ness of the racking system, making it more susceptibleto damage if hit by a forklift or other equipment.Structural steel rack is hot rolled, its componentswelded together, making it strong enough to supportvery heavy loads and better able to withstand forkliftimpact. In comparison, roll-formed rack is cooled andthen molded into different shapes and often featuresadjustable supports and shelves. This type of rackingis often more versatile but not as durable in cold environments. Eastman also recommends reinforcing thestructural steel supports and adding impact protectionon the aisles of cold storage racking to help minimizedamage from forklifts or other equipment—again,because the harsh environment can increase the risk ofdamage from impact.
“[In my experience], customers who do that have
fewer problems with trying to replace parts after they
are damaged,” he explains.
Burnie Taylor, COO and senior vice president at
Agile Cold Storage, agrees, adding that the evolution
of rack design and other technologies allows for better
solutions across the board. As one example, he says
low-oxygen fire-prevention technology—which reduc-
es the oxygen in an environment to a level that keeps
fires from igniting—eliminates the need for in-rack
sprinkler systems and has made it more feasible to
build higher structures that better utilize a facility’s
cubic capacity. Such systems are often implemented in
AS/RS environments, where human exposure to low
oxygen can be minimized.
“Better manufacturing processes have increased the
tensile strength of racking, and designs are being engi-
neered to last,” adds Taylor. “The sub-technologies that
work within the racking, such as fire protection and
prevention, have evolved as well, allowing for taller and
less-intrusive rack designs.”
Eastman says the finish on the rack is important
too. Products must be processed, cleaned, and painted
properly to avoid peeling and to withstand cleaning
and sanitizing processes, which vary based on the
