These scenarios are operational inefficiencies. They’re also high-risk situations with serious safety, cost, and productivity implications. Static racks, cantilever racks, and rollout racks have been industry standards for decades. But as production demands, labor challenges, and safety expectations rise, these options can carry costs few organizations can afford to ignore.
Comparing Common Sheet Metal Storage Options
If you’re evaluating different sheet metal storage rack systems, it’s important to understand the trade-offs of each approach:
Static Racks
- Their low initial cost hides long-term inefficiencies
- Forklift-dependent for every pick, increasing injury risk and labor cost
- Poor inventory visibility leads to misordering and lost material
- Takes up significant floor space but provides limited storage density
Cantilever Racks
- Slightly faster access than static racks, but still forklift-dependent
- Require certified forklift operators, adding wage and hiring pressures
- Higher risk of sheet damage from fork contact
- Floor space-intensive
Rollout Racks and Similar Designs
- Manual or semi-manual retrieval (cranks, pullout drawers) remains labor-intensive
- Limited capacity for high-volume sheet metal operations
- Require less floor space than static and cantilever racks, but more than vertical systems
- Scaling requires adding more racks
While these systems may seem practical on paper, in practice, they can create bottlenecks, increase safety risks, and hide long-term costs. Plus, all of them rely on manual or semi-manual retrieval. Manual handling increases the risk of sheet damage – and in aerospace or military applications, even a minor scratch can make material unusable. Scratches create localized stress points that can lead to crack initiation under cyclic loads, potentially resulting in catastrophic failure.
A sheet metal vertical lift system is a smarter, safer way to handle sheet metal.
The False Economy of “Good Enough”
Traditional sheet metal storage systems might appear cheaper upfront, but they:
- Consume more labor hours per pick
- Increase the risk of workplace injuries
- Cause more product damage, leading to scrap or rework
- Limit production capacity because storage eats into operational space
The result? Higher operational costs, slower throughput, and a facility that struggles to adapt to new demands.
The Sheet Metal VLS Changes the Equation
Both Vidir Single-Tower VLS and Dual-Tower VLS address every limitation of traditional sheet metal storage.
The difference-maker: Automation. Unlike manual crank-out racks or pull-out drawer systems, Vertical Lift Systems (VLS) are fully automated. Material is retrieved and delivered to ground level without the need for forklifts, cranks, or manual repositioning. This eliminates repetitive strain on operators, reduces the number of people involved in each pick, and keeps sheet metal in a controlled handling environment. Less manual contact means less chance of injury and less chance of damaging material that, in industries like aerospace and defense, must be flawless to be accepted. Even small scratches can concentrate stress in one location, leading to cracks under repeated loading conditions. (Bonus: With a VLS, sheet metal inventory is reliable and accurate. You’ll never discover a dust-covered stack of misplaced or forgotten sheet metal months or years down the line.)
Speak to a Vidir sheet metal specialist
Single-Tower VLS: Stores up to 32 sheet positions, delivering materials to operators at floor level. Ideal for medium-volume operations needing faster, safer access without forklift dependency.
Dual-Tower VLS: Doubles capacity with a central elevator, with a smaller footprint and lower total cost than two single towers. Perfect for high-volume manufacturing, aerospace, and military applications. Learn more about our new dual-tower VLS.
Both systems deliver:
- Safety: Ground-level access eliminates high lifts and fork traffic
- Automation: Fully automated retrieval removes the need for manual cranks or drawer pulling, reducing labor strain and speeding every pick
- Labor savings: One operator instead of two; no forklift operator certification required
- Space savings: Reclaim up to 80% of your floor space
- Product protection: Essential for aerospace and defense, where even a scratch can mean rejection
- Engineering advantage: Our Servo motor design (the same motors as used in our VLM) provides smoother operation, fewer breakdowns, and faster servicing.
Take the Next Step
Outdated sheet metal racking systems cost more than you think. Modernize materials handling with Vidir and reduce risk, lower labor costs, and free up space for production.
Speak to a Vidir sheet metal specialist to find the right system for your operation.
