Computer and multimedia workstations make presentations, and general computer work easy. Many units put the computer at a standing level which allows speakers to be seen and heard during presentations. Computer workstations are also portable, meaning it’s possible to have a computer setup specifically for a presentation; no more crossing your fingers and hoping that the computer gets setup correctly! Some units also have locking storage cabinets for extra security.
Every office needs some type of storage. The following products are some of the most common office storage components.
Open Shelf Filing: Excellent for medical offices, some models are even HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant.
Multimedia Storage: Store your office’s CDs, videotapes, DVDS and other new media formats.
Lateral File Systems: Perfect for color-coded filing systems, books, and manuals. Closed or open units are available. Closed units offer increased security.
File Carts: Ideal for temporary storage or retrieving and moving volumes of file folders.
The inherent flexibility of the mobile storage system concept allows for custom designing of each system to store nearly any material in any configuration in any location. The obstacles in any plant location — columns, architectural constraints, and other building barriers — require special engineering and tailoring of mobile systems to fit the needs of the user. A wide variety of mobile storage units is available for use with wide-span shelving, pallet rack, cantilever rack, industrial containers, special-purpose racking, and other types of various storage equipment available.
100% Selectivity
Mobile systems offer 100% rack or shelf selectivity at all times. Some systems can provide storage density but at the expense of selectivity and/or access. The mobile concept delivers maximum density with full 100% selectivity.
Hand or Lift Truck Loading
The flexibility of mobile high-density storage systems accommodates either order-picking or lift-truck loaded installations — and the systems will handle any material regardless of bulk, size, weight, or configuration. These systems can range from perishable storage to steel warehousing, and they can handle any payload a material handoing and storage operation might require. There are no restrictions to type of rack or shelving. The carriages can be designed to carry any material up to 250 tons per individual mobile carriage, extending to 200 feet in length and 40 feet high.
Fast and Easy Access
Mobile systems can be tailored to the activity level of any type of operation. All that needs to be determined is how often access is needed to a storage position. And regardless of whether it is a rack storage or unit storage on shelves, quicker and easier order-filling is possible because it is in a smaller space and therefore requires less travel time for an operator.
CVU Factor
It is commonly known that the average industrial storage floor space consists of 40% storage and 60% access aisles. The elimination of nonproductive access aisles maximizes the available footage of present building space for more material storage. Further, the dollar savings include not only cubic volume utilization (CVU), but attendant energy costs for heating, lighting, and air conditioning wasted aisle spaces. In frozen food storage this cost can be exorbitant. A complete CVU analysis of existing storage facilities is essential, whereby recommendations include layouts for the most efficient use of present storage areas and also details for planning future growth and expansion utilizing mobile systems.
Hand-Loaded Storage
Case-type, wide-span, and other types of storage equipment can be tailored to accommodate any hand-loaded goods stored such as parts, case goods order picking, supplies, tools, records, automotive TBA parts, electrical parts, and paper goods. Interfacing and mixing of material storage within high-density mobile storage modules can be achieved because of the inherent flexibility of the mobile concept.
Material Control and Security
Spacesaver systems minimize material damage because the concept compacts the material stored into a protected and controlled “cube of storage.” Therefore only a small percentage of storage positions or goods are vulnerable to damage atany one time. Modules, when compacted and locked, reduce the opportunity of pilferage.
A variety of mobile storage systems is available from Material Flow.
Material Flow carries a wide variety of ESD-safe plastic bins and boxes.
Conductive Material – XL Material is a thermoplastic polypropylene material based upon carbon black that has a surface resistance of less than 1.0 x 10⁴ ohms or surface resistivity of < 1.0 x 10⁵ ohms/square. XL material has a static decay rate from 5000 volts to 0 of less than 2 seconds. This material has a useful temperature range of 40°F to 225°F, with intermittent use recommended at the higher end of the temperature range. The electrical properties of this material are permanent and unaffected by washing.
