A comprehensive reference of terms used in the cantilever rack and industrial storage industry. Understanding these terms helps you communicate effectively with rack suppliers, engineers, and warehouse designers.
A
Arm (Cantilever Arm)
Horizontal member extending from the upright column that supports stored materials. In telescopic racks, arms extend and retract via chain drive mechanism.
Arm Deflection
The downward bending of a loaded arm under weight. Maximum allowable deflection is typically L/200 (arm length divided by 200). Example: a 1,000mm arm should deflect no more than 5mm under rated load.
Anchor Bolt
Fastener used to secure rack base plates to the concrete floor. Chemical anchor bolts (M20, 150mm embedment) are standard for telescopic rack installations.
B
Bay
The space between two adjacent upright columns. A single bay contains multiple arm levels on one or both sides. Bay spacing is measured center-to-center of uprights.
Bay Load
Total weight capacity of all arms within a single bay. Calculated as: number of arms × load per arm. Must not exceed the upright column structural capacity.
Bracing
Structural members connecting adjacent uprights for lateral stability. X-type (diagonal) bracing is used in TC Series; horizontal bracing in TE Series.
Bridge Crane
Overhead crane that travels on rails mounted to the building structure. The most common crane type used with telescopic cantilever racks.
C
Cantilever Rack
A storage rack system with horizontal arms projecting from vertical columns, designed for long, heavy, or irregularly shaped items. Available in static (fixed) and telescopic (extendable) configurations.
Chain Drive
The power transmission system that converts crank rotation into linear arm extension. Uses industrial roller chain (08B/10B series) with sprockets and tensioners.
Container Loading
The process of packing rack components into shipping containers. TC Series loads as assembled units; TE Series loads as flat-packed components for higher utilization.
Crank Handle
Manual operating handle connected to the gear reduction mechanism. Folding design prevents aisle obstruction when not in use.
Cross Bracing
See: Bracing. Specifically refers to X-shaped diagonal bracing used in TC Series welded racks.
D-F
Double-Sided Rack
Rack configuration with arms extending from both sides of the upright column. Doubles storage capacity per bay compared to single-sided.
Extension Rate
Percentage of arm length that extends beyond the rack structure. Tcrack systems provide 100% extension — the full arm length extends outward.
FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
Computer simulation method used to validate rack structural integrity under various load conditions including static, dynamic, and seismic forces.
FOB (Free On Board)
Shipping term indicating the price includes delivery to the port of origin. Buyer is responsible for ocean freight, insurance, and destination charges.
G-K
Gear Reduction
Mechanical system that trades speed for force. A 1:50 gear ratio means 50 crank turns produce one output revolution, multiplying input force by 50×.
Guide Rail
Precision track inside the arm housing that guides the telescopic section during extension/retraction. Ensures straight, smooth movement.
Hook Height
Maximum height the crane hook can reach. Must exceed the top arm level plus 500mm safety margin for proper material handling.
Knock-Down (KD)
Rack design where all components can be disassembled for flat-pack shipping. TE Series is a knock-down design; TC Series is not.
L-O
Load Capacity
Maximum weight a component can safely support. Specified per arm, per bay, and per upright. Always includes a safety factor (typically 1.5×).
Narrow Aisle
Aisle width of 1.5-2.0 meters between rack rows. Possible with telescopic racks because no forklift access is needed — only arm extension clearance.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US). Sets workplace safety standards including rack load labeling, inspection requirements, and operator training.
P-S
Powder Coating
Dry finishing process where electrostatically charged powder is applied to steel surfaces and cured at 180-200°C. Provides durable, corrosion-resistant finish in any RAL color.
Q235B / Q345B
Chinese structural steel grades. Q235B: yield strength ≥235 MPa, used for secondary members. Q345B: yield strength ≥345 MPa, used for primary structural members (uprights, arms).
Roll-Out Rack
Alternative name for telescopic cantilever rack. Refers to the arm’s ability to roll out (extend) from the rack structure.
Safety Factor
Ratio of ultimate strength to rated load. A safety factor of 1.5 means the rack can withstand 1.5× its rated capacity before structural failure.
Shot Blasting
Surface preparation process that propels steel shot at high velocity to remove mill scale, rust, and contaminants. Sa 2.5 grade is standard for rack manufacturing.
T-Z
Telescopic
Extending and retracting like a telescope. In rack context, refers to arms that slide in and out of a housing structure.
Upright (Column)
Vertical structural member that supports the arms and transfers loads to the floor. The backbone of any cantilever rack system.
VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)
Electronic motor controller that provides smooth acceleration/deceleration for motorized rack systems. Protects rack structure and materials from sudden starts/stops.
