Architectural Drawings Storage Options for Efficient Plan Management

Managing architectural drawings can be a daunting task, especially when projects involve multiple stakeholders and revisions. A well-organized storage system is crucial to keep track of changes and updates.

Having a centralized location for drawings can save time and reduce errors. This can be achieved through digital storage options, such as cloud-based platforms or network-attached storage (NAS) devices.

Digital storage solutions can also be easily accessed and shared with team members, reducing the need for physical meetings and revisions.

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If you're looking for a way to store your architectural drawings, you have several options to consider. One popular choice is a vertical blueprint/drawing storage system, which can hold up to 1200 sheets and comes with mobility options.

These systems are perfect for those who need to display their drawings for future reference or any other reason. You can hang your sheets with clamps, which can be bought separately, and they come in different sizes.

Another option is a roll file wall rack, which is ideal for storing oversized rolled documents. It can be as high as 5 feet, making it perfect for users of any height, and is designed to carry heavy weights comfortably.

You can also consider flat file cabinets, which are constructed with sturdy materials and meet the highest standards for conservation. They come in different heights and can be installed with features like pull-out work shelves and convenient lift-off doors.

If you have tubes around, you can take advantage of custom fit shelving developed to keep them secure. This shelving is designed to accommodate tubes of different sizes and can be stacked between shelving uprights without the need for PVC cement.

In terms of mobility, mobile plan trolleys and plan clamps are a great option. They offer the most economical and efficient plan storage system, allowing you to group, store, file, and retrieve architectural plans and drawings with ease.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a storage solution:

Ultimately, the right storage solution will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Be sure to consider your space, the size and type of your drawings, and the features you need when making your decision.

There are several types of storage options for architectural drawings, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Vertical blueprint/drawing storage is a popular option, with some systems able to hold up to 1200 sheets. These systems often come with mobility options and can be mounted at any height for easy access.

Flat file cabinets are another preferred approach to architectural drawing storage, offering durability and longevity while meeting the highest standards for conservation. They come in different heights and can be stacked or have a glass top for display.

For oversized rolled documents, a roll file wall rack is a great option, able to store documents as high as 5 feet. This heavy-duty welded steel frame is designed to carry heavy weights comfortably.

You can also consider mobile plan trolleys, plan clamps, and plan racks, which offer mobility, easy grouping, filing, and retrieving of plans at a competitive price. These systems are popular in various industries, including construction, education, and healthcare.

The plan trolley and wall rack are must-haves for any office or building site office environment. They provide a convenient and efficient way to store and retrieve plan binders.

Plan trolleys are particularly useful due to their mobility, thanks to 4 heavy-duty brake-enabled castor wheels. This makes it easy to move them around the office or site.

Wall racks are ideal for site offices where space is often a premium. They are designed to hold plan clamps securely in place.

All plan trolleys offered by PLANMATE are made from heavy-duty steel, powder coated for durability. This ensures they can withstand the rigors of a busy office or site.

The front-loading design of plan hanger trolleys makes it easy to store and retrieve plan binders. This feature is a major advantage in a busy office or site.

Plan trolleys come in various sizes, but be aware that an A1 sized trolley only allows you to file A2 and A1 sized clamps due to its restricted height. This is something to consider when choosing a plan trolley.

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The Universal brand is compatible with all other brands in both plan clamps and mobile plan trolleys. This is a major advantage for those who need flexibility in plan filing.

For maximum flexibility in plan filing, consider an A0 size plan hanger. It supports all plan clamp and paper sizes, including A2, A1, B1, and A0.

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Container storage is a must for preserving your valuable architectural drawings and plans.

Blueprints and cyanotypes should be stored in alkaline-free paper products to prevent fading of the blue pigment.

Large technical prints should be stored horizontally in flat files or rolled if flat storage is not possible.

Enameled steel, stainless steel, or anodized aluminum flat files are preferred for storing technical prints.