Dissipative Material – LS Material is a polypropylene material that is on the upper end of the dissipative range. The material has a surface resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 x 10⁸ ohms, but less than 1.0 x 10¹¹ ohms or surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.0 x 10⁹ ohms/square, but less than 1.0 x 10¹² ohms/square. LS material has a static decay rate from 5000 volts to 0 of less than 2 seconds. This material has a useful temperature range of 40°F to 225°F, with intermittent use recommended at the higher end of the temperature range. Electrical properties are affected by humidity. This material is available on a made-to-order basis only.
Dissipative Material – SD SMC Material is a thermoset polyester based material that is on the lower end of the dissipative range. The material has a surface resistance greater than or equal to 1.0 x 10⁴, but less than or equal to 5.0 x 10⁸ ohms/square and a surface resistivity greater than or equal to 1.0 x 10⁵ ohms/square, but less than or equal to 5.0 x 10⁹ ohms/square. This material has a useful temperature range of -60°F to 250°F, is autoclavable and does not melt at high temperatures making it ideal for handling hot parts. The electrical properties of this material are permanent and unaffected by washing.
Contact Material Flow for more details on other dissipative materials that are available.
Sibley Memorial Hospital, a 344-bed community hospital serving the Washington, DC area, recently underwent renovations that created new, state-of-the-art operating rooms. As part of these renovations, new storage solutions were necessary — including mandates requiring that all supplies be entered into a computerized materials management system in order to eliminate hallway clutter and create one centralized storage location.
For the past 22 years, Sibley had been using Metro shelving throughout the hospital, from hallways and storerooms to operating rooms. During the year-long renovation project, all new shelving had to be ready for changes at any time. Metro’s new Super Adjustable Super Erecta™ was the perfect solution. Shelves can be assembled and used for months, and adjusted when the need for a change in storage presents itself. The patented release lever allows shelves to be adjusted simply and easily at a moment’s notice. Sibley used these features to adjust its shelves so their storage bins fit between them and could be pulled out smoothly, with no wasted space on the shelving unit. With Metro storage solutions, Sibley was able to consolidate its five storerooms into one room, and even gain space for eight additional shelving units.
Not only did this save space and improve organization, but since using centralized storage, Sibley has lowered its usage and storage costs by 10% per month. It saves time as well — the task of taking inventory used to take three or four people most of a day to complete, a task that can now be done by one person in less than two hours.
A wide line of Metro shelving solutions, including the Super Adjustable Super Erecta™ line, is available from Material Flow and Metro-Wire.com.
1. Gather pallet and load information
2. Notes about rack location obstructions, etc.
3. Gather fork truck information
4. Determine rack type.
5. Determine configuration #deep x #high x #wide
6. Determine the rack side view
1. Notes about the physical area of the rock location:
Make a layout (plan view) showing walls, doors, building columns and other obstructions such as electrical panels or sprinkler stand pipes, etc. Also include overhead obstructions such as ceiling-mounted heaters and coolers.
Give inside wall dimensions and building column centers on the plan view.
2. Gather pallet and load information:
3. Get fork truck details:
Note the fork truck type and dimensions. Be certain that the fork truck will fit into the rack being designed. It must fit between the uprights, any overhead guard must clear the first load rail level and the mast must fit between the road rails. The lift height must be sufficient to place a pallet at the highest rail level.
4. Determine rack type:
5. Determine rack configuration:
Determining the rack depth:
The rack depth and load rail length is determined by the number of loads deep to be stored. Usually the depth of the rack is the same as the depth of the load times the number of loads deep (example: 48′ load x 4 deep = 192′). At times, gaps between loads are desired to allow for misplaced loads etc., and additional rack depth must be provided.
Determine rack height:
Design considerations roll form and structural “C” channel designs
120′, etc.)
Design considerations structural square tube uprights (fully drilled):
120′, etc.)
Minimum recommended vertical clearances:
The recommended minimum vertical clearance between the load and the load rail above is 6′. This results in distances between rail levels of load plus 9′ for the High Profile rail arm and load plus 6′ for the Space Saver design. Note that with the Space Saver design, at the rear pallet position the vertical clearance will be reduced by 3′ due to the 3′ tall interior tie beams.
