Palletizers
Palletizers
Palletizers come in three basic types: Row-Forming, In-Line and Robotic. These machines can
work around the clock loading heavy boxes with a high degree of reliability and performance,
while eliminating worker safety concerns. Each type requires a means to differentiate between
packages that vary in sizes and SKU’s, typically with scanners. All types can be configured
to handle an array of products such as corrugated packages, 55 gal. drums, pails or bags.
Tier sheet and slip sheet dispensers are often utilized for load stability and uniformity
and palletizing systems frequently employ integrated automatic stretch wrappers.
Row-Forming and In-Line Palletizers:
This type of palletizer aligns packages in rows and layers, ultimately depositing the layers
onto a pallet. Usually a means of supplying empty pallets is required, such as automated de-stackers.
Empty and full pallets may be supplied or removed using conveyors to and from the machine or be
loaded with a fork lift, depending on rate requirements. All of these machines can be configured
to handle multiple product sizes.
These machines come in three basic styles – Low In-feed (low to mid speed), High In-feed (mid to high
speed), and In Line high in-feed (very high speed). The low in-feed machines are fed with product at
floor level, approximately 30” elevation. The high in-feed and In Line high in-feed machines are fed
product at an elevation anywhere from 7ft. to 12’ depending on pallet height requirements. Rates
range from 12-40 cases/min (Low Level). 30-85 cases/min (high level) to over 200 cases/min for the
In Line high in-feed machines. The rates are dependant on the number of cases/layer, layer pattern,
and layers/pallet.
The In-Line machines center feed cases using a platen style conveyor in conjunction with a variety of
case turners, positioning cases in predetermined patterns. This allows the case layers to be formed
“on the fly” prior to being deposited on the pallet. This type of machine is typically exclusive to
high speed beverage filling operations.
Generally Row Forming machines work best for production lines and are dedicated to one SKU and one
pallet at a time. Multi line applications allow the machines to handle a variety of production
lines by utilizing conveyor accumulation banks, holding cases until sufficient quantities are collected
to build a pallet.
Robotic Palletizers:
These machines may either palletize or depalletize, picking and placing product using various styles of
end effectors. The four different categories robotic are Cartesian, Scara, Articulating arm and Gantry.
Rates range from the following. Cartesian: 10 cases/min 20lb.; Scara: 20 cases/min 40 lb.; Articulating
arm: 25 cases/min. 60lb. (max. 300lb.); Gantry: slow rates, extremely heavy loads, unlimited number of
pick and place locations.
The Cartesian moves in three axis and is limited in the size, weight and rates it can handle, it is used
mainly in a production environment. The Scara has slightly more movement than the Cartesian and can handle
more weight with higher rates but is still largely limited to production areas. Articulating arm robots are
highly programmable and can handle intermixed products of various sizes and SKU’s at the same time. Up to 3
production lines can be serviced simultaneously, with product placement to as many as five pallet positions.
The same machine may handle virtually any product with different end “effectors”. Articulating arm robots are
used in production lines and distribution centers. The Gantry has motion similar to an overhead gantry crane,
but palletizes at lower rates, and potentially much heavier payloads.