If you run a fabrication or metalworking shop, you’ve probably struggled with the same problem: what do you do with all the unevenly sized offcuts left after cutting?
These leftover lengths of steel, aluminum, or copper often pile up in corners, eating valuable space and creating safety hazards. The good news? With the right system — like a roll out cantilever rack paired with offcut cassettes — you can turn clutter into organized, accessible storage.
Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Understanding the Nature of Offcuts
Before setting up storage, it helps to understand why offcuts are tricky to manage.
- Varying lengths: Offcuts can range from a few centimeters to several meters.
- Different dimensions: Diameters and thicknesses are inconsistent.
- Mixed specifications: You may deal with angle steel, flat bar, round steel, round tubes, square tubes, or rectangular tubes.
- Uneven weights: Some offcuts are light, others heavy and awkward.
This variation is why standard pallet racks aren’t a good fit — but a roll out cantilever rack offers the flexibility you need.
Why Use a Roll Out Cantilever Rack for Offcuts?
The roll out arm design is like a strong arm that extends out to hold long materials. Because the arms can be adjusted and extended, these racks are perfect for uneven lengths and awkward shapes.
Advantages of using roll out cantilever racking for offcuts:
- Flexibility: Handles steel pipes, steel bars, steel tubes, and other irregular steel profiles.
- Better space use: Materials don’t pile up randomly; they’re stored by size or type.
- Faster retrieval: Workers can quickly find the offcut they need without sorting through stacks.
- Safer handling: Reduces the chance of stock rolling, slipping, or falling.
Pro Tip: Grouping offcuts by material type or length in a steel pipe rack can dramatically cut retrieval times.
Using Offcut Cassettes for Scrap Storage
Offcut cassettes (sometimes called scrap frames) are specialized holders designed to slot into cantilever racking. They’re ideal for safely managing leftover material that doesn’t justify full length storage.
Best Practices for Offcut Cassettes:
- Choose the right size: Select cassettes designed to handle the length and weight of your offcuts.
- Stay organized: Regularly check cassettes and clear out unusable offcuts to prevent clutter.
- Prioritize safety: Ensure offcuts are stacked securely to prevent shifting or falling when accessed.
Paired with a roll out cantilever rack, offcut cassettes keep even the messiest scraps in order.
Step-by-Step: How to Organize Offcuts in a Roll Out Cantilever Rack
Step 1: Classify Your Materials
- By material: Group steel, aluminum, copper, etc.
- By length: Example: <3m / 3–6m / >6m.
- By diameter or size: Fine, medium, coarse.
Step 2: Divide the Rack into Zones
Dedicate rack sections for:
- Short offcuts
- Long materials
- Heavy-duty stock
This zoning avoids mix-ups and speeds up access.
Step 3: Label Everything
Use clear labeling on both the rack arms and the offcut cassettes. Labels help operators grab the right piece faster and reduce wasted motion.
Roll Out Cantilever Rack vs Fixed Storage
A quick note: if you’re deciding between storage options, here’s why a roll out cantilever rack beats fixed storage when it comes to offcuts.
| Feature | Roll Out Cantilever Rack | Fixed Storage (Floor/Basic Shelves) |
| Space Efficiency | High – arms extend/retract | Low – piles take up floor space |
| Flexibility | Stores mixed lengths & shapes | Limited to stacked bundles |
| Accessibility | Easy retrieval with hoists or by hand | Difficult to reach buried stock |
| Safety | Lower risk of falling material | Higher risk of slips and collisions |
| Organization | Offcut cassettes + labeling | Piles are disorganized |
If your shop produces regular offcuts, fixed racks or floor piles just don’t cut it. A roll out cantilever rack is the smarter investment.
Safety Tips for Storing Offcuts
- Always load heavier offcuts at the bottom arms.
- Train workers to remove one item at a time — not multiple lengths stacked together.
- Keep aisles clear around racks to reduce collision risks.
- Inspect cantilever arms and offcut cassettes regularly for wear or damage.
Conclusion: Organizing Offcuts the Smart Way
Uneven offcuts don’t have to be a headache. With a roll out cantilever rack or steel pipe rack — and the use of offcut cassettes — you can turn scrap storage into an organized, efficient system.
By classifying materials, dividing storage zones, and labeling clearly, you’ll save time, maximize space, and reduce safety risks in your warehouse.
Bottom line: If offcuts are cluttering your shop floor, it’s time to upgrade your storage strategy.
FAQ: Offcut Storage with Cantilever Racks
Q: Can I mix materials (steel, aluminum, copper) in one rack?
A: Yes, but it’s better to dedicate zones within your rack to specific materials for faster retrieval.
Q: What’s the benefit of offcut cassettes?
A: They prevent scraps from piling up randomly, improve safety, and keep your storage system organized.