Through-type racking, also known as flow-through racking or gravity flow racking, is a type of warehouse storage system that utilizes gravity to move items along inclined shelves. This system is ideal for warehouses with high-volume, fast-moving inventory as it allows for efficient storage and retrieval of goods. Through-type racking is commonly used in industries such as automotive, food and beverage, and retail.
The main components of through-type racking include inclined shelves, roller tracks, and brakes. Items are loaded onto the highest end of the shelves and are then moved along the rollers by gravity to the other end. Brakes are used to control the speed of the items as they move down the shelves. This system eliminates the need for forklifts or other machinery to move items, making it a cost-effective and space-saving storage solution.
There are several advantages to using through-type racking. One of the main benefits is its high storage density, as it allows for more items to be stored in a smaller space compared to traditional shelving systems. This can help maximize warehouse space and improve efficiency in inventory management. Through-type racking also promotes FIFO (first in, first out) inventory management, ensuring that older items are used first before newer ones.
Another advantage of through-type racking is its ease of use and low maintenance requirements. Since items move along the shelves by gravity, there is minimal wear and tear on the system, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Additionally, the simplicity of the system makes it easy for warehouse staff to load and unload items, reducing the risk of errors and accidents.
Through-type racking can be customized to fit the specific needs of a warehouse. Shelves can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and weights of items, and brakes can be added or adjusted to control the speed of the items as they move down the shelves. This flexibility allows through-type racking to be tailored to a variety of warehouse environments and applications.
In conclusion, through-type racking is a versatile and efficient storage solution for warehouses with high-volume, fast-moving inventory. Its use of gravity to move items along inclined shelves makes it a cost-effective and space-saving option for businesses looking to optimize their storage space and improve inventory management. With its high storage density, low maintenance requirements, and customizability, through-type racking is a valuable asset for any warehouse looking to streamline its operations.
Technical Specifications of Through-Type Racking System
Designed for high-density storage in logistics warehouses, cold storage, and manufacturing facilities handling bulk homogeneous goods:
1. Structural Parameters
| Parameter | Specifications |
|---|
| Racking Type | Drive-in (Through-Type) design, allowing forklifts to enter lanes for direct access. |
| Column Material | High-strength cold-rolled steel (Q235/SS400), thickness 2.5–3.5mm, surface-treated with hot-dip galvanizing or powder coating. |
| Beams & Rails | C-section steel beams with dual rail systems; static load capacity: 1,000–3,500kg per tier. |
| Height Adjustment | Tier spacing adjustable in 75mm or 100mm increments to accommodate cargo heights. |
2. Design Parameters
| Parameter | Specifications |
|---|
| Lane Width | 2,200–2,800mm (adjustable based on forklift type: ≥2,800mm for counterbalance forklifts, 2,200mm for VNA). |
| Storage Depth | 3–7 pallet positions per side (bidirectional design), achieving 65%–80% space utilization. |
| Racking Height | Standard height ≤ 12 meters (subject to warehouse ceiling height and fire codes). |
| Pallet Compatibility | Supports Euro (1200×800mm) and U.S. (1200×1000mm) pallets; pallet openings 80–150mm wider than pallets. |
3. Load Capacity & Safety
| Parameter | Specifications |
|---|
| Dynamic Load/Tier | 800–2,500kg per tier (heavy-duty versions exceed 3,500kg). |
| Seismic Compliance | Complies with GB/T 28576 or EN 15512 standards; columns anchored with foundation bolts. |
| Safety Features | - Lane-end impact barriers
- Column guards
- Load stoppers
- Beam safety locks. |
4. Applications & Limitations
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Ideal For | - Bulk storage of low-SKU, low-turnover goods (e.g., beverages, paper products, chemicals).
- Cold storage (requires corrosion-resistant materials). |
| Not Recommended For | - High-turnover or multi-SKU storage (low access efficiency).
