Box Beams vs Step Beams for Pallet Racking Storage Systems

Box beams and step beams are structural components commonly employed in construction and engineering, particularly within building frameworks or support systems like pallet racking storage systems.

Pallet rack storage systems consist of frames (or uprights) and beams (or cross beams). Frames serve as the vertical structures of a pallet rack system, while beams are the horizontal structures where pallets are positioned. Beams are available in two primary designs: box beams and step beams.

Box beams

Box beams feature a fundamental rectangular shape, akin to a 2×4 board, with clips on the ends for attachment to a vertical frame.

Step beams

Step beams are designed with a step, resembling an L-shape, and include slots along the lower edge of the step.

Comparing box beams and step beams head-to-head

To assess the advantages of each beam design, we conducted a comparative analysis in three aspects to determine their superiority.

Strength of box beams vs step beams

Box beams have traditionally dominated the pallet racking market due to their higher strength per square inch. Their simple rectangular shape allows them to bear heavier loads compared to step beams, which possess a more intricate design. While box beams exhibit greater strength per square inch, step beams can be reinforced by increasing their height, albeit at a slightly higher cost. Considering that step beams can achieve comparable strength to box beams by adjusting their height, we deem them equivalent in terms of strength.

Safety bars on box beams vs step beams

Box beams necessitate the use of universal safety bars, featuring a U-shaped design on each end, which are placed over the top of the beam. However, this design poses risks of clothing and product snagging, along with occupying space that is commonly used for product identification labels. Additionally, universal safety bars often require bolting to the pallet racking beam, limiting their adjustability.

Conversely, step beams utilize clip-style safety bars that fit neatly inside the beam, minimizing snagging risks. Furthermore, clip-style safety bars typically do not require bolting, offering flexibility in movement. Given the advantages of clip-style safety bars over universal safety bars, step beams excel in safety bar design.

Availability of box beams vs step beams

Box beams are more prevalent in industrial racking systems, resulting in easier accessibility compared to step beams. Consequently, box beams and their accessories are readily available due to the principles of supply and demand. Although step beams are also obtainable, lead times for large warehouse racking systems tend to be longer compared to box beams. Therefore, in terms of availability, box beams hold a distinct advantage over step beams.

FAQ’s

What are box beams and step beams primarily used for?

Box beams and step beams are structural elements commonly utilized in construction and engineering, especially within building frameworks or support systems like pallet racking storage systems.

What components make up pallet rack storage systems?

Pallet rack storage systems consist of frames (or uprights) and beams (or cross beams). Frames serve as the vertical structures, while beams are the horizontal structures where pallets are placed.

How do box beams differ from step beams?

Box beams feature a basic rectangular shape with clips on the ends for attachment to a vertical frame. Step beams, on the other hand, have a step-like design resembling an L-shape, with slots along the lower edge of the step.

Which beam design is stronger: box beams or step beams?

Box beams have historically dominated the pallet racking market due to their higher strength per square inch. However, step beams can be reinforced by increasing their height, making them comparable to box beams in terms of strength.

What safety features do box beams and step beams incorporate?

Box beams require universal safety bars with a U-shaped design on each end, placed over the top of the beam. Step beams utilize clip-style safety bars that fit neatly inside the beam, reducing the risk of snagging and offering greater flexibility in movement.

Are there any drawbacks associated with the safety bars of box beams?

Yes, universal safety bars on box beams can pose risks of clothing and product snagging, and they often occupy space that could be used for product identification labels.

Which beam design offers better safety features: box beams or step beams?

Step beams excel in safety bar design due to their utilization of clip-style safety bars, which minimize snagging risks and offer greater flexibility in movement compared to universal safety bars used with box beams.

Are box beams or step beams more readily available in the market?

Box beams are more prevalent in industrial racking systems, making them more accessible compared to step beams. Consequently, box beams and their accessories are readily available due to the principles of supply and demand. However, lead times for large warehouse racking systems may be longer for step beams compared to box beams.

Conclusion

Choosing between box beams and step beams for pallet racking systems involves weighing factors such as strength, safety, and availability. While box beams have historically dominated due to their strength and widespread availability, step beams offer innovative safety features and comparable strength through height adjustment. Ultimately, the decision depends on project requirements and priorities. Understanding the unique characteristics of each design enables stakeholders to make informed decisions for effective storage solutions.