Palletizer - Robotic Palletizing Systems

Automated palletizing systems assemble unit loads of cartons or cases on either pallets or slip sheets.  Systems can reach speeds of up to 200 cartons per minute using the latest design and technology.   A typical application uses case conveyor to deliver the cases to the palletizer.  The palletizer arranges the cases in layers onto the pallet or slip sheet.  Once complete, the palletizer discharges the full unit load onto a pallet conveyor system.  Normally, the first stop for the unit load is for stretchwrapping followed by labeling and then off to either storage or shipping. 

Automatic palletizers are often broken down into two types: traditional mechanical system and a robotic palletizing system. 

Traditional Automatic Palletizer

Traditional automatic palletizers can be configured with the cases 
either  conveyed  and accumulated  at the infeed of the palletizer  at a 
mezzanine  level or on  the ground level.  When  they are presented to
the palletizer  on a mezzanine  level,  the layer is built and moved onto 
the pallet.   The palletizer then lowers the pallet the height  of the layer
and  a new layer  is then  assembled and  moved onto the pallet.  This
operation continues until the last layer is moved onto the pallet and the
entire unit load is lowered to the ground level discharge conveyor.

When the cases are presented to the palletizer at the ground level, the layers are formed onto a slide plate. The slide plate then elevates to the height of the next layer on the pallet and gently moves the layer on top of the pallet.  Just as in the mezzanine-level palletizer, when all of the layers have been placed onto the pallet, the unit load then gets discharged onto the pallet conveyor exiting the palletizer. 

Robotic Palletizer

Robotic palletizers use an articulating arm with multiple degrees of freedom that can swing up to 360 degrees.  These robots use an end effector to pickup and place various cases or bags from an accumulating case conveyor onto the pallet being built.  The layers on the pallet are assembled one case at a time with the robot's control system directing the arm and end effector to position the case at the proper location and orientation.  Depending on the level of sophistication of the robot, the throughput can reach up to 30 cases placed onto a pallet per minute. Additionally, one robot can build multiple pallets from multiple infeed case conveyors. 

TriFactor is sought out by companies nationwide to provide material handling solutions that reduce inventory and delivery time, lower costs of manufacturing, distribution and transportation, and improve customer service.  If you are looking for an Edge on your competition, discover how TriFactor can make a difference, call today at 1-800-507-4209.

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