Structural Racks vs. Roll Formed Racks: A Complete Guide

Pallet rack is available in both structural and roll-formed steel. Watch this tutorial to learn the differences of each including how they are constructed and ideal uses (2-minutes, 47-seconds).

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to this edition of Total Warehouse Tutorials. This week we will be discussing the differences between structural and roll formed rack.

As you may know, pallet rack is available in both structural and roll-formed steel. But what does this mean and how do you know which is best for your operation? In this tutorial you’ll learn the differences of each including how they are constructed and ideal uses.

The main difference between these two is how they are made: structural steel is formed while still hot, whereas roll-formed steel is formed after it’s cooled. The outcome of these processes is two different types of rack with different ideal uses and benefits.

As mentioned, structural steel is hot rolled, it’s components are then welded together. This process gives it unique attributes that allow it to hold very heavy loads. This strength also allows it to better withstand forklift impact and harsh environments such as outdoor storage and freezer storage.

Structural steel racking is formed with an open back and is therefore easy to keep debris-free. This makes structural steel rack ideal for food storage applications.

In structural style racking beams are bolted to the uprights. This beams-to-frame connection contributes to the overall high capacity capability of structural rack systems.

Structural steel rack can be designed as a selective system, a flow system, a push back system, a cantilever system, and drive-in and drive-though systems.

Roll formed steel rack is cooled and coiled while flat then sent through a roll forming machine that shapes it into various components.  This cold roll process can produce many different shapes, making it ideal for various engineered solutions such as catwalk systems.

Roll formed rack is a less expensive option than structural and is ideal for most standard warehouse storage applications. Roll formed rack is highly adaptable and allows for easy adjustability, reconfiguration, and relocation.

Roll formed rack is most commonly manufactured as teardrop style, as seen here. Roll Formed beams are completely closed and uprights are formed as a “C” channel, which is only slightly open in the back.

Beams are attached to uprights by inserting their corresponding teardrop shaped connectors into the upright teardrop shaped holes and secured with safety locks.

Like structural, roll formed rack can be designed as a selective system, a flow system, a push back system, a cantilever system, and drive-in and drive-though systems.

That’s all for this edition of Total Warehouse Tutorials. I hope you join us for our next edition on selective pallet rack.

Differences Between Structural Steel Rack and Roll Formed Steel Rack

Pallet rack is available as both structural steel rack and roll formed steel rack. The main difference between these two is how they are made: structural steel is formed while still hot, whereas roll-formed steel is formed while cold. The outcome of these processes is two different types of rack with different ideal uses and benefits.

Structural Steel Rack

Structural steel rack is hot rolled, it’s components are then welded together. This process gives it unique attributes that allow it to hold very heavy loads. This strength also allows it to better withstand forklift impact and harsh environments such as outdoor storage and freezer storage.

Structural steel racking is formed with an open back and is therefore easy to keep debris-free. This makes structural steel rack ideal for food storage applications.

Structural rack beams are bolted to the uprights. This bolted beam-to-frame connection contributes to the overall high capacity capability of structural rack systems.

Roll Formed Steel Rack

Roll formed steel rack is cooled and coiled while flat then sent through a roll forming machine that shapes it into various components. The steel is then sent through a machine that ‘rolls’ it into shape. This cold-roll process can produce many different shapes, making it ideal for various engineered solutions such as catwalk systems.

However, roll formed rack is a less expensive option that is ideal for most standard warehouse storage applications. The high adaptability of this type of rack allows for easy adjustability, relocation, and reconfiguration.

Roll formed rack is most commonly manufactured as teardrop style. Beams are attached to uprights by inserting their corresponding teardrop-shaped connectors into the upright teardrop-shaped holes and secured with safety locks.

Your Next Step for Structural Rack and Roll Formed Rack Systems

REB is highly knowledgeable and experienced in designing and installing structural rack and roll formed rack systems. As a systems integrator, we’ll work with you to provide a turnkey system. From design, products procurement, subcontractor management, install, and permitting support, REB handles it all for you.

REB has a talented team of in-house project managers and project designers, all highly experienced in the material handling industry. We’ll work with you to make sure that your system is the best fit for your operation, installed and completed on-time and within budget.

We’d appreciate the opportunity to help you further, whether that be more information or a quote. Fill out the contact form on this page or call (800) 252-5955 to get in touch with a REB representative.

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At REB Storage Systems International, we look at each project as unique. While many have similarities for which we are able to leverage our experience and knowledge, each client has unique needs that must be met.

REB has the flexibility to integrate products from multiple manufacturers based on the requirements of your rack system including pricing and lead time. This combined with in-house system design, planning, and permitting support expertise allows us to provide you with your specific storage solution.

To receive storage solutions that optimize your unique requirements, fill in the contact form or call (800) 252-5955.