Pallet sorting system

Pallet inspection and pallet sorting redefined

Countless mixed pallet stacks often slow down day-to-day business: dirty, damaged, or mixed colors. Each pallet is visually inspected and sorted manually, which is time-consuming and physically demanding.

With our fully automated pallet sorting system, this is now a thing of the past. It separates, checks, and sorts pallets independently according to quality (EPAL-compliant) and color (e.g., CHEP, LPR) and stacks them by type.

Invest in a future with efficient pallet sorting. Maximum throughput and noticeable cost benefits.

Technical highlights

• Output: up to 180 pallets/hour
• Sensor technology: non-contact testing
• Modular design: Adaptable to hall layout and pallet types
• Interfaces: Connection to ERP, LVS, pallet management possible
• Industry 4.0-capable: Data logging, reporting, remote access

Fields of application

• Central warehouses in retail / food retail
• Pallet pooling companies (CHEP, LRP, IPP, etc.)
• Large industrial companies with return logistics (automotive, food & beverages, building materials, chemicals, paper, etc.)
• Large logistics centers & 3PL service providers
• Pallet manufacturers, pallet dealers and repair companies

Why the classification of pallets is crucial

Automated pallet classification ensures smooth processes, greater safety, and lower costs. Flawless pallets are the basis for reliable processes in production, logistics, and trade.

Ensuring quality and hygiene

In sensitive industries such as food or pharmaceuticals, only pallets in perfect condition may be used. Damaged or soiled pallets pose risks to product quality and can violate applicable industry standards.

Avoid costs due to rejects and malfunctions

Reliable detection of damaged or substandard pallets significantly reduces unplanned downtime, transport damage and malfunctions in automated systems. This protects personnel, reduces waste and lowers operating costs.

Efficient handling of pooling processes

Color recognition enables reliable assignment of pallets from different pooling providers such as CHEP, LPR or IPP. Single-variety return becomes easier, which is particularly advantageous in FMCG, food and retail logistics.

How the pallet sorting system works in detail

1. place pallet stack

Employees transfer complete stacks to the system. The stacks are fed by pallet truck or forklift. The length of the feeding route determines the system autonomy time.

2. automatic separation

The system separates the pallets fully automatically.

3. testing & sorting according to quality and color

The pallet control system analyzes each individual pallet using cameras and sensors. Each pallet is clearly assigned based on predefined criteria such as EPAL conformity, degree of utilization, or color coding.

4. stacking by type

The system automatically stacks all pallets according to their category. This means they are ready for your intralogistics, return or disposal.

The layout of the pallet sorting system can be customized to suit your individual needs.

Technological advantage through contactless quality detection

Our pallet sorting system uses the latest 3D sensor technology and industrial image processing to evaluate each pallet quickly, accurately and without contact. Our pallet inspection system (PACO) is used for this. It is an integral part of the pallet sorting system and ensures reliable and precise quality inspection.

The advantages of automated pallet inspection at a glance:

• No mechanical testing necessary
  Non-contact quality detection is wear-free and requires no adjustment, making the system particularly easy to maintain.
• Low-maintenance detection unit
  Thanks to modern sensor technology, the detection unit has a long service life and ensures high system availability.
• Precise classification
  Pallets are