• Home
  • Blog
    • Business Partner Magazine Archive
  • Free Contests and Giveaways
  • Resources
  • About Us
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Website Use
  • Contacts

Business Partner Magazine

Tips and advice for entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs

  • Business Success
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Employees
  • Technology
  • Start-up
  • Productivity
  • Communication

How Does a Palletizer Machine Work?

June 29, 2022 by BPM Team

Click here to get this post in PDF

Too long to read? Enter your email to download this post as a PDF. We will also send you our best business tips every 2 weeks in our newsletter. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Enter your NameEnter your Email Address
Carton Package in Warehouse conveyor

Most folks have probably not heard of a palletizer unless they have worked in the manufacturing and production of significant product content that is then packaged and shipped from the same facility. Palletizing involves an efficient and space-sensitive approach to moving as much product as possible in the easiest way possible. In most cases, that means packing products in shipping containers that can be packaged together and then moved quickly as a bundle, stack or aggregate package. Loading uniform packaging onto a pallet adds a significant advantage because it can be moved by forklifts quickly, and the pallets can be loaded and unloaded efficiently from trains, planes and shipping as well with cabling and cranes. 

Today’s palletizing happens with a palletizer machine. This is a mechanized system designed to stack, position and combine multiple similar container units together into a pallet and prepare them for reliable and stable movement in bulk. Naturally, the bigger the package number, the easier it is to palletize. The pallet element involves the wood pallet placed underneath the containers designed to provide a solid floor through which a forklift or straps can be inserted to then lift the bundle and pallet en masse.  

The key advantage of palletizing involves the concept of unit load. Smaller uniform loads can be placed and positioned together to move them as one larger load. This requires standardization of packaging and packing. Doing so provides economies of scale, and cost savings when moving large amounts of inventory. Boxes, trays, cases and similar containers are the norm, with the containers themselves designed to be placed, stacked and positioned easily. Milk crates are an easy example, where the crate is uniform for easy storage, stacking and movement onto a pallet, even though the milk container itself is fragile and round-shaped carrying the liquid. 

Materials

Palletizers work with one of the three categories of pallet systems or else a separate one for cardboard packaging (lightweight product). The pallet most people think of is known as GMA. This is an almost square floor made of wood measuring 40 x 48 inches. It includes slots for a forklift function or straps to lift the load.

The second two are CHEP and PECO. They are distinguished by coloring, blue and red respectively. 

The Machines

A palletizer machine is designed to be specific to a type of pallet material, and processes the movement of unit goods into position on the pallet, secures them with strapping or plastic wrap, and then moves the pallet on to a position where it can be lifted and moved to storage or transport. Most palletizer machines are large systems, with a high aerial range to allow the mechanical movement involved. 

A floor-level palletizer requires a large footprint and a feeder path that flows product units into the processing section, where they are stacked, positioned and wrapped on the standard pallet type used. The entire process tends to be fully automated with some of the most modern palletizers, with only the feed of product and pallet supply requiring additional movement into the system. Everything happens at eye level, making it easy for an operator to monitor activities and spot problems quickly. 

Alternatively, high-level type palletizers are designed for elevated packing systems that work above other working areas. This is also a system used for stacking multi-level pallet combinations. Once complete, the finished pallet stack is then lowered to a discharge path and rolled or moved out of the system to distribution. The operator has to be at a higher point still to be able to see the entire operation and monitor for issues. No surprise, a monitoring station is built with the system for the proper elevation. Taking advantage of gravity, many high-level palletizers move different functions of the process from a high point to a lower point. An inclined path or conveyor belt is common, with modern examples including complex movement paths found in Amazon warehouse distribution centers.

Going Futuristic

A palletizing conveyor system involves a completely different approach than the above. Using computers, visual sensors and robotics, these systems involve a feed belt and a robotic arm that takes the product unit and moves it into place in the pallet grouping being constructed. Like a person, the robotic arm assembly picks up the box or crate, puts it into position on the pallet exactly as necessary using computer sensors, and complete the process 24/7. As long as units are fed through the conveyor belt and pallets are moved into place, the robotic system can continue day and night loading and stacking. These systems work for smaller operations as well as bigger ones, especially with sensitive and fragile product packaging. 

Match the Equipment to the Need

Remember, a lot depends on the product and unit container being stacked and palletized. So not every palletizing machine works for every situation. Rather than forcing the product or warehouse to the machine, the goal and product end results should dictate the machine used instead. Whether conventional or robotic, using this approach enhances what already exists versus forcing everything to change to a system that was not a good match to begin with. 

You may also like: The Ins and Outs of Pneumatic Conveying

Image source: Shutterstock.com

Filed Under: Efficiency, Manufacturing Tagged With: Efficiency, machinery, manufacturing

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disclosure

We earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page.

Recent Posts

  • Leveraging Microsoft Dynamics for Small Business Growth and Scalability
  • The Future of ERP Consultants for Small Businesses: Discussing Emerging Trends and Advancements
  • Thomas Peter Maletta Explores 9 Lead Generation Techniques to Help Grow Your Business
  • Tips for Working with Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  • Measuring the Success of Your Innovation Culture – Key Metrics to Track

Categories

Archives

Make Money Online – Free Course

  • Discover All The Shortcuts To Affiliate Marketing Success
  • Find Out How To Fill Your Site With New Leads And Customers
  • Discover How To Turn Your Passion Into Profits
  • Learn How To Write Copy That Gets Results Fast!
  • Discover How To Create Promote & Sell Your Own Products Online
  • Everything You Need To Know About Marketing Money Online
  • Strategies For Successful Web Entrepreneurs Inside
  • Discover How To Invest Smarter Grow Faster And Retire Rich
  • Email Marketing Strategies For Marketers And Entrepreneurs
  • Free training reveals how to build a successful six figure income online
  • Discover The Mindset Hacks You Need To Succeed
  • Free Marketing Memberships – Make Money Online

    Make money online free marketing memberships

    Tags

    Accounting apps bitcoin brand business growth business skills business success communication cryptocurrency Customer Service Data design Digital marketing ecommerce Efficiency employees Featured Article finance finances Health and Safety infographic insurance Investing investment legal legal tips Management Marketing marketing strategy Outsourcing productivity property Real estate sales security SEO Social Media software starting a business startup Technology Trading Training website workplace

    Disclosure

    We earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page.

    Digital Marketing Agency

    ReachMore Banner

    Business Partner Magazine

    Business Partner Magazine provides business tips for small business owners (SME). We are your business partner helping you on your road to business success.

    Have a look around the site to discover a wealth of business-focused content.

    Here’s to your business success!

    Copyright © 2023 - Business Partner Magazine·

    x
    x