Box beam and step beam are the two basic beam designs in pallet racking systems. They are the horizontal structure of the racking system and are used to hold the pallets. Here are their main features:
Box Beam:
Shape: Has a basic rectangular shape, similar to a 2X4 plank, with clips at each end for attachment to vertical frames.
Strength: Due to its simple rectangular shape, box beams typically have a higher load capacity per square inch than step beams.
SUPPORT BARS: Universal safety bars are required, these have a U-shaped design at each end and are placed on top of the box beam. This design can cause clothing and products to get hooked and cause minor damage.
Step Beam:
SHAPE: There is a step design that is almost like an L shape with slots on the lower edge of the step.
Strength: Although the step beam has a more complex design, what it lacks in strength can be made up for by choosing a higher step beam, although this will add to the cost.
Support bars: Clip-on safety bars are required, these fit neatly inside the step beam so the risk of hooking is greatly reduced.
Box beams and step beams are mainly used in pallet racking systems, they are transverse structures in the racking system for placing pallets. There are several differences in the design of these two types of beams:
- SHAPE: Box beams usually have a basic rectangular shape, similar to a 2X4 plank, with clips on each end for attachment to vertical frames. A STEP beam, on the other hand, has a step design, almost like an L shape, with slots on the lower edge of the step.
- STRENGTH: Because of its basic rectangular shape, box beams typically have a higher load capacity per square inch than step beams. However, the lack of strength can be compensated for by choosing a higher step beam, although this will increase the cost.
- SUPPORT BARS: Box beams require universal safety bars that have a U-shaped design at each end and are placed on top of the box beam. The problem with this design is that clothing and products can easily get hooked on the safety bars, causing minor damage. In addition, the safety bars take up space on the outside of the beam that is normally used for product identification labels. Safety engineers are increasingly requiring these types of safety bars to be bolted to pallet rack beams, which limits the freedom of adjustment of the safety bars. In contrast, step beams require the use of clip-on safety bars. These safety bars fit neatly inside the step beam, so the risk of hooking is greatly reduced. It is also often not necessary to bolt the clip-on safety bars in place, which provides the flexibility to move them when needed.
- AVAILABILITY: In Canada, industrial racking systems are usually equipped with box beams rather than step beams. therefore, according to the law of supply and demand, box beams and their accessories are more readily available. This does not mean that step beam is not readily available; it just means that if you are planning a very large warehouse racking system, the lead time to provide step beam may be longer than box beam.