The many different uses for chrome shelving
In popular culture, chrome is a material that makes many appearances. It is most commonly seen as a decorative feature on cars and motorbikes, where shiny items like exhaust pipes, radiator grilles, mirror mounts, handlebars and petrol tanks are made of chrome. What we describe as chrome is actually chromium-plated metal, usually steel. The thin layer of shiny chromium gives a striking mirrored effect, and makes the metal corrosion-proof and easy to clean. For these reasons, chromium-plating is used in many engineering applications where metal components are exposed to aggressive environments. Piston rods on hydraulic cylinders are just one example. Chrome is a popular material for shelving for all the reasons given above. The shelves themselves may be wire mesh or sheet chrome, and the uprights and supports will be of chrome-plated steel. The variety with wire mesh shelves have the advantage of lower weight and cost. They also allow light to get through the mesh which can make a big difference in certain settings. Wire mesh chrome shelving also allows air to circulate fully around the items being stored. This makes such shelving ideal for places where items need to be kept dry and fresh. These include laundry and linen stores, and shops selling things like kitchen rolls and dry foods like rice, cereals, flour, biscuits, pasta, tea bags and sugar. The fact that chrome shelving shows dirt and smears straight away makes it perfect for use in any setting where hygiene is important. It is a material that says 'clean me now' because anything on its surface will show up. For this reason, chrome shelving is also used in kitchens where food is stored and prepared. Hospitals are another popular user of chrome shelving, where cleanliness and stain-resistance are paramount considerations. Here, chrome shelving is used for storing vials of blood and other fluid samples from patients, along with dressings and ampoules of drugs. In many cases, the chrome shelving in hospitals will be in a room that is maintained at a constant low temperature. Aesthetically, chrome shelving has a striking, high-tech look. The wire-mesh chrome shelving or the type that have shelves made of sheet chrome are very much in demand for all sorts of places. These include bars, clubs and restaurants which want to project a classy, high-tech aura. Another setting where chrome shelving is seen is offices. Companies like design agencies and advertising agencies will often have chrome shelving because of the interesting lustrous appearance it projects. Chrome shelving is often seen in shops for displaying shoes, clothes and jewellery. It is also used for holding brochures in places like banks, building societies, travel agents and estate agents. Trade show stands are another place where you'll see chrome shelving, mainly because of its combination of good looks, lightness and its ability to be assembled and taken down quickly without the need for tools. Ease of assembly is one of the hallmarks of the very best types of chrome shelving. It needs no tools to be put up, and the different parts simply slot together.