Determine bay width and column centers:
A. Pallet Side Clearance
When the pallet is placed on the load rails and pushed to one side, the opposite side must be supported by a minimum of 1′ by the opposite load rail.
Load rails are usually made of structural angle 3′ x 3′ x 3/16′ (LR-1) or 3′ x 3′ x ¼’ (LR-2) and the ‘out to out’ distance is usually 2′ greater than the width of the pallet to be stored. Note that using a rail o.d. 2′ greater than the pallet results in 1-5/8 or 1-1/2 of the pallet minimum being transported by the opposite rail which is within the 1′ minimum limits.
B. Load Side Clearance
The recommended minimum side clearance between the load and the upright column is 3′ with the load pushed to one side of the load rails. The 3′ may vary due to customer needs. If the load overhangs the pallet, the rail arms will need to be longer and the bays wider to maintain the desired side clearance.
C. Determine Bay Entrance Details
With load rail, side clearance and column size (3′ or 4′ face) requirements in mind, determine the bay entrance details.
6. Determining the side view:
Overhead tie design considerations for drive-in rack
All single rail systems must have all upright columns tied overhead. Any upright column which is 96′ or less from the nearest interior tie beam does not require an overhead tie beam. If an upright column is greater than 96′ from the nearest interior tie beam then the column must be extended upward and overhead ties must be provided. As a special note for 3 deep drive-in rack – even though the tie to front column distance may be less than 96′, it is recommended that the last bays in a group be tied overhead.
When intermediate uprights or posts are used that are not tied overhead, they must be at least 6′ higher than the highest rail level to allow room to connect the load rail arms.
When single posts are used in a system, they must be supported a minimum of every 48′ either by the load rail or, if the load rails are more than 48′ apart, then by frame to column ties. Ties are required on one side of the column only and are usually on the side of the column toward the back of the rack.
Plastic bins are an excellent storage and organization product that can easily increase productivity and reduce lost inventory. There are many styles of plastic storage products, the following guide can help you pick the right one for your needs.
1. Parts Bins: Like their name implies, parts bins store parts and other supplies. Available accessories such as lids, and dividers add more functionality.
2. Shelf Bins: Shelf bins look like parts bins but have a lip on the back that allows them to tilt down and out from shelves. This feature makes parts bins excellent for order picking and inventory control.
3. Divider Boxes: These multi-purpose containers can be used in industrial, commercial, electronics and health care industries for storage, assembly, fabrication and distribution applications. Divider boxes are perfect for compartmentalizing and protecting small to medium size parts.
4. Stack-N-Nest Containers: Stack-N-Nest containers are excellent for storage and transport. Their nesting design takes up less floor space when not in use.
5. Hopper Boxes: Hopper boxes offer storage for large and medium parts.
6. Bulk Containers: Bulk containers offer product protection during picking, assembly, processing, storage and distribution applications in many industries, including pharmaceutical, poultry, automotive, appliance, aerospace, bakery, produce, apparel and electronics.
7. ESD Boxes and Bins: ESD containers prevent the buildup of electrostatic charge, perfect for electronics applications. ESD boxes and bins come in many of the styles listed above.
Check out these sites for all your plastic bin needs:
Buckhorn-Plastic.com
Lewis-Bins.com
Orbisbins.com
Quantum-Bins.com
This guide contains assembly, installation, and maintenance information for the Steel King SK2000 line of Pallet Rack Systems.
Assembly Information
• Storage racks should be assembled only by trained personnel, experienced with proper rack assembly procedures.
• Improper rack assembly can not only cause poor performance of your system, but can also pose a safety hazard in your facility. If you are unfamiliar with rack assembly, you should contact Material Flow for professional rack assembly services. Steel King cannot provide guarantee or warranty coverage for any system assembled by anyone other than a Steel King approved Installation Contractor.
