About the Pre Configurator

The Pre Configurator is used to pre-determine the components and properties of a pallet rack. The benefits of using the Pre Configurator include:

• Create multiple pallet rack configurations
• Customize a pallet rack before placing it in the drawing
• Ability to save and reuse template configurations
• Quickly select desired configuration from View Configuration drop down

The types of components included in the Pre Configurator are Clearance, Compartment, Bay, Frame, Racking, and Flue Gap. More information on each component is listed further down in this article. 

Using the Pre Configurator

To open, click Pre Configurator in the Settings component section.

1. The File dropdown has options to create a new configuration, open an existing, or save as template. 
   • New will add a new tab/type
   • Open will allow you to open a previously saved configuration
   • Save as Template lets you save the current configuration for future use
   • Rename will make the tab/type name editable.
   • Remove and Rename does not work with the Default tab.
2. The Edit dropdown has options to rename, duplicate, or remove the current configuration.  Remove and Rename functions do not work on the Default tab 
   • Rename allows you to customize the name of the current configuration
   • Duplicate will create a copy of the current configuration
   • Remove will remove the current configuration
3. This is where the tabs/types are located. Each tab represents a new configuration. The selected tab will be the configuration used when placing the product in the drawing.
4. The Types of Components listed in this section are: Clearance, Compartment, Bay, Frame, Racking, and Flue Gap. Each has a specific set of properties used to create a configuration.
5. The Properties for the Types of Components are viewed and edited in this section. 
6. The Preview Window allows you to zoom by scrolling in and out or you can click and hold to rotate the object. These objects reflect the current properties and will update with any changes.

 You may access the Pre Configurator for any other Essential Extension by using the "Switch To" dropdown located on the top of the Pre Configurator dialog window.  This allows you to quickly adjust pre configurations for multiple types of systems quickly. 

Types of Components

Clearance

The Clearance is the distance between two parts or components.

1. Aisle Width: Load to Load is the distance between one row to another.
2. Flue Space: Load to Load is the depth of the Flue Gap.
3. Beam: Frame/Load to Load is the distance between the Unit Load and the Frame.
4. Load to Beam is the distance between a Unit Load and the Beam above it.

Compartment and Bay

A Compartment is a space where pallets are stored and consist of the horizontal (beam) and vertical (upright) components. A Bay is a set of stacked Compartments between two uprights.

Check out this table for function definitions of each Compartment property!

Check out this table for function definitions of each Bay property!

Frame

A Frame is the vertical upright component of a racking system that transfers the weight of the stored load to the ground. Typically, a frame consists of two uprights, struts that brace the two verticals, and footplates.

• Check out this table for function definitions of each Frame property!

  Property Name	Function
  Width	Use to specify the width of each frame
  Depth	Use to specify the depth of each frame
  Upright Depth	Use to specify the upright depth of each frame
  Bottom Storage Level	Set the distance between the first beam (closest to the floor) and the first frame hole
  Hole Pitch	Set the distance between one hole to another
  Foot Bolt	An anchor located at the bottom of the frame used to secure the rack to the floor for better stability Specify the number of foot bolts
  Material	Use the drop-down to view additional color options to be applied to the frame
  Bracing Types	A series of struts bolted or welded between the front and rear columns. Determine the configuration of the bracing
  Top Approach + Aisle Spacers	If this is checked, the only subsequent options are Top Approach and First Hole Height
  Top Approach	Height above topmost unit load at which the Rail for an ASRS will be placed if Top Approach is selected
  Outer Frame Ht. Difference	Set the distance between the bottom of a pallet to the topmost part of the outer frame
  Inner Frame Ht. Difference	Set the distance between the bottom of a pallet to the topmost part of the inner frame
  Outer Frame Height	Use to specify the total height of the outer frame
  Inner Frame Height	Use to specify the total height of the inner frame
  First Hole Height	Set the distance between first upright hole with the floor

Racking

• The Row Layout options are Single End, All Single, or All Double. 
  • Single End indicates a set of rows will start and/or end as singles. 
  • All Single indicates all rack sets are singles only.
  • All Double indicates all rack sets are doubles only.

This image visualizes the different Row Layout options.

Flue Gap

A Flue Gap gives space in between racks in the event of a fire for the fire to vent upwards. It also allows a sprinkler system to extinguish the fire or keep it from spreading.

• Frame Spacer: Thickness:  Thickness of the actual frame spacers.
• Frame Spacer Offset from Top: distance between the Frame Spacers and the topmost height of the Frame.
  
• You can also set the desired number of Flue Spacers in a racking configuration.