Polymer Shelving Units
What is Polymer Shelving?
Polymer shelving is a type of storage solution constructed from high-strength polymer materials, often reinforced with additives such as fiberglass to enhance durability and load-bearing capacity. This shelving is designed to be versatile, durable, and corrosion-resistant to various environmental factors, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
What Type of Plastic is Used in Polymer Shelving?
Polymer shelving is a versatile and durable storage solution primarily constructed from high-quality plastics designed to endure heavy usage and diverse environmental conditions. The most commonly used plastics include polypropylene, known for its chemical resistance and moisture durability, making it ideal for areas like commercial kitchens and laboratories. High-density polyethylene is favored for its robustness and impact resistance and is suitable for industrial and food service settings.
Polycarbonate is selected for its exceptional strength and ability to withstand temperature extremes, while polyvinyl chloride's durability and chemical resistance cater to specific application needs. Additionally, some shelves may incorporate fiberglass-reinforced plastic to enhance strength without adding significant weight, supporting heavy loads for industrial and commercial storage. These materials are carefully chosen to balance load-bearing capacity, environmental resilience, and safety, ensuring polymer shelving remains a reliable choice for various storage requirements.
Is Polymer Shelving and Plastic Shelving the Same?
Yes, polymer shelving and plastic shelving refer to the same type of shelving system. The term "polymer" is a scientific term that refers to a broad category of materials made of long chains of molecules. Plastics are synthetic polymers specifically designed with properties suitable for various products, including shelving.
When referring to shelving, both terms highlight the material's origin from synthetic polymers, emphasizing its durability, resistance to corrosion, and versatility. Despite the different terminology, polymer shelving and plastic shelving are used interchangeably to describe shelving units made from synthetic polymer materials suitable for various storage needs.
Is Polymer Shelving Strong Enough?
Yes, polymer shelving is strong enough for many storage applications. Made from high-strength synthetic polymers, often reinforced with materials like fiberglass, these shelves are designed to withstand significant weight, resist impact, and endure harsh environmental conditions without deterioration. The specific strength and load-bearing capacity of polymer shelving can vary depending on the design and the materials' quality. Manufacturers typically provide ratings for the maximum weight capacity per shelf, ranging from light-duty to heavy-duty storage needs. In commercial settings, such as kitchens, laboratories, and industrial storage areas, polymer shelving is a popular choice due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. Proper installation and adherence to the manufacturer's weight capacity guidelines are crucial for maximizing the strength and longevity of polymer shelving units.
What is The Lifetime of a Polymer Shelf?
The lifetime of a polymer shelf can vary significantly based on factors such as the quality of the material, the conditions of use, and the level of care and maintenance it receives. Generally, high-quality polymer shelving can last several years to over a decade. In environments where the shelves are subject to heavy loads, frequent usage, or exposure to harsh chemicals, the lifespan may be on the lower end of that range. Conversely, polymer shelves can exceed this range, offering long-term durability and performance with proper care and moderate use and in conditions where the shelving is not exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals. Regular cleaning and adherence to the manufacturer's weight and use recommendations can further extend the life of polymer shelving, making it a cost-effective and reliable storage solution for various applications.
What are The Advantages of Polymer Shelving Units?
Polymer shelves are innovative units that offer 3 significant advantages for commercial establishments:
- Polymer shelves are manufactured from polymer, and many models have glass fiber or steel reinforcements to increase their robustness.
- These units offer high weight capacity depending on their width and as long as the weight is evenly distributed. Units with 24" to 48" (610 to 1220 mm) width can hold up to 800 lbs (363 kg) per shelf, while 54" (1370 mm) or longer units present 600 lbs (275 kg) weight capacity per shelf. The weight capacity per unit is 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
- The shelves are also adjustable up to 1" (25 mm) to enable you to change spaces for various-sized items.
What are The Popular Brands Produce That Produce Polymer Shelves?
Metro, Cambro, and Quantum are three manufacturers of high-quality polymer shelvings.
Polymer Shelving Units: Durable and Multi-Purpose Shelves
Polymer shelving units are durable and sturdy commercial restaurant shelving that offer high corrosion resistance even in damp and steam-rich spaces. Organizing your stocks is always a crucial necessity for commercial foodservice establishments to ensure optimum use of floor space and efficient stock management, whether it is needed for dry stocks or refrigerated areas in a restaurant, café, bakery, or meat shop.