Load Squaring Automation

Using walls or structural supports to square pallets — or attempting to do so by hand — is an unreliable method at best and a dangerous one at worst. It compromises the safety of the employee performing the task and can result in uneven stacks that can obstruct machines and lead to damaged or wasted product.

Implementing load squaring automation to perform these processes for you improves employee safety and operational efficiency. That’s what we did for two of our customers in the frozen food space. 

The Problem

In this case, JR Simplot, a leading frozen food manufacturer, needed stacks of pallets to be perfectly squared before entering a palletizing robotic work cell. When the robot came to lift a misaligned pallet, it would be unable to properly center the product on the pallet, which would cause problems further down the line.

Our other client in the frozen food industry needed their product to be perfectly centered on a pallet so it could successfully pass through a blast tunnel. The challenge here was that, if a load was even slightly misaligned, it was likely to run into an obstruction or undetected by photo sensors which would cause jams in the system as it moved through the tunnel.

Another major concern for both clients was safety. They wanted to prevent employees from accidentally entering the system during operation and getting injured.

Our Solution

For both customers, we developed a system that allowed them to square the stack on both sides. Here’s how it works: 

1. The pallet conveys into the system and stops on a turntable.
2. A series of plates works in unison to square the load up on the 40-inch side.
3. The plates open, allowing the turntable to rotate the load by 90 degrees.
4. The plates close again and square the load on the 48-inch side before reopening. 
5. The turntable rotates the load by 90 degrees again.
6. The system discharges the load with the 40-inch side leading. 

The whole system is automated, including the conveyors leading in and out of the machine, the turntable and the squeezing mechanism within the machine. By automating the in-line load-squaring process, companies can ensure consistency in pallets/products entering areas that require pallet alignment, like blast tunnels, high rises or robotic work cells.

To address safety concerns, we also installed light curtains with blanking capabilities at the machine’s entrance and exit. These curtains allow product to pass through, but if a human employee attempts to enter the machine, the system will automatically stop. 

Browse Pallet Straighteners From Cherry’s

If you want to ensure your pallets are aligned to tight tolerances, we can provide an effective solution. Our automatic pallet straighteners enable you to safely square a stack of pallets in seconds regardless of pallet type. Plus, our products are designed and manufactured in the United States, so you know you’ll get a dependable, long-lasting solution.

View our selection of pallet straighteners online to see our standard offerings, or reach out to us with any questions about our products and services. You can also call us at 800-350-0011 to speak with a live representative.