Norpak Handling conveyors can work with four common pallet types

Conveyors from Norpak can handle pallets.

Many kinds of conveyors are available from Norpak Handling Ltd., including units that handle heavy-duty applications that involve pallets, which can be heavy and bulky. The specific kind of pallet has a profound influence on how a conveyor will be used to optimize results for the customer’s conveying process.

This is why, when a business is choosing a material-handling system for pallets, it is crucial to take into consideration what pallet types it will convey.

Conveyor customization is available

The four most common pallet types transported on conveyors:

• Wood. Arguably the most familiar kind to most people, wood pallets are often made of GMA wood and assembled with nails, serving as platforms on which workers can stack products and arrange them stably. They usually have a few bottom boards that contact the conveyor. Because the boards are spaced far apart, workers should position the boards perpendicularly to the conveyor rollers, to allow smooth conveyance and to space the rollers further apart. The conveyor must be outfitted with extra rollers if this is not feasible.
• Plastic pallets. Plastic pallets are as easy to convey as wooden ones are, if built in the same way. Multi-footed plastic thermoform pallets are difficult, due to their stumps, so a special kind of conveyor is necessary.
• Plastic containers. These containers have many different designs that pose challenges. They can have smooth bottoms, distinct rail patterns, or ribbed or honeycomb patterns. Those with more complex patterns can be harder to move and may require conveyor rollers with close centres, multiple chain strands, or wide belted surfaces. Norpak has the skills to tailor a conveyor solution to meet these challenges.
• Steel racks. These are also less uniform than wood pallets are in design, usually available with either two steel runners or “picture frame” bottoms. Roller chains or multiple lanes of narrow rollers may be necessary for extra support and stability, depending on the construction of the racks. Steel racks can cause more damage to conveyors, so if they are the sole option, users should adopt a more intensive maintenance and inspection routine.

To learn more, contact Norpak.

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