When it comes to figuring out the best pallet handling solution for your operation, there’s more to consider than might be thought at first.
Pallets come in various sizes and can be made from different materials like wood, plastic, or metal. The choice between stringer, block, or footed pallets (skids) depends on factors such as load capacity, handling equipment compatibility, storage requirements, industry practices, and the specific needs of the products being stored or transported.
The choice of conveyor system depends on factors such as load capacity, speed, floor space availability, product characteristics, and integration with other material handling equipment.
There are several main pallet handling conveyor options available for warehouses and distribution centers.
Most common pallet handling conveyor types:
Gravity Roller Conveyor
Gravity roller conveyors consist of a series of rollers mounted on a frame. Pallets are placed on the rollers and can be manually pushed or gravity-fed along the conveyor. They are simple, cost-effective, and suitable for lighter loads or manual operations.
Stainless steel roller conveyors are commonly employed in food processing and beverage bottling plants, ensuring compliance with stringent hygiene standards due to their hygienic design and ease of cleaning.
Chain-Driven Conveyor
Chain-driven roller conveyors use chains and sprockets to move pallets along the conveyor path. The chains are powered by an electric motor, providing a positive drive for heavy loads.
Chain conveyors are suitable for both horizontal and inclined transport. They can handle bulk materials, metal parts, automotive components, construction materials, and other heavy products. Chain conveyors offer robustness, high load capacity, and durability.
Belt Conveyor
Belt conveyors use a continuous belt to transport pallets. The belt is driven by pulleys and can be flat or troughed to accommodate different types of pallets.
Belt conveyors are adaptable to various load sizes, and provide smooth and consistent movement. The versatility, flexibility, and reliability of belt conveyors make them a popular choice for various industries, enabling efficient and streamlined material handling and transportation.
Poly-V Conveyor
A polyurethane v-belt conveyor or a multi-rib conveyor – also known as a poly-v conveyor – is a type of conveyor system that utilizes poly-v belts with multiple V-shaped grooves or ribs on their outer surface, which interlock with corresponding grooved pulleys. This design allows for efficient power transmission and enhanced traction between the belt and the pulleys.
Commonly used for transporting small to medium-sized products, such as packages, boxes, or components, the poly-v’s multiple ribs offer increased contact surface area, enabling effective handling of smaller items without the risk of slippage.
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
AGVs are mobile robotic systems that can transport pallets autonomously within a warehouse or distribution center. AGVs navigate using predefined routes or laser-guided systems and can interface with conveyor systems for loading and unloading operations. They offer flexibility and scalability in pallet handling.
Next Step
It’s important to keep in mind that different conveyor types can be combined or customized to suit specific warehouse layouts, pallet sizes, throughput requirements, and operational needs in order to create an individual solution that is optimized for your operation.
Our specialists will guide you to the right pallet handling solution while taking care of all your project requirements through turnkey material handling services tailored to your needs. We offer project analysis and management, design, engineering, controls, installation, down to final walk-through and follow-up.
Contact us today for consultation from our systems expert. We look forward to guiding you to the right pallet handling solution.
