Putting the Drop on Pallet Rack Beam Connections | Apex Safety Spotlight

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Pallet Rack Design - Apex Cos.

Beam Connector Plates and the Importance of Beam Drop — Pallet Rack Design Tips

The beam connector plate is a small but critical element of pallet rack design, system function and stability. Plates are welded to both ends of a cross beam and used to secure the beam to the upright. Beams are then attached between two uprights, one in the front and the other in the rear, to form a pallet rack bay.

Both structural and roll-formed pallet rack systems use beam connector plates. However, the design of the plate differs to accommodate the connection type. Structural pallet rack is bolted together while roll-formed rack is secured with safety pins and clips.

Pallet Rack Design - Apex Cos.

 

Pallet Rack Installation - Apex Cos.Most beam connector plates are welded flush with the top of the beam, as shown in the lower example to the right. However, they can also be welded to the middle or at the bottom of the plate to achieve a beam elevation not otherwise possible with the upright’s vertical spacing, i.e., 2”, 3” or 4” increments. The result is called a Beam Drop.

When your pallet rack design includes pallet flow, carton flow, and/or push-back applications, positioning of the beam connector plate to the beam can help create the pitch needed for the pallet (or carton) to flow forward to the pick aisle. Additionally, the beam can be positioned lower on the connector to create a pick location.

Lastly, the size of the connector plate can also affect its placement on the beam. The bigger the connector, the more stability provided left to right across the pallet rack system. When a larger connector is required, it is most likely positioned in the middle of the connector.

Identifying beam drop is clearly important when installing the rack system, but equally important when inspecting the system for damage. To properly order replacement components, the beam to connector plate positioning must be captured to ensure safe, accurate rack repair. The Apex Rack Repair App is the perfect tool for capturing system details like Beam Drop.

Pallet Rack Design - Apex Cos.


Apex Rack Repair Mobile AppPutting the Drop on Rack Repair

The Apex Rack Repair App puts rack inspection in the palm of your hand. The app is free for download from Google Play or the App Store. This easy to use downloadable app guides users through inspecting rack system damage and recording all the critical specs necessary to order replacement kits or components quickly.

That’s what we call the ”Do It Yourself” approach. However, if time and or manpower prevent you from being able to address damage quickly, or if you’d simply prefer to have a professional conduct a thorough pallet rack system and warehouse safety audit, then the Apex PROs are the team you want. The PROs are trained, certified rack and safety inspectors and they will come to you.

If we perform your audit or if you handle it using the rack repair app, Our Promise is that you will receive an independent, unbiased report plus any necessary repair or replacement solution.