A compact dual-access sheet rack technical solution developed for machine-side staging, where forklift feeding and overhead lifting must work from opposite directions in the same cutting area.

Compact dual-access manual sheet rack for laser cutting production flow

Project Requirements

The client required storage for three sizes of unitized sheet material. The requested concept used manual drawers throughout, with a typical single-drawer working load of about 1.5 tons. Material had to be loaded from the right side by forklift and then moved for lifting access from the left side during the production process.

The rack had to remain within a maximum width limit of 2.8 meters. Each level required 300 mm of storage space, drawer levels needed steel plate support, and the top level required an upper cover. Because the rack would sit beside a laser cutting machine using overhead lifting, the top area had to remain free of structural interference that would obstruct lifting access.

Layout and Structural Response

The proposed rack uses a detachable frame structure arranged for dual-side manual operation. This allows the rack to support opposite-direction material handling while remaining suitable for shipment, site assembly, and compact machine-side installation.

To improve stability, frame junctions use triangular connecting parts. Drawer travel is controlled through a dual-side manual crank arrangement, and stroke safety is supported through limit bolts on both sides of the track.

Manual crank drawer rack with reinforced frame for heavy sheet handling

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value Notes
Outer column length 3228 mm
Outer column width 2600 mm
Outer column height 1580 mm
Wheel diameter 125 mm
Drawer design load 2500 kg
Safety factor 1.5
Surface treatment Electrostatic powder coating Customizable
Surface color Red + black Customizable
Color code To be confirmed Customizable

Engineering Notes

  • The rack is intended for three sheet sizes in one machine-side storage block.
  • The top area is kept clear enough to avoid interfering with lifting work beside the cutting machine.
  • Dual-side manual drawer travel supports opposite-direction material handling.
  • Triangular reinforced joints are used to improve frame stability.
  • Track limit bolts are included on both sides to control drawer travel.

Heavy duty manual drawer rack for compact laser cutting sheet storage

Packing and Shipment Reference

The standard packing method uses stretch film and packing straps. This method does not create extra packaging cost, but it cannot fully prevent paint damage caused by collision during transportation. A wooden case option is also available when higher surface protection is required.

Reference packing volume is 3028 × 1700 × 1750 mm, with total packed weight around 3.0 tons.

Operation and Maintenance Notes

Forklift entry and lifting should be carried out at controlled speed. Aggressive handling may damage the rack and affect later use. During storage and retrieval, operators should confirm the correct drawer position before loading or unloading material.

Routine inspection should check drawers, columns, and welded areas for bending, deformation, or weld cracking. Incorrect stacking and incorrect drawer positioning may create tipping risk during handling.

Request a Customized Layout

Provide your sheet sizes, target drawer load, and machine-side width limit to receive a tailored technical layout for your material flow.

Get Technical Proposal