Flow rack comes in four types: pallet flow, carton flow, skate-wheel, and span-track, each of which is better in certain applications than the others. All four styles utilize gravity to move products from the rear of the racking system to the front using wheels or rollers. As a result, flow rack is intended to be used in storage operations that utilize first in, first out (FIFO) inventory management.
Pallet flow rack is a high-density pallet storage system which utilizes slightly inclined rails and skate wheels in combination with the force of gravity in order to create a dynamic system for maintaining and storing inventory. Carton flow rack uses the same principles as pallet flow; however, it is designed for products that are smaller in size and weight.
Skate wheel flow rack is also a high-density storage system, however it is a little more versatile than pallet or carton flow rack. Instead of utilizing lanes of predetermined sized and weighted objects, skate wheel flow rack can accommodate products and containers of various sizes and weights. Similarly, span track racking offers the same versatility but utilizes rollers instead of wheels to accommodate heavier or denser item storage.
Flow rack is considered a dynamic racking system, meaning it is picked and loaded from different sides. This helps cut down on lost time due to forklift traffic, however it means flow rack requires more space than static systems, which are picked and loaded from the same side.
Call our sales team today to determine which style of flow rack is right for you. They will consider everything from the types of materials you will be storing, to the size of your facility and make a recommendation based on your specific storage needs.