-sensitive aluminum, specify a non-marring drawer bed finish at the time of order.
Q: What is the total load capacity of a Herochu heavy duty plate rack?
A: The HC-B3015 series is rated for 6,000–18,000 kg total payload, with 3,000 kg per drawer as a standard reference point. Custom configurations can be rated higher or lower depending on the frame and drawer specification.
Q: How does the rack prevent deformation under repeated 3-tonne drawer cycles?
A: Welded load-bearing joints, a roller track that distributes load across the drawer bed, and a mechanical limit device that prevents over-extension beyond the designed moment arm. The frame is not dependent on bolt tension for structural integrity.
Q: Is a crane required for loading?
A: A crane is recommended for loading plates above roughly 1,000 kg, but retrieval is manual. The drawer extends to ground level so the operator can access the sheet without overhead lifting.
Q: What warranty applies to the heavy duty plate rack?
A: Herochu provides a 5-year warranty on qualifying configurations, along with free spare parts and return-and-replacement service.
