Storage challenges specific to aluminium extrusions
Aluminium extrusions present unique storage challenges. Profiles are typically 6 m or 7 m in length and easily damaged by contact with other sections, floor storage or inadequate support along their length. Many profiles are anodised or powder-coated to a finished surface specification and must be protected from abrasion, point loading and contamination during storage. The wide variety of profiles held by aluminium distributors — T-slot, structural, architectural, window and curtain walling sections — requires a storage system that can accommodate different cross-sections and be reconfigured as stock profiles change. Cantilever racking with protective arm covers or nylon saddles eliminates hard contact points and allows profiles to be stored cleanly and accessibly.
Aluminium products suited to cantilever storage
Extruded aluminium structural profiles in T-slot and modular formats are stored in segregated bays on adjustable-arm systems, allowing similar profiles to be grouped by cross-section and length. Architectural sections for window and door frames, curtain walling systems, shopfront systems and rainscreen cladding are handled on arms with nylon saddles to protect anodised finishes. Hollow aluminium tube in round, square and rectangular sections, solid aluminium flat bar and angle, and aluminium tread plate are all regularly stored on cantilever systems. Coiled aluminium strip for manufacturing and fabrication operations can be stored on purpose-built coil racking integrated into the cantilever structure.
- T-slot and structural extrusion profiles
- Architectural window and door sections
- Curtain walling and rainscreen sections
- Aluminium tube — round, square, rectangular
- Flat bar, angle and tread plate
- Coiled aluminium strip
Specifying a system for aluminium
Aluminium extrusion storage systems typically use lighter-duty arms than steel or timber systems, since individual profiles are relatively light, but arm pitch and arm protection are more critical. Nylon or rubber saddle caps on the arms prevent damage to anodised and powder-coated surfaces. Bay widths are set to allow profiles of different lengths to be segregated cleanly. Rackstor UK can survey your aluminium stockholding or fabrication operation and design a system that protects your stock and speeds up your picking process.
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