• It is very important that the rack structure be installed in a plumb, level, and square condition. Since few floors are perfectly flat, shimming of the racks is frequently required. A four foot long carpenter’s level is a good choice for checking level and plumb conditions on storage racks of average proportions. A vertical tolerance of 1/8″ in 4 feet (or other as specified on Steel King installation drawings) is generally acceptable.
• The rack structure should be assembled and used only as shown on Steel King’s assembly drawings.
• Changing the configuration (such as adjusting storage levels) can adversely affect the load carrying capacity and reduce the structural integrity of the rack system. Before adjusting the rack configuration, contact Material Flow to verify the safety and structural integrity of the new configuration.
• “Nut and Bolt” connections are to be tightened to a snug and secure condition. 60 foot-pounds is typical for 1/2″ diameter hardware, but tightening to the point of crushing tubular components is to be avoided.
• Safety locks on boltless connections (SK2000 series) must be fully engaged through the beam connector and upright column connector holes. These safety locks help prevent accidental dislodgement of the load beams. The locks should engage automatically, however the beam needs to be fully seated, in the bottom of the teardrop shaped connector hole.
• Beams must not be used with damaged or missing safety locks. Extra safety locks are available from Steel King.
• Every column of each rack frame must be anchored to an adequate concrete floor. The normal anchor connection is one 1/2″ diameter x 3 3/4″ concrete expansion anchor per column, or as indicated on the Steel King installation drawings. Anchor bolts are not included with Steel King rack systems unless specifically detailed on the Bill of Materials.
• Since anchor bolts vary in strength, if you are purchasing your own anchor bolts, contact Material Flow for minimum anchor specifications for your installation.
• Since concrete floors vary greatly in design and load carrying capacity, Steel King cannot guarantee that a particular concrete slab is adequate to support a particular rack installation. The characteristics of the slab should be obtained from the building architect before the racks are specified, so that the rack supplier can design the rack to suit the slab.
• Do not install racks outdoors, unless specifically designed by Steel King for this purpose. Outdoor usage requires consideration of wind loads, snow loads, etc., which are not normally considered in rack design.
• Be cautious when intermingling new and existing parts. Even components produced by the same manufacturer can vary in design. Many manufacturers offer a variety of basic designs (for example bolted and boltless connections), and basic designs are often altered slightly over the years to improve performance. These differences can adversely affect the overall performance and safety of a rack structure. Many storage rack systems have such similar designs that a rack system can be assembled using parts from more than one manufacturer. However, since Steel King has no control over the quality of components designed and manufactured by other firms, any and all warranties and guarantees are made void if non-Steel King parts are used in conjunction with Steel King parts.
• Installation of “capacity plates” is strongly recommended. These plates should identify the characteristics for which the rack was designed, such as load size, load weight, and rack configuration. These plates are very useful for communicating safe loading information to both present and future users. Several signs should be prominently located for easy visibility, and be permanently affixed to the rack structure. Appropriate signs can be obtained locally, through industrial mail order catalogs, or from Steel King.
• Never climb on racks, during or after assembly. Storage racks are not designed to be stepped on or climbed on. A slip or fall may result in serious injury. It is your responsibility to communicate this important warning to all who come into the proximity of your storage rack. This communication can include training and appropriate signage. If your rack is used in a retail environment, prominently placed, high visibility warning signs are especially helpful in preventing this misuse of a storage rack structure.
• Allow adequate aisle spacing. Aisles which are too narrow for the handling equipment, or are reduced in size by obstructions (such as temporary floor stacking at rack row ends) increases the danger of collisions between the lifting equipment and the rack structure, and may cause a danger to pedestrian traffic.
• Maintain adequate clearances around loads. These include those dictated by local fire codes (between loads in back to back rows, and overhead between the uppermost load and the roof structure). Also between adjacent loads and rack horizontal and vertical members. Clearances which are too tight could increase fire risk, will decrease handling speed, and incresase the likelihood of doing damage to rack components and/or loads.
• Install good lighting in every rack aisle. Good lighting improves handling efficiency, prevents accidents, and reduces accidental damage to the rack structure.
