Choosing open-front storage bins: which size, material and mounting fits?
Open-front storage bins keep small parts within reach and in view. Standardised sizes stack when full and nest when empty, and label holders on the front keep order. For electronics there are conductive ESD versions, so reaching into the bin stays ESD-safe on the shop floor.
View storage binsWhat is an open-front storage bin and what is it for?
An open-front storage bin is a container with an open front for small parts. Through the front opening you reach in without a lid and see the fill level at a glance. That makes it ideal for screws, terminals, connectors and other consumable parts at assembly, storage and test stations.
Storage bins are stackable and usually nestable too: filled, they stack into towers; empty, they slide into each other to save space. Carry grips often sit at the back or side, and dividers let you split a bin into several compartments.
Which sizes exist and when do you pick which?
Storage bins follow a size grid: from the small box for tiny parts to the deep bin for bulky supplies. The choice depends on part size, pick frequency and the shelf or wall dimension. The table below maps common sizes to typical uses.
| Size class | Typical length | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small / size 4-5 | approx. 90-170 mm | tiny parts, resistors, O-rings, screws |
| Medium / size 3 | approx. 230-350 mm | terminals, connectors, tool inserts |
| Large / size 1-2 | approx. 350-500 mm | larger components, assemblies, consumables |
| Deep / special height | from approx. 500 mm | bulky supplies, high quantity per pick |
As a rule: prefer several small bins over one large one when many items must stay sorted by type. Clear warehouse labelling in the label holders keeps the grid findable.
Which material and mounting make sense?
The standard is impact-resistant polypropylene (PP): light, chemical-resistant and dimensionally stable. For electronics production there are conductive ESD versions that dissipate static charge in a controlled way. Bins are mounted on shelves, on louvre panels (slotted walls) or in flow-rack channels.
Impact-resistant polypropylene: light, chemical-resistant, for general small-parts storage.
Conductive, usually black material for boards and components in the EPA - safely dissipates charge.
Place on shelves, hang on louvre panels, or set into inclined flow-rack channels.
On inclined rails, storage bins become a flow rack for paced replenishment. For the right mix of size, material and mounting, an expert consultation based on your part range and workstation helps.
Frequently asked questions
What sets an open-front bin apart from a closed box?
The open-front bin is open at the front: you reach in without a lid and see content and fill level immediately. That speeds up access at assembly and picking stations, while a closed box is better for protected storage and transport.
When do I need ESD storage bins?
Whenever electronic components or boards sit in the bin and the workstation is an EPA. Conductive ESD bins dissipate static charge in a controlled way and prevent damage from discharges. For non-critical mechanical parts, standard PP is enough.
Can I stack storage bins and nest them?
Yes. Standardised bins stack into towers when full and usually nest into each other when empty to save space. The condition is that the size fits the grid and the bins belong to the same series.
Open-front storage bins for small parts and electronics
Standardised, stackable and nestable sizes in PP and ESD versions, with label holders and matching mounting on shelves, louvre panels or flow-rack channels.
Clear overview
Open front for quick access and a view of the fill level.
Reviewed
Content reviewed by storage specialists.
ESD-safe
Conductive versions for electronics production in the EPA.
Expert advice
Personal advice on size, material and mounting.