A plan chest is an indispensable tools for professionals dealing with large-format documents, offering superior organisation, protection, and accessibility compared to traditional storage methods. By keeping blueprints, architectural drawings, maps, and artworks flat in dedicated drawers, they eliminate the curling, creasing, and damage common with rolled tubes or makeshift shelving.
Key Benefits of Plan Chests
Plan chests boast heavy-duty steel construction designed for longevity in demanding environments, featuring lockable drawers to safeguard confidential or valuable documents from unauthorised access. Adjustable drawer heights, from shallow 25mm for thin sheets to deeper 200mm for bulkier files allow customisation to match specific needs, optimising space usage in even the tightest offices or workshops. This compact design delivers up to 70% more capacity than standard cabinets, while indexing tabs and smooth-gliding mechanisms ensure effortless retrieval, saving time and reducing frustration during high-pressure projects.
Applications Across Industries
Architects and engineers rely on plan chests in design studios to maintain pristine blueprints for client presentations and revisions, streamlining workflows. In healthcare settings, they securely store medical diagrams, X-ray films, and patient records, meeting stringent compliance standards for hygiene and confidentiality. Retail stockrooms benefit from their versatility in housing promotional graphics, inventory layouts, and seasonal displays, keeping visuals flat and ready for immediate use. Museums, libraries, and archives particularly thrive with archival-grade plan chests like Rackline’s A0 (1350x950x1205mm) and A1 (1000x650x1205mm) models, which protect historical maps and artworks from dust, light, and handling wear.
Why Plan Chests Outperform Alternatives
Unlike vertical filing cabinets that crumple edges or open shelves prone to dust accumulation, plan chests lie documents horizontally in a controlled environment, preserving quality for years. They’re also mobile-friendly when paired with Rackline’s rolling bases, ideal for collaborative spaces, and integrate seamlessly with broader shelving systems for hybrid storage solutions.
Choosing the Right Plan Chest
Begin by measuring your documents: A1 sizes suit most office blueprints, while A0 handles oversize plans. Factor in drawer count (e.g., 6-12 drawers) based on volume, and prioritise features like anti-tip mechanisms for safety.
Looking for Something?
For bespoke options tailored to your workspace, Rackline offers a range of models, with drawer sizes and configurations to meet you unique requirements. To see more visit our Plan Chest page here, or talk to our team on: 01782 770144 email us: info@rackline.co.uk or fill in the form below.
As the manufacturer, we can tailor these units to your individual needs, and the items that you are storing. Why not invest in a quality plan chest? Declutter your space, reduce document loss and improve your teams productivity.