Drawer-Type Mold Racks: Engineered for Frequent Mold Changes
Direct answer: Drawer-type mold racks let a mold be pulled out on rails for crane or forklift access without unloading the levels above. Mold shops choose them because they convert a high, deep storage cube into individually accessible mold positions, which shortens changeover time.
Why drawers beat open shelving for molds
Injection molds and die-cast dies are heavy, precisely machined and awkward to grip. On an open shelf, every retrieval means a crane lift with slings around the die - slow and risky. A drawer-type mold rack brings the mold fully out of the rack to a safe working height, so the hoist can hook on directly.
Our heavy duty mold racks are built for 3,000 kg to 10,000 kg per level, with drawers that extend fully on hardened rollers. The operator positions the drawer, the crane lifts the die straight up, and nothing swings across an aisle.
Configurations that matter in practice
Three configuration choices dominate toolroom enquiries: drawer height (matched to the mold plus lifting clearance), whether drawers extend from one side or both, and whether the top level is fixed for light items such as ejector plates or spare parts boxes.
A useful rule from the workshops we supply: count the mold changes per week, not the number of molds. A shop changing molds daily justifies drawers on every level; a shop storing dies for months may do better with a mix of drawer levels and fixed shelves.
Safety details worth specifying
Look for drawer lock pins that engage during mold handling, so a drawer cannot roll under load, and positive stops that prevent over-extension. Floor anchoring follows the same rules as pallet racking: shimmed, bolted, plumb.
Labelling each drawer with mold ID and weight helps the crane operator plan the lift before approaching the rack - a small habit that removes most of the guesswork from toolroom handling.
FAQ
How much weight can one drawer carry?
Our drawer-type mold racks are rated from 3,000 kg to 10,000 kg per level depending on size and steel specification. The rating assumes the load is placed centrally and the drawer is fully supported on its rollers.
Can mold racks share space with pallet racking?
Yes, and many toolrooms do. Molds go on drawer racks near the press or machine, while raw material and finished parts stay on pallet racking in the warehouse area. The layouts are planned together so forklift and crane paths do not cross.
Do drawers need power to operate?
No. Standard drawers roll on manual pull handles sized for one operator. Powered movement is only justified for very large drawer counts or extremely heavy drawers, which most mold shops do not need.
All figures above refer to standard product data sheets; final confirmation is subject to written quotation.