Model: PS520HD Pallet Load Stacker
Unique Features: Auto-adjusting lifting feet, heavy loads package
When installing a new production line or automating an existing one, all engineering teams and plant managers have the same problem: How do they get the most out of their available space? By the time they get to the end-of-line packaging machines, there is not much space (or budget) left. To add to the space constraints, don’t forget that the whole reason they are adding the new production line is because of the demand for multiple SKUs and pallet sizes by the retailers and consumers. They quite literally, have to do more with less. That is the challenge that faced this customer. They needed one packaging line to run multiple SKUs and multiple pallet sizes for multiple distributers and markets.
Trusted Advisor
We have been working with this particular customer for the last 20+ years. Anyone who has been in automation for a few years knows how important these relationships are. It is important to have an OEM that you can trust. Kolinahr products have developed a reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. This customer knows they can count on our equipment in their demanding manufacturing environment and now use multiple types of our equipment in several of their facilities.
The Final Product
This pallet load stacker, pictured in the above video, was designed for loads up to 2500 lbs, but the PS520 model can be configured for virtually any load size. The unique auto-adjusting lifting feet sense the pallet size and move to accommodate the pallet. Additionally the machine senses the pallet size and uses the appropriate pallet pusher to center the load on the conveyor. The result is a stable, square stack. While the PS520 Pallet Load Stacker works best with CDLR conveyor, it can also be used with chain conveyor, as shown in the above video. Notice the stack zone has a a unique lifting table to facilitate centering on chain conveyor.
When installed, this system will use a Kolinahr SA3100 Three-Sided Pallet Labeler upstream of the stacker to label each load. While this customer doesn’t need them, we have used a conveyor configuration called ‘parking lots’ (pictured below left) in systems with multiple products and sizes. This allows product skids to ‘park’ and wait for a partner before entering the stack zone to be stacked by the PS520. This configuration is particularly helpful when multiple production lines are merged into one packaging line, and is a great space and budget saver.
The PS520 Pallet Load Stacker comes standard with ratcheting fall prevention mechanism that doubles as a mechanical lockout for maintenance. The machine is equipped with a variety of sensors and photoeyes to detect unsafe conditions such as unexpected stack sizes, unstable stacks, or some sort of hang up in the lifting feet. If an unsafe condition is detected, the stacker goes into alert mode, the air is dumped and the mechanical lockout is activated. The customer also selected a full fencing package that included electronic door switches and photo-electric light curtains (pictured below right) to detect unauthorize entrance into the stack zone.
An end of line packaging systems with a pallet load double stacker, labeler, and parking lots to store product until it can be stacked.
The infeed side of the PS520 Pallet Load Stacker outfitted with automatic adjustable lifting carriages for different pallet sizes.