Palletizer parameters for palletizing cases, trays, totes and bags
Two types of palletizers are on the market. One type handles cases, trays and totes, the other type handles bags. The two are not interchangeable. This is true for the traditional automatic palletizer which uses mechanical means to arrange the location of the products. The newer, robotic palletizers are more flexible because the end effector (gripper) determines what products can be handled.
The palletizer specifications are similar for both types.
- The models are either low level or high level loading.
- The speed of cases or bags per minute
- Capacity of pallet dispenser
- Maximum weight of loaded pallet.
Additional items to consider:
- Is a slip sheet dispenser available or part of the palletizer?
- Do the controls have case/bag size and layout pre-programmed?
- What type of control and operator interface (touch screen)?
The palletizer for cases, trays and totes has an in-feed that lines up the product for proper alignment in the layout. The bag palletizer has a longer in-feed which pats all bag surfaces and edges to make sure that when the bag enters the layout, it is the correct shape. The need for different automatic palletizers for cases, trays and totes and for bags because of the mechanical alignments needed in each type.
Robotic palletizers require unique end effectors (grippers) to lift and locate a product. The gripper can be for either a case or a bag. This makes the robot more versatile. Also, the robot can load more than one pallet at a time.