Store different types of technical prints separately to prevent contact degradation.

Folders cut to drawer size are recommended, with less than 12 prints to a folder and with interleaving sheets placed between them.

Individual prints may be stored in polyester sleeves within folders to protect fragile items or separate formats from one another.

The key features of architectural drawings storage solutions are quite impressive. Durable metal construction is a must, and the shelving unit I mentioned earlier has vertical side panels made of 18-gauge posts with 24-gauge panels for long-lasting strength.

Shelving units can be adjusted to accommodate different storage needs, and the one I mentioned has shelves that can be positioned in 1.5'' increments. This is a big advantage, especially in small spaces where every inch counts.

Heavy-duty support is also essential for keeping your drawings and documents organized and secure. Each shelf is reinforced with two sturdy shelf supports for enhanced stability, which is especially important for heavy loads.

Customizable dividers are another great feature, allowing you to organize your drawings and documents in a way that makes sense for your specific needs. These dividers are adjustable and removable, bolting onto the shelves for flexible organization.

The weight capacity of the shelving unit is also worth noting, with each shelf holding at least 250 lbs. and a total unit weight capacity of 1,500 lbs. This is based on evenly distributed, non-impact loads, so you can store a lot of heavy documents without worrying about the shelving unit collapsing.

A bottom kickplate is also a useful feature, preventing objects from rolling under the shelving unit and getting lost or damaged. This is a small detail, but it can make a big difference in keeping your workspace organized and clutter-free.

Store your architectural drawings flat to prevent creases and damage. If flat storage isn't possible, it's acceptable to store them rolled, but only if they're strong and flexible enough.

Brittle or fragile prints should never be rolled, as it can cause them to tear. Instead, use a neutral pH cardboard tube wrapped in polyester or neutral paper to provide interior support.

To store rolled prints, wrap them in the same neutral paper or polyester and store them horizontally, not upright. This will help prevent damage and creases.

Vertical storage is a great way to keep your architectural drawings and plans organized and easily accessible. The vertical plan file and plan storage cabinets are designed to improve accessibility and retrieval of A0, A1, and B1 sized building plans.

You can store up to 1200 sheets in some vertical storage options, which is perfect for those who like to display their architectural drawings or blueprints. These storage options can be expanded vertically and horizontally to accommodate different sheet sizes.

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Some vertical storage options come with clamps that can hold up to 12 sheets at a time, and you can buy additional clamp sizes separately. Others offer a mobility option, making it easy to move them around.

If you don't have much floor space, consider a wall hanging option. These storage options can be mounted at any height for easy access to your drawings, and the clamps can be moved according to your needs.

For those who need to store oversized rolled documents, a roll file wall rack is a great option. These racks can be as high as 5 feet and are designed to carry heavy weights comfortably.

Here are some common features of vertical storage options:

Store your prints flat to prevent damage, but if flat storage isn't possible, a neutral pH cardboard tube wrapped in polyester or neutral paper can be used as an interior support for rolled prints.

Brittle or fragile prints should not be rolled, and prints that are strong enough to be rolled should be stored horizontally, not upright.

Prints should not be folded, as this creates fold lines that stress the paper fibers and cause the print to tear.

All storage materials should pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) as specified in ISO Standard 18916:2007.

The Photographic Activity Test is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your prints, so make sure to check the materials you're using against this standard.

I've seen many people make the mistake of folding their prints, and it's always a shame to see them damage the delicate paper fibers.

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Architectural drawings storage is all about being organized and efficient. Plan Filing or Plan Storage is the activity to systematically file, store and group a variety of building plans, architectural drawings or blueprints.

The goal is to retrieve each plan or drawing in the most efficient and economical way. This means having a clear system for storing and accessing your drawings.

Having a well-organized storage system can save you time and reduce stress. It's like having a file cabinet for all your building plans.

By systematically filing and storing your drawings, you can quickly locate the one you need. This is especially important for architects and builders who work on multiple projects at once.