We are specialized in material handling and storage equipment more than 20 years of experience! Whatsapp:+86 13959222269
Industry News
What Is Pallet Rack Cantilever Arm
A pallet rack cantilever arm is the horizontal support member in a cantilever-style pallet racking system, designed to hold palletized or long‐length loads without the need for front and back rack beams. Where a traditional pallet rack uses front‐to‐back beams that span between upright frames, a cantilever rack substitutes those beams with projecting arms that extend from a vertical column.
1. Basic Description
Shape & Attachment
Each cantilever arm is typically a steel member—often an “L” or “T” section, sometimes box‐shaped—welded or bolted into the face of a vertical column or “upright.”
Arms are inserted into slots on the column at adjustable heights, then secured with pins or bolts.
Free‐End Support
The arm projects outward with no cross support beneath it, creating an unobstructed loading area.
Usually, the arm has a small vertical lip (toe‐board) at its tip to prevent pallets from sliding off.
2. Function & Mechanics
Load Carrying
Cantilever arms resist bending moments caused by the weight of pallets or long loads (lumber, pipe, tubing, bar stock).
The column’s base and any rear counterweights absorb the balancing moment, preventing the uprights from tipping forward.
Adjustability
Most systems allow arms to be repositioned in 2″ or 50 mm increments, accommodating various product heights and lengths.
3. Typical Applications
Long‐Length Storage
Lumber yards store 8′–24′ boards; metal service centers rack lengths of pipe and bar.
Overweight and Bulky Pallets
Heavy machinery components or bulk‐pack pallets that would be awkward in a beam‐and‐upright system.
Archival or Roll Storage
Cantilever arms can hold rolls of carpet, fabric, paper, etc., laid across multiple arms like cradle supports.
4. Design Considerations
Arm Length & Capacity
Common arm lengths range from 24″ (600 mm) up to 72″ (1,800 mm). Longer arms produce greater bending stresses and deflection, so capacities typically drop as length increases.
Deflection Limits
Engineers specify a maximum vertical deflection (e.g., L/200, meaning deflection ≤ arm length ÷ 200) to ensure load stability.
Counterbalance & Baseplate
The cantilever column often has a rear brace or concrete‐injected baseplate that provides overturning resistance equal to the moment generated by the loaded arms.
Material & Finish
Heavy‐gauge structural steel is standard; arms are powder‐coated or painted for corrosion protection.
5. Advantages & Trade‐Offs
Advantages
Unobstructed Storage: No front uprights or cross‐beams beneath arms, allowing forklifts to approach easily.
Versatility: Accommodates varying load lengths without wasted space.
Trade‐Offs
Cost: Cantilever racks, especially for high capacities, can be more expensive per cubic foot than traditional pallet racks.
Footprint: Baseplates and counterweights increase the required floor space behind the uprights.
In summary, a pallet rack cantilever arm is the integral horizontal member of a cantilever racking system, engineered to project from a single-support column and carry pallet loads or long‐length materials with flexibility in height and loading, making it ideal for specialized warehouse storage of awkward or oversized items.
0users like this.
