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Three semi-automatic, ergonomic-driven palletizing solutions are engineered to solve palletizing challenges for manual and semi-automatic end-of-line packaging operations.

End-of-line growing pains happen regardless of company size and that doesn’t mean that smaller operations have only small problems. We have assembled a shortlist of three interesting new options that will help optimize your palletizing efforts for those situations where “as is” isn’t getting the job done and that also ergonomically improve worker safety.

Ergonomics is best when the device or operation is capable of adjusting to the worker rather than the other way around, which is the idea behind Presto Lifts’ P3 All-Around Spring Level Loader. It improves the efficiency of pallet loading and unloading operations while using no power, electrical or pneumatic.

A system of heavy-duty springs automatically lower or raise a pallet as weight is added or removed, enabling the system to maintain the top layer of boxes at a comfortable position. A turntable ring on top of the unit allows the user to rotate the load so he or she can remain in the same position throughout the loading or unloading process, which eliminates the need to even walk around the pallet.

A compact base design allows workers unobstructed access to loads. All components fit within the diameter of the turntable ring, so the worker can stand up close to the unit at any position around the ring. It accommodates loads from 400 to 4,500 lbs.

Next: A new angle on pallet stacking

The standalone Pallet Return Device (PRD) can be used anywhere that empty pallets, which can weigh from 30 to 70 pounds, are stacked, saving the need for intense manual labor or expensive machinery.

The PRD incorporates a shock absorbing device that provides a smooth transition from the load position to the unload position. In use, the operator loads the carriage. When the carriage is full, the operator simply releases the load, and lets the shock absorbing device safely guide the stack to an unload position. Once positioned, the pallets are rolled forward to a raised outbound location that releases the pallets from the carriage. The operator then slides the carriage back and tilts it to the load position where it's ready to receive more empty pallets.

A semi-automatic solution that revs up efficiencies…

We finish things off with a customized installation for a 60-employee company that enables safe, efficient and cost-conscious palletizing. The solution, from FIPA, spares employees from manually handling between five and 10 tons daily, proving that even small companies can afford to improve throughput, efficiency and employee health.

End user Agro-Norm GmbH specializes in providing logistics, purchasing, warehousing and order-picking services for the automotive industry. The quiet, custom lifting and gripping solution FIPA developed for the company consists of a FIPALIFT Basic vacuum tube lifter, a custom gripper featuring vacuum suction cups, a wall-mounted jib crane and a silencing box.

The system is used to lift and position several individually packaged auto parts or small boxes containing auto parts onto the pallet at the same time. This relieves employees from manually repackaging heavy bulk packages of brake pads, brake disks and other automotive products.

Have a real-world packaging challenge of your own to solve? Consider attending EastPack 2016, June 14 to 16 in New York City, which will offer numerous solutions to packaging problems and opportunities.

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