At factories and logistics sites, products and goods are loaded onto pallets or removed from them every day. At sites that handle large volumes of goods, the workload for operators and the time required can become challenges.

One way to address these challenges is to automate loading and unloading operations.
In this article, we introduce the basics of palletizing and depalletizing, along with the equipment used to automate these tasks.

■What Are Palletizing and Depalletizing?

The process of stacking products or goods onto a pallet is called “palletizing,” while removing goods from a pallet is called “depalletizing.” Both are part of materials-handling operations at factories, distribution centers, and other sites.

The steps involved vary depending on the type of goods and how they are stacked. It is important to consider an approach suited to the site, taking into account factors such as product shape and weight, as well as how items are arranged on the pallet.

■Equipment for Automating Loading and Unloading

Robots and specialized equipment are used to automate palletizing and depalletizing. The types of goods that can be handled, processing capacity, installations methods, and other factors vary by equipment, so it is important to choose a solution that matches the work to be done.

For example, organizing the following requirements can help you determine what type of equipment to consider:
・Product shape, weight, and size
・How goods are supplied and how the equipment connects to the conveyor line
・Processing volume per hour or per day
・Pallet size and stacking space and operator workflow

It is also important for automated equipment to integrate with existing processes and the factory layout.
It is a good idea to consider the scope implementation in context of the upstream and downstream processes, rather than looking at the equipment in isolation.

■Benefits of loading and unloading Equipment

Automating loading and unloading can help reduce the burden of repetitive tasks and handling heavy items that were previously performed by operators. In some cases, standardizing work procedures around the equipment can also lead to a review of processes and staffing plans.

However, the results of automation vary depending on factors such as product type, workload, and site layout. Its is important to clarify which tasks you want to automate and what processes you want to achieve after implementation.

■Gantry Palletizar Made by YMG

Our gantry palletizer is an integrated palletizing and depalletizing system.
It can be installed in a compact space and can perform palletizing and depalletizing simultaneously.

< Features and Benefits of the Gantry Palletizer >
➀Automatically detects position and heigh
A camera mounted on the gripper detects the position and height of trays, allowing them to be moved out. The system handles loads of up to 25 kg and is relatively compact.

A camera for position correction also detects shifts in the position or angle of returnable containers and corrects deviations in the X and Y directions.
As long as a returnable container is within the specified range, the system can automatically correct its position and carry out palletizing or depalletizing.

②Transfers up to three stacked trays at once
By adding a multi-stacking unit to a commercially available roller conveyor, the system can transfer up to three trays at once.

③A dedicated gripper for narrow gaps
The system uses a dedicated gripper, making it possible to load trays onto pallets even when the gaps between them are narrow.

④Controlled by an NC controller

An NC control unit provides high-precision positioning. The system features a touch-panel operating screen and an original operation-monitor screen that lets users check the operating status of the conveyor line.

The teaching screen supports both manual input and a direct-teaching function. Since positions can be entered without manually keying in the loader’s location, position settings are easier to configure.

The handheld control box allows users to select up to 16 points. Using the individual-axis selection function, users can issue movement commands to the loader in increments of 0.01 mm. The handheld control bx can be customized to meet suctomer requirements. If no specific requirements are given, we use YMG’s standard model.

▸Click here for product details
▸Product introduction and installation case videos

■Feel Free to Contact Us About Automation

Are you looking to automate pallet loading and unloading, streamline tray transfer, or find out whether equipment can be introduced into your production process?

We carefully assess each customer’s needs and propose comprehensive, creative automation systems tailored to their situation.
At “YMG CARRIER PARK,” our permanent exhibition area for automated material-handling equipment at our factory, you can see the equipment in operation. You do not need to have a detailed plan in place yet.

We can explore automation options together to address your challenges while you see how the equipment works and get an idea of what implementation could look like. If you are considering introducing automated equipment, we invite you to visit us.

▸Click here to inquire about products or request a quote

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【Company Profile】
Company Name: YMG Co., Ltd.
Location: 234 Uenoyama, Unoya-cho, Toyohashi City, Aichi, Japan
Representative: Yuichiro Yamamoto, President & CEO
Established: April 1977
Business Description: Design, manufacturing, and sales of auto-loader systems, robotic systems, and factory automation equipment
Website: https://kk-ymg.co.jp/en/

【Product Inquiries】
TEL: +81-532-41-6061
(business Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
Department in Charge: Sales Department 1

【Contact Regarding This Article】
TEL: +81-532-41-6061
(Business Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
Department in Charge: Public Relation Department

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