Whether constructed from roll-formed steel or structural steel, cantilevered storage rack incorporates central, vertical columns from which horizontal arms project perpendicularly on one or both sides. Because the ends of the arms and bases are exposed, an optional steel end cap can be welded on to the aisle facing end of those components. End cap sizes typically match the exact height and width of the exposed end of each base or arm. This avoids creating a catch point that might snag a load during its movement into or out of the racking.
End Caps Protect Exposed Cantilevered Rack Flanges
Adding these end caps does not increase the structural strength of the cantilevered racking, however, they do protect the exposed flanges of structural steel or roll-formed C-channel steel from a potential impact by the forks of a lift truck as an operator places or removes a load from the rack. At the base, end caps also prevent the tip of a fork from catching on a flange. This could cause the flange to bend up if the forklift operator does not notice and raises the forks. The potential also exists for the forklift to lift the base up from its anchors in the floor. This would cause the column to be lifted and result in significant damage to the rack structure.
As an additional benefit, adding end caps to the bases and arms of cantilevered storage rack provides a flat surface for placing labels upon. This may be particularly helpful for forklift operators. It gives them a visual way to identify the proper storage location for individual loads in a system designed to hold different products in specific bays of the rack.
Enhancing Aesthetics with End Caps
Finally, some cantilevered storage rack owners specify the addition of end caps to bases and arms because of the aesthetics. They simply prefer how the completed system looks with covered ends facing the aisle.
Want to learn more about the safe design, manufacture, and installation of cantilevered rack systems? Download RMI’s ANSI MH16.3 Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Cantilevered Storage Racks.