In any steel service center or fabrication shop, the true cost of storage isn't just the price of the racking; it's the accumulation of inefficient, non-value-added activities that drain resources daily. These "hidden factory" costs manifest in wasted time, damaged materials, and operational bottlenecks.
The most common issue with static cantilever racks or floor stacking is the "First-In, Last-Out" (FILO) problem. To access a specific bundle of material at the bottom or back of a stack, operators must first remove all obstructing items. This process, known as secondary handling, is a significant source of waste. An operator might spend 15-25 minutes moving several multi-ton bundles just to retrieve the one they need. During this time, high-value downstream equipment, such as a laser cutter or CNC machine, sits idle, directly impacting production throughput and profitability.
For businesses handling high-value or surface-sensitive materials, such as the high-purity stainless steel tubes used in pharmaceutical or food processing industries, a scratch is not a minor cosmetic flaw—it's a cause for rejection. When a forklift operator slides heavy forks under a bundle or pushes it into a static rack, metal-on-metal contact is unavoidable. This friction can damage protective coatings, compromise surface finishes (Ra), and create harborage points for contaminants, violating strict standards like ASME BPE. Each instance of damage translates directly into scrap costs and financial loss.
The roll out cantilever storage system fundamentally changes the interaction between operator, material, and storage. Instead of driving a machine into a rack, the system presents the material directly to the operator and an overhead lifting device. The core innovation is the fully extendable arm, which rolls out 100% from the main structure, moving multi-ton loads into an open aisle for unimpeded vertical access.
Because every level of a roll out rack is an independent, extendable drawer, every single bundle of material is immediately accessible. There is no "top" or "bottom" of the pile. An operator can retrieve material from the fifth level without touching anything on levels one through four. This 100% selectivity completely eliminates the time-consuming process of secondary handling. A 20-minute retrieval operation is reduced to a predictable 2-5 minute cycle, creating a reliable and efficient flow of materials to production.
Once a level is fully extended, it allows for exclusive access by an overhead crane equipped with nylon slings, magnets, or vacuum lifters. The load is lifted vertically, with no dragging, scraping, or sliding against other materials or the rack structure itself. This "touchless" method of handling is the ultimate guarantee of surface integrity. It protects the value of polished, coated, or high-purity materials by preventing the very source of handling-related damage, effectively reducing scrap rates caused by storage and retrieval to near zero.
Adopting a roll out cantilever system is more than an equipment upgrade; it's a strategic move that reclaims valuable resources—space and safety—that were previously compromised by the limitations of forklift-based logistics.
Traditional static racking requires wide aisles, often 4-6 meters, to accommodate the turning radius of a forklift carrying long loads. This space is a fixed liability. Since roll out racks are serviced by overhead cranes, the need for wide forklift aisles is eliminated. Racks can be placed much closer together, reducing the aisle width to the width of the load itself. This strategic densification can recover up to 50% of the floor space previously dedicated to storage, freeing it up for revenue-generating activities like adding a new production line or fabrication cell without a costly building expansion.
Removing forklift traffic from narrow storage aisles inherently improves workplace safety. The roll out system creates a more controlled and predictable environment. Crane operators typically have a clear, unobstructed view of the load from above, eliminating the blind spots associated with forklifts. The physical act of moving the material is transferred from a human operator maneuvering a heavy machine to a simple, ergonomic crank handle or a push-button electric control, isolating personnel from the immediate vicinity of the heavy load during movement and lifting.
| Dimension | Conventional Forklift & Static Rack System | Roll Out Cantilever & Overhead Crane System |
|---|---|---|
| Material Access | Requires moving obstructing items (secondary handling). Slow (15-25 min). | 100% selective access to any level. Fast and predictable (2-5 min). |
| Surface Integrity | High risk of scratches and damage from forks and sliding. | Near-zero risk. Vertical lift with soft slings eliminates contact. |
| Space Utilization | Low density due to wide forklift aisles (4-6 meters). | High density. Aisle space is minimized, recovering up to 50% of floor area. |
| Operational Safety | High risk of collisions, blind spots, and forklift-pedestrian incidents. | High safety. Segregates lifting from floor activity, provides clear sightlines. |
The primary difference is dynamic access. A standard cantilever rack has fixed arms, requiring a forklift to load and unload material from the side. A roll out cantilever rack features arms that can be fully extended from the structure, like a drawer, allowing an overhead crane to access the entire contents from above for easier, safer, and faster handling.
Yes, the system is specifically engineered to integrate with an overhead crane. The entire value proposition—including space savings, safety improvements, and material protection—is derived from replacing forklift handling in storage aisles with vertical crane access.
It enhances safety in several key ways: by eliminating forklift traffic in storage aisles, it reduces the risk of collisions. It provides crane operators with a clear, top-down view of the load, removing dangerous blind spots. Finally, the ergonomic crank or electric motor for extending the levels minimizes physical strain on operators.
These are heavy-duty systems built from structural steel. Capacities vary by design, but they are engineered to handle multi-ton loads. It is common for a single pair of arms (one level) to have a capacity ranging from 1,000 kg to over 5,000 kg (approx. 2,200 to 11,000 lbs), making them suitable for dense materials like solid steel bar stock.
Absolutely. While ideal for long materials like pipes, tubes, bar stock, and structural profiles, they are also highly effective for storing other bulky or heavy items. With the addition of decking or custom fixtures, they can be used to store heavy tools, dies, molds, sheet metal, or crated components that benefit from overhead crane access.