- Small, lightweight items (poor space utilization). |
| Environmental Requirements | - Floor flatness tolerance ≤ ±5mm/m²
- Humidity ≤ 80% (non-condensing). |
5. Installation & Maintenance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Installation Time | ~5–7 days per 1,000 pallet positions (includes drilling, bolting, and leveling). |
| Maintenance | - Quarterly checks for beam deformation and bolt tightness.
- Annual anti-corrosion treatment (more frequent in humid environments). |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years under normal conditions (extendable to 25 years with regular maintenance). |
6. Comparison with Other Dense Storage Systems
| Parameter | Through-Type Racking | Shuttle Racking | Gravity Flow Racking |
|---|
| Space Utilization | 65%–80% | 75%–90% | 70%–85% |
| Access Mode | LIFO | FIFO/LIFO (semi-auto) | FIFO |
| Initial Cost | Medium (300–300–600/pallet) | High (800–800–1,500/pallet) | Medium-High (500–500–1,000/pallet) |
Key Recommendations
- Applicability Assessment:Ideal for goods with ≤1 monthly turnover (e.g., seasonal products or raw material stockpiles).Avoid fragile or high-value goods (due to LIFO access limitations).
- Forklift Selection:Prioritize reach trucks or turret trucks for narrow lanes.Forklift lift height must cover ≥90% of racking height.
- Design Optimization:Provide 3D warehouse layouts and cargo dimensions for customized depth and tier design.Use hot-dip galvanized steel and anti-slip decking in cold storage environments.
Note: Specifications are industry benchmarks. Customize designs based on warehouse structure, cargo characteristics, and local regulations. Conduct load testing and structural stability verification before installation.
1. What is through-type racking?
Through-type racking is a type of storage system that allows forklifts or other equipment to drive through the rack structure to load or unload pallets. This design provides efficient access to inventory and can help maximize warehouse space utilization.
2. How does through-type racking work?
Through-type racking, also known as drive-in racking or drive-through racking, is a type of warehouse storage system where the pallets are stored on rails that allow forklifts to drive directly into the storage area to access the goods. This system works by organizing the pallets in a series of channels that are accessed by forklifts driving into the channels to place or retrieve the pallets.
The through-type racking system maximizes storage space by eliminating aisles between storage racks, allowing for more efficient use of vertical space. However, this also means that access to individual pallets may be limited, as the forklift must remove the front pallets before accessing those stored behind them.
Overall, through-type racking is ideal for warehouses with high-density storage needs and a limited variety of products that are stored for longer periods of time. It is important to carefully plan and organize the storage layout to ensure efficient retrieval and storage of goods.
3. What are the advantages of through-type racking?
Through-type racking, also known as drive-in or drive-through racking, offers several advantages compared to other types of racking systems:
1. High storage density: Through-type racking allows for deep storage of pallets, making it ideal for storing large quantities of the same SKU. This maximizes storage space and increases overall storage capacity.
2. Efficient use of space: By eliminating aisles needed for forklifts to access individual pallets, through-type racking maximizes the use of available warehouse space. This can result in significant cost savings by reducing the need for larger storage facilities.
3. Increased efficiency: Through-type racking allows forklifts to drive directly into the rack system to retrieve or store pallets. This reduces the time and labor required for loading and unloading pallets, increasing efficiency and productivity.
4. Improved inventory management: With through-type racking, it is easier to organize and manage inventory, as pallets of the same SKU are stored together in deep rows. This makes it easier to track inventory levels, rotate stock, and locate specific items when needed.
5. Durability and versatility: Through-type racking systems are typically made of durable materials like steel, making them strong and long-lasting. They can also be easily customized to fit specific warehouse needs, such as adjusting shelf heights or adding protective accessories.
4. The purpose of through-type racking is what?
The purpose of through-type racking is to maximize storage space and efficiency by allowing for continuous movement of goods through the rack system, typically utilizing a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management system. This type of racking is commonly used in warehouse and distribution centers to streamline the flow of goods and optimize storage capacity.