• Install optional “column protectors” at aisle facing rack columns, and guard rails at ned of rack rows. These devices provide a visual and physical barrier against accidental handling equipment impacts. A variety of these guarding devices are available from Material Flow.
• Do not cut, weld, or in any other way modify any component of your Steel King storage rack. Such modifications may decrease the load carrying capacity of the component, and the weakened component can jeopardize the integrity of the entire rack structure. Any modification of any component, except as performed or authorized in writing by Steel King industries, Inc. engineering personnel, will make null and void any warranties and guarantees.
Operational and Maintenance Information
• Use only pallets of the best quality. Broken or cracked boards, protruding nails, and other deficiencies can cause palletized loads to fall from racks, or cause dynamic racks to become jammed and inoperable. For extra security, a variety of pallet supports are available from Material Flow.
• Perform regularly scheduled inspections (at least annually) and maintenance of the rack system.
• Replace damaged or missing beam safety locks immediately! Do not use beams without safety locks. Unload damaged racks immediately, and contact Material Flow for replacement parts (damage reduces capacity, creating the potential for collapse and injury). Check finish, touch up chips or scratches, to prevent corrosion.
• Train the operators, and maintain the equipment they use in conjunction with the storage racks. Minimizing actual contact between the racks and the handling equipment is the most important factor affecting rack longevity. Educate rack users to avoid “impact loading” (dropping loads onto the rack), how to position loads for even distribution of load weight, report any rack damage, etc.
• Do not overload any rack component, bay, or system. Your storage rack is designed to support a specific load weight, in a specific configuration. Should your load weights or sizes change, contact Material Flow before using the rack to store the new loads. Using your rack in any manner other than originally configured could lead to rack collapse and injury.
• Be certain that fork truck is equipped to protect operator from accidental crushing against storage rack, loads, and other objects. If operators would be exposed to such dangers, contact the manufacturer and/or reseller of the fork lift equipment, and demand that protective devices (such as a protective rear post on stand up type trucks) be immediately installed on the equipment to protect the operator.
• Be ceartain that fork truck is equipped to protect operator from accidental falls. Platforms upon which operators stand must be of a type that is approved by the lift equipment manufacturer and OHSA. Operators should be restrained or otherwise protected from falling off of the equipment. If operators would be exposed to such dangers, contact the manufacturer and/or reseller of the lift equipment, and demand that protective devices be immediately installed on the equipment.
• Establish good housekeeping practices. Keep aisles clear of litter or obstructions, do not use aisles for floor stacking pallets. Keep aisle surfaces clean and free of ice and condensation, so handling equipment travel is not affected.
For a complete selection of Steel King products, including the SK2000 line, visit Material Flow.
A planned approach to shelving is required in order to achieve maximum use from your installation. The efficiency of a shelving unit is based on the effectiveness of the personnel picking and storing inventory, and, as such, ease of access to inventory is of the utmost importance. Several factors must be taken into account when planning your inventory storage.
Size/Weight/Depth
In order to determine the optimum location for parts, the physical properties of each part being stored must be analyzed. First, determine the size and weight of the part. This will be a key factor in the elevation and depth at which it is stored.
The comfort and efficiency of the material handling operator must be taken into consideration when determining part location. Large, light items should be stored above the shoulder — large items are easily identified, and light items can easily be handled from this position. Small items should be stored between the operator’s shoulder and hip. This allows the operator to see into small openings or down into boxes, and still be able to lift and place parts. Large, heavy items are best stored below hip level. This allows the operator to use leg muscles for lifting.
Storage depth should be determined by the ability of the operator to see and reach parts. Small items are most effectively stored at shallow depths, to reduce the need for reaching. As the length of the parts increases, so should the storage unit. This system allows for the most efficient use of the operator.
Activity Level
Statistically, 80% of activity encompasses 20% of inventory, and this must be taken into account when placing parts. When your parts are divided into three areas based on height and weight, they can then be divided, by part number, into areas of high and low activity. High-activity parts are best stored in the area from the operator’s shoulder to hip. This reduces fatigue brought on by excess movement. This method of organization can also be applied to storage section locations in a floor plan.
