Choosing a Palletising System Just Got Easier. Our 10 Point Checklist.

Palletising is the final link in the chain that connects production and logistics.

A good palletising system combines practical design, robust manufacturing and simple operation to be able to maintain production demands year after year. CEO’s, directors, operation and plant managers of production facilities are often under pressure to find the best palletising solution to suit their budget, fit into their available space and most importantly integrate into their current line with minimal disruption without ongoing headaches.

Fibre King have been supplying palletisers World Wide for over 60 years and have used that experience to help determine the key factors involved in determining the right palletising fit for your production facility.

1. Production rates

2. Number of SKU’s being run

3. Pallet types

4. Pallet patterns

5. Layer sheets/Pallet boards

6. Product weight

7. Available space

8. Flexibility needed for future expansion/growth?

9. Technical capability

10. Support

Production rates

A palletiser must be able to meet production throughput and be flexible enough to grow alongside the business. Palletisers range from low (up to 15 cases per minute), medium (up to 60 cases per minute) to high speed (up to 150 cases per minute). Generally, the lower the volume, the cheaper and smaller the palletiser.

Number of SKU’s Being Run

The number of product lines being run and the throughput of each provides the basis for consideration for whether a mechanical or robotic palletising solution should be used. Mechanical palletisers are ideally suited to one production line which runs multiple products at different times throughout the course of the day. Robotic palletisers are better suited to applications where the production line produces multiple products at slow rates as one robot can palletise different products to different locations at the same time. If the production rates increase, multiple robots maybe required to keep up.

Pallet types

Its important for your palletiser to be able to handle different pallet types to be able to meet market demands. Our range of Palletisers are designed to handle all pallet types as we regularly find customers run different pallets for different markets they supply to. Some of the common pallet types we handle are;

• Australian standard timber 1165 x 1165mm

• Euro pallets 1200 x 800mm

• Export pallets 1200 x 1000mm

• Aldi pallets 1000 x 600mm

Pallet patterns

Pallet patterns are primarily driven by the dimensions of the cases to be palletised. Particular patterns can be used to optimise pallet utilisation and maximise the number of cases per pallet. If you need help determining the best pallet pattern for your product Fibre King can maximise your pallet utilisation and stability of your finished pallet.

Layer sheets/Pallet boards

Pallet boards are used to separate and protect cases from the pallet. Layer sheets are used to help stabilise products on the pallet especially if they are column stacked. An optimised pallet will have each layer rotated 90 degrees to ensure that the products are interlocked which helps stabilise the load. If the cases are square however interlocking isn't possible and layer sheets become a great option.

Product weight

The product weight is important when considering robot palletising. The type and style of product gripper may need to change depending on the size and weight of the product to be palletised. Vacuum gripping is the simplest solution however heavy products moving at high speed do not behave very well with a vacuum gripper.

Available space

The available space plays a crucial role in determining the type of palletising system that can not only fit but be integrated successfully into the current production line with minimal disruption. Technological advancements in robotic as well as mechanical designs have provided more options for palletising in tight spaces with low – medium outputs than were previously available.

Flexibility needed for future expansion/growth?

Flexibility is important to be able to future proof your production line. Palletising equipment and software needs to provide provisions for upgrades to allow for growth.

Technical capability

Simple operation is key to having a smooth production line. Typically, robotic palletising systems require a higher level of technical capability and staff need to be trained in order to avoid prolonged downtime. All of our machines are made with the operator in mind where changeovers happen quickly and seamlessly; we build in easy access for maintenance and upgrades. PLC programming and HMI is user friendly and allows operators to create their own pallet patterns.

Support

The ongoing operational performance of your palletiser is dependant on the support you receive from the supplier. Available spare parts and servicing are important to be able to maintain speeds and minimise downtime. Choosing a company that manufacturers their own equipment with local support is vital in getting the best performance from your palletiser year after year. Companies that import equipment can find that their waiting times for service and support are extensive and more costly.

Fibre King is an Australian owned company that designs all of their own machinery with experienced technicians throughout the country. We use the latest technology available combined with over 90 years of engineering experience to build palletising systems with both the operator and maintenance team in mind ensuring less operator intervention is needed and offering easy maintenance access. Our equipment is designed to be able to integrate with existing production lines as well as being adaptable as requirements change over time. We have proven results for providing reliable, high quality machinery that stands the test of time with machines in full operation over 30 years after installation.

An investment into a Fibre King machine is backed by a full-service warranty, operator training and ongoing support. We’re on hand to make sure your production line is working at maximum capacity year after year.

Contact us on +61 7 3293 8800 or sales@fibreking.com for a quote or more information.

Australia Wide I Sydney I Melbourne I Adelaide I Canberra I Perth I Brisbane

Our Palletiser Range:

Compact Modular Palletiser (CMP)

Product Type: Cases, drums, shrinkwrapped packs & crates Speed: Up to 15 cases per minute Options: Over Under Pallet Conveyor for automatic pallet Change, Empty Pallet Dispenser, End or Side Loading facility. 2m x 3m footprint

CP20-60 Mechanical Palletiser

Product Type: Cases, drums, shrinkwrapped packs & crates Speed: Up to 60 cases per minute Options: Incline belt, pallet/layer sheet insertion, two tier stacking, drum & bag, stretch wrapping, automatic size change, multiple pallet sizes, two half pallets simultaneously, unitising, modular systems, pallet pattern.

Active 150 High Speed Palletiser

Product Type: Cases & shrinkwrapped packs Speed: Up to 150 cases per minute Options: Pallet/layer sheet insertion, two tier stacking, remote empty pallet dispenser, stretch wrapping, automatic size change, multiple pallet sizes, two half pallets simultaneously, unitising, modular systems, pallet pattern.

Robotic Palletiser

Gripper Options: To Suit - Vacuum, Side Clamp, Fork Tyne or Full Layer Product Type: Cases, drums, shrinkwrapped packs & crates Options: Pallet/layer sheet insertion, two tier stacking, remote empty pallet dispenser, drum & bag palletising, stretch wrapping, automatic size change, multiple pallet sizes, unitising (stacking onto pallet board), modular systems.

Contact us on +61 7 3293 8800 or sales@fibreking.com for a quote or more information.