How can I store blueprints at home?
Blueprints, maps, and other important documents should be stored in a safe and secure manner. You should also be able to reference them quickly. There are several options when it comes to storing blueprints, with each one having its own pros and cons. Some of them include but may not be limited to:
- Rolled Storage — This will be the least expensive option, so its biggest advantage is cost and convenience because you can roll stored blueprints to and from anywhere. But its biggest drawback is access speed and space. It takes time to roll and unroll plans, and you can’t store as many plans in a single space than you would in a flat filing system.
- Plan Racks and Hanging Clamps — This will be the quickest and most convenient way to store blueprints. The advantage of a plan rack is that you can store up to 1200 blueprints in a limited amount of space without having to unroll them. It’s more expensive than a rolled storage system, but it doesn’t cost as much as a flat file cabinet.
- Flat File Cabinets — This will give you the most security and protection. Some are also archival, so they don’t emit any vapors that can damage the paper over time. But a flat file cabinet is expensive and is hard to move.
If you’re looking for a blueprint rack or some other system for storing your plans, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.
What is a blueprint rack?
Also called a plan rack, this kind of blueprint storage system can store documents in a vertical filing system. Some of them also have casters or rollers, which can be an advantage if you need to move documents from one place to another.
When did blueprints stop being blue?
The original blueprinting process was invented in 1841. But in the 1940’s they were replaced by diazo prints (also called “whiteprints”) that printed blue lines on a white background. This method could not only produce documents faster but were also easier to read.
How can I keep blueprints safe?
There are a few ways that you can keep your blueprint safe, which can include:
- Storing them at an off-site location — You can keep your blueprints at a secure location that’s not on-site (such as a safe deposit box). This will make sure you have easy access to a physical copy in case the one you have on-site gets damaged.
- Make electronic copies — If you have physical copies of your blueprints, you can scan and save electronic versions on a CD or USB drive. Keep one of the CD’s or USB drives in your office, and keep another copy at an off-site location. It’s also a good idea to upload a copy of your blueprints to secure cloud solution, so you can access them from any device that can connect to the Internet.
- Upstairs storage — You can store blueprints and other important documents that can’t be kept off-site in the upper levels of your building. This will minimize your risk of water damage if you have a flood.
- Water and fire proof storage — It’s always a good idea to store your blueprints in a cabinet that’s both water and fire proof. If you need your drawings to be put in a locking file cabinet, you should think about storing them in a steel flat file drawer that’s big enough, a locking storage cabinet, or a large safe.
Make sure that everyone in your staff can access the documents in case they need to use them.
Where can I buy a quality blueprint rack?
If you’re looking for a plan holder rack or some other blueprint storage solution, you can find what you need at Engineer Supply. We have a variety of options to meet a number of needs. So if you’re ready to buy a plan rack that you can use in your office or workspace, be sure to look at what we have in stock.
Also known as rolling blueprint racks, blueprint stands, or blueprint storage stands, hanging file center can store and organize large documents vertically. Some of them have casters or rollers so you can move them from one place to another, while others are meant to be wall-mounted so they can stay in one place. As you consider your options, you need to take the time to evaluate your needs. And you should be aware of the differences between each type of product. You also have to think about the size of the hanging clamps you plan to use. Their length can’t be adjusted, and they hold a set of documents together like a binder.
The size of your drawings will determine which size you need. While they can come in 18”, 24”, 36”, or 42,” 30” is the most popular option because it offers some extra room on each end while hanging a 24” drawing. It also gives you the ability to hang various drawing sizes on the same clamp, since the set of documents don’t have to fill up or use the entire length. Most hanging clamps are sold in cartons of six. So if you want 12 of them, you’ll have to purchase two cartons. Make sure you double-check the quantity on each carton because while most of them are sold in groups of six, not all of them do.
Be sure to browse through our inventory, so you can find the right type of product for your specific needs.
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