Selecting The Right Product
Each part must have a seperate location in the storage system. This provides a fixed location that can be identified and cross-indexed by part number. The selection of the storage location can be made from a variety of storage products. Small items can be stored in boxes, drawers, and bin boxes. Items of average size can be stored in large boxes, deep drawers, and divided shelf openings. Large parts are best stored in divided shelf spaces or on complete shelf locations.
Continuing Storage Success
The initial success of your inventory storage begins with selection of the appropriate storage media. The continuing success relies on maintaining inventory control. The user must evaluate changes in types of parts and number of items sorted, and adjust media and locations accordingly. This is the key to the long-term success of existing installations, as well as the justification for the creation of new applications.
Whatever your storage needs, Material Flow is available to help with a wide variety of shelving solutions.
The following is a helpful glossary of important terms relating to electric and manual lifts.
Accordion Skirting (Bellows): A device attached to a lift table platform that covers the internal components.
Airbag: A pneumatic device used to lower and raise a lift table.
Axle Load: A dynamic load, applied to the edge of a lift platform in any raised position.
Base Frame: The bottom component of a scissor lift table.
Bevel Toe Guard: A plate mounted flush with the vertical edge of the platform and slanted inwardly to eliminate a shear point when a lift table is pit mounted.
Control: A device used to regulate the function of a unit.
Cylinder: A device which converts fluid power into linear force and motion.
Electric Toe Guard: A device mounted below the platform such that when an obstruction is met during descent, the lift will be brought to rest before entrapment can occur.
End/Side Edge Load Capacity: The maximum amount of static load that can be applied to the edge of the platform (end or side) when the lift is in any raised position.
Hinged Bridge: A hinged transition plate which is attached to the edge of the platform and used to bridge the gap between the platform and the landing and/or truck bed.
Lifting Capacity: The rated load of a scissor lift applied as a uniformly distributed load.
Limit Switch: An electro/mechanical device used to locate a lift table platform at a specific height.
Load Center: The horizontal distance from the back of the forks or platform to the center of gravity of the load being lifted.
Lowered Height: The height of the platform in the fully retracted position.
Maintenance Device (Safety Chock): A device used to secure the lift in a raised position while routine maintenance or servie is being performed.
Platform: The top component of a lift table.
Platform Ends: The edges of the platform that are perpendicular to the scissor legs. The end dimension is considered the platform width.
Platform Sides: The edges of the platform that are parallel to the scissor legs. The side dimension is considered the platform length.
Portability Set: A device used to move or relocate an empty lift. Lift equipped w/2 fixed wheels, pull plate and ‘T’ handle.
Power Unit: An integral power supply unit usually containing a pump, motor (air or electric), reservoir, relief valve, and directional control.
Rated Capacity: The maximum load which can be applied according to the manufacturer’s specification.
Rated Load: The maximum capacity as specified by the equipment nameplate.
Raised Height: The maximum height of the platform deck when a unit is in the fully extended position.
Rollover Capacity: The maximum amount of single axle load which may be rolled over the platform surface when the lift is in lowered position.
Scissor Lift: A raising/lowering device that is supported or stabilized by one or more sets of pantograph leg section.
Stacker: A manually maneuvered device that is used to raise or lower a product to a specific elevation. The vertical action can be either powered or manual.
Tilter: A device used to position product by tilting to a specific angle.
Transport Set: A device used to move or relocate a loaded lift. Lift equipped w/4 casters.
Turntable: A device used to position product by turning to a specific location.
Vertical Creep: Extremely slow speed movement of a scissor lift that is the result of normal, internal settling of fluid control valves.
Vertical Travel: The difference between the fully raised height of the platform deck and the fully lowered height of the platform deck.
For a great selection of lifts and jacks, visit MaterialFlow.com, Handy-Lift.com, and Presto-Lift.com.
