When it comes to transporting products and goods, maintaining a stable pallet is paramount, especially for fragile cargo. Ensuring pallet stability not only enhances safety but also contributes to sustainable transport practices and reduces the Total Cost of Ownership. Every year, countless products in Europe are rejected due to damage incurred during transport, and a single damaged box can lead to the rejection of an entire pallet.
Manufacturing companies bear the burden of unnecessary costs resulting from improperly wrapped loads. That’s where the expertise of Lindum Packaging, the pallet stability specialist, comes into play. We provide high-quality pallet stability products and solutions to prevent product damage, reduce stretch film usage per pallet, lower CO2 emissions, and maximize safety.
Understanding Pallet Stability: What It Means and How to Achieve It
Pallet stability refers to the packaging of a pallet in a way that prevents goods from sustaining damage during transport. To achieve great pallet stability, they are several key factors one needs to consider:
- Wrapping Machine: The choice and maintenance of the wrapping machine is integral. It needs to be finely tuned to ensure the film is accurately applied to the pallet. Furthermore, the machine should be reliable, capable of maintaining consistent wrapping tension, and provide even distribution of film across the pallet.
- Stretch Film: The variety and quality of the stretch film, along with other pallet stability products used for packaging, bear significant importance. The film should have the right thickness, stretchability, and strength to hold the load securely. It is essential to choose a film suitable for the type of load, considering factors like weight, sharp edges, and transportation conditions.
- Pallet Configuration: How the goods are arranged on the pallet can greatly influence stability. The optimal pallet configuration maximizes the use of space and creates a stable, square base. It’s beneficial to align boxes in a way that distributes weight evenly, with heavier items at the bottom.
- Load Containment Force: This refers to the force applied by the stretch film to the load. It is a key factor in achieving pallet stability. An optimal load containment force prevents the load from moving during transit. However, care should be taken not to apply too much force, which could crush the goods.
- Interlocking Loads: Implementing an interlocking pattern when stacking boxes can enhance pallet stability. Interlocking creates a tight bond between boxes, reducing the chances of boxes shifting during transit.
- Corner or Edge Protectors: These are used to provide additional strength to corners, preventing them from damage during transport and handling. They also allow for more secure wrapping, as the stretch film can be applied with more tension around corners.
- The Right Equipment: Using tools like pallet inverters or layer pads can significantly enhance pallet stability. Pallet inverters help in repositioning unstable loads without manual labor, while layer pads provide additional stability to the layers of boxes.
Put your Pallet Stability to the Test
Conducting comprehensive tests is an essential part of maintaining and achieving optimal pallet stability. Here’s a mini-guide to help you assess your pallet stability:
- Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the pallet load. Look for any signs of bulging, leaning, or shifting loads. Pay attention to how the goods are arranged on the pallet and how the film is applied. It should be evenly distributed and firmly secure the load without any tears or gaps.
- Push Test: This simple test involves gently pushing the load on the pallet to see if it moves. If there’s noticeable movement, it may indicate that the pallet load isn’t stable enough.
- Tilt Test: In this test, the wrapped pallet is tilted to a certain degree and observed for a specific duration. If the load maintains its upright position on the pallet for the duration without any movement, it suggests adequate stability.
- Transport Simulation: Some businesses may choose to perform vibration or transport simulation tests. These tests simulate the conditions the pallet might face during transit, such as road vibrations or sudden movements, and are very effective at identifying potential issues.
- Post-Transport Assessment: Another way to test pallet stability is to inspect the pallet and goods after they have been transported. This will help you understand if your stability measures were effective in real-world conditions.
Contact an Expert to Ensure Pallet Stability
Remember, a well-executed testing process is the first step towards achieving pallet stability. By regularly assessing your pallets using these tests, you can ensure goods are securely wrapped and prepared for transport, reducing the risk of damage and associated costs. However, it may be easier said than done if you do not have prior knowledge or experience.
If you need help, or simply do not have the time, to ensure the stability of your pallets, we highly recommend you contact an expert for tips and to buy pallet stability products.