The Ultimate Guide to Storing Blueprints, Plans, and Artwork
Proper storage solutions are essential for preserving blueprints, plans, and artwork. Different types of storage cater to specific needs, ensuring these valuable items remain intact, organized, and easily accessible. This guide explores the various storage options, including flat files, rolled storage, hanging clamps, and high-density vertical storage cabinets.
1. Flat Files
Description:
Flat files are large, shallow drawers specifically designed for storing documents and artworks flat, minimizing any risk of bending or rolling.
Who Uses Them:
- Architects and Engineers: For storing large-format blueprints and technical drawings.
- Artists and Art Collectors: To keep artworks flat and undamaged.
- Archivists and Librarians: For preserving historical documents and maps.
Why They Use Them:
Flat files offer a stable and protective environment, preventing items from getting creased or curled. They are ideal for long-term storage where maintaining the original condition of the documents is crucial.
What Types of Items They Store:
- Architectural blueprints
- Engineering plans
- Artworks (drawings, prints, photographs)
- Historical documents and maps
View Drafting Equipment Warehouse's selection of Flat Files
2. Rolled Storage
Description:
Rolled storage involves rolling documents or artworks and storing them in tubes or designated compartments. This method saves space and is often used for larger items.
Who Uses Them:
- Artists and Designers: For storing large canvases and rolled prints.
- Contractors and Builders: For keeping project plans and site drawings organized and transportable.
Why They Use Them:
Rolling documents is space-efficient and makes transporting large items easier. Tubes protect the contents from dust, dirt, and physical damage.
What Types of Items They Store:
- Large-scale blueprints and plans
- Canvases and large prints
- Posters and banners
View Drafting Equipment Warehouse's selection of Rolled Document Storage
3. Hanging Clamps
Description:
Hanging clamps secure documents at one edge, allowing them to be hung vertically from racks or wall-mounted systems. This method keeps items easily accessible and neatly organized.
Who Uses Them:
- Architectural and Engineering Firms: For quick access to active project plans.
- Print Shops: To organize and store various print jobs.
- Construction Companies: For storing and accessing multiple site plans and blueprints.
Why They Use Them:
Hanging clamps provide easy access to frequently used documents. They save space and prevent creasing or rolling, ensuring that documents remain flat and ready for use.
What Types of Items They Store:
- Active blueprints and engineering drawings
- Large format prints
- Drafting materials and technical plans
View Drafting Equipment Warehouse's selection of Hanging Clamps and Racks
4. High-Density Vertical Storage Cabinets
Description:
High-density vertical storage cabinets, like those manufactured by Ulrich, maximize storage capacity by using vertical space efficiently. These cabinets typically feature a series of compartments or slots to hold documents upright.
Who Uses Them:
- Corporate Offices: For storing extensive records and documents.
- Government Agencies: For archiving legal and administrative documents.
- Libraries and Museums: For storing large collections of maps, posters, and archival materials.
Why They Use Them:
These cabinets are designed to store a large volume of documents in a compact footprint. They provide easy access, secure storage, and protect items from environmental damage.
What Types of Items They Store:
- Blueprints and engineering plans
- Large maps and posters
- Archival documents and records
View Drafting Equipment Warehouse's selection of Ulrich Planfiles
5. Labeling Rolled Blueprints
Description:
Labeling rolled blueprints involves marking the ends of the rolled documents with identifiers for easy recognition and retrieval.
Who Uses Them:
- Architects and Engineers: For quickly locating specific blueprints among many.
- Contractors and Builders: To easily find relevant project plans.
Why They Use Them:
Labeling enhances organization and saves time by making it easier to identify and retrieve specific documents without unrolling them.
What Types of Items They Store:
- Rolled blueprints
- Rolled site plans
- Rolled technical drawings
View Drafting Equipment Warehouse's selection of Blueprint Identification Tags
6. Using Extra-Large Folders for Large Documents
Description:
Extra-large folders are designed to hold oversized documents, making them suitable for use with flat files or high-density vertical storage cabinets. These folders help organize and protect large-format items.
Who Uses Them:
- Architects and Engineers: For storing and organizing large blueprints and plans.
- Archivists and Librarians: To keep oversized historical documents and maps in order.
- Corporate Offices: For managing large-scale documents and presentation materials.
Why They Use Them:
Extra-large folders help keep large documents organized and protected. They fit perfectly into flat files or vertical storage cabinets, allowing for easy access and systematic arrangement.
What Types of Items They Store:
- Large blueprints and engineering plans
- Oversized maps and posters
- Large-format artworks and prints
View Drafting Equipment Warehouse's selection of Flat File Folders and Large Document Folders
Choosing the right storage solution depends on the specific needs of the user and the nature of the items being stored. Flat files are perfect for preserving items flat and uncreased, while rolled storage offers a space-saving option for larger items. Hanging clamps provide quick and easy access to frequently used documents, and high-density vertical storage cabinets maximize storage capacity in a compact space. Labeling rolled blueprints and using extra-large folders for large documents further enhance organization and efficiency. Understanding these options allows professionals to select the most suitable storage method, ensuring their valuable blueprints, plans, and artwork remain in excellent condition.
For any questions on organizing blueprints, plans, and artwork, contact DEW. With over 20 years of expertise and knowledge, our team is well-equipped to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs. Whether you require advice on flat files, rolled storage, hanging clamps, high-density vertical storage cabinets, or any other storage method, we are here to help you preserve and manage your valuable documents and artwork effectively.