From drawing to shelf: QIAO prototypes custom wire shelving fast—DFM, load tests, cleanable finishes, OEM/ODM and wholesale for retail, kitchen, and storage.
Want wire shelving that actually fits your space, load, and brand vibe? Send a drawing. We’ll turn it into a working prototype fast, then into volume production when it proves out. That simple. This guide shows the real workflow, the checks we run, and where a prototype saves your timeline and budget head-aches. We’ll keep it plain, keep it useful, and keep it tied to the exact keywords buyers search for.
You bring a 2D/3D drawing, even a sketch. QIAO reviews it for manufacturability, suggests tweaks, and builds a first prototype you can push, pull, and stack with real loads. If you don’t have a finished drawing, no worries—we can co-draft with you so the dimensions, wire gauges, bends, and welds make sense on the shop floor.
What we check first
Quick glance at your non-standard options: custom widths and depths, odd heights, tight corners, cutouts, welded hooks, label holders, anti-sway braces, snap-on plastic trims, nested sets for shipping.
DFM turns a pretty model into something a welder and a jig can repeat. We look at wire diameter ranges, bend radii, weld sequence, heat input, and fixturing so frames don’t walk or twist.
DFM notes we often share
Load is the driver. Stability keeps the driver on the road. We tune wire dia., truss pattern, and stiffeners around your load spec and safety factor.
Simple rule of thumb (not a promise): more contact points, more lateral bracing, better life in the field. If racks will be rolled or knocked around, we bias for thicker uprights and gussets at corners.
| Requirement | Prototype Test | Pass/Fail Criteria | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static load per shelf | 24–48h static stack test on fixture | No permanent sag beyond your tolerance | Internal FAI checklist, QIAO shop floor |
| Lateral stability | 10° tilt test + push/pull | No tip with rated load, no weld tear | QIAO fixture protocol |
| Surface durability | Cross-hatch adhesion + salt spray (spec-driven) | Coating stays on, no red rust per spec window | QIAO coating spec |
| Assembly time | Line trial with untrained tech | Meets target minutes per set | QIAO pilot run notes |
| Dishwasher exposure (if needed) | Thermal + detergent cycling | No coating blisters, no wire pitting | Compartment kitchen stainless steel dishwasher wire shelving |
For kitchen service, dishwashers, and wet zones, stainless steel wire shelving keeps maintenance light and hygiene high. We match grade to environment and finish to cleaning practice. Need segmented baskets, utensil holders, or drain-friendly geometry? That’s standard custom for us.
Common base metals
Finishes
Pro tip: If the unit lives in steam, caustic, or salted air, favor stainless and electropolish, or a coating stack rated for that chemistry. If it sits front-of-house, dial color and gloss so it pairs with your brand set.
You’re not buying a shelf; you’re buying movement: product in, product out, cart bump, clean, restock, repeat. Below are common scenarios we build for.
Tight planograms need tight tolerances. We add front lips, integrated ticket rails, and anti-sweep bars so items don’t surf off the edge. When you need a mid-bay feature, we weld on pivot tabs and couplers to carry lightweight signage.
If your SKU mix shifts weekly, modular shelf panels help. We set hook-on or drop-in styles so you can pull a shelf and insert a tall carton fast. Add diagonal bracing if you’re stacking dense.
Racks handle heat, spray, and soap. We add open geometry for drainage, rolled edges for safe handling, and nesting for backhaul.
Small parts get lost, and water goes everywhere. So we integrate utensil tubes, cutlery baskets, and removable trays.
Prototype convinces you it works. FAI confirms we can repeat it.
What’s inside our FA package
If something is off by a hair, we lock the jig, tweak the weld sequence, or adjust the bend allowance. Then we re-run the point checks and ship a corrected FA. No drama, just fix.
We serve B2B buyers—retailers, storage pros, hardware chains, fashion boutiques, e-com sellers, wholesalers, and OEMs. Bring your brand specs, we’ll badge it clean. Need bulk packs, EAN/UPC labels, or special cartons? Add it to the BOM. Volume orders unlock steadier takt, consistent coating batches, and smoother inbound for your DCs.
Why QIAO for OEM/ODM
Visual matters in front-of-house. We can shape double-layer wire forms that look sleek and still carry weight.
| Evidence | What it tells you | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensional map | It fits your fixture and planogram | FAI CMM/hand gauge report |
| Load sag curve | Shelf stiffness at target load | QIAO load fixture data |
| Coating adhesion | Finish won’t flake under use | Lab cross-hatch + on-line QC |
| Assembly minutes | Real labor in store/DC | Pilot build notes |
| Packaging drop check | Carton protects corners | Pack-out tests |
Use these in your PDPs and category pages to keep search intent clear and clean.
Q: Can you match a legacy rack?
A: Yes. We reverse-engineer from an old sample or drawing, then update weak points.
Q: Do you handle mixed finish programs?
A: Yep, powder + chrome in parallel with color control.
Q: What if my drawing is not perfect?
A: Send it anyway, we’ll tidy it. Bit rough is ok.
Email your drawing and target load, tell us where the rack lives, and how you’ll clean it. We’ll come back with DFM notes, a sane prototype plan, and a path to production. If you want dishwasher-ready parts, also flag the detergent and cycle profile so we can tune wire grade and finish.
Explore more:
About QIAO
Custom Wire Shelving Manufacturing Services—China-based, durable, cost-effective, to your exact size, load, and finish specs. OEM/ODM, wholesale, and bulk orders welcome. You bring the sketch, we build the shelf that actually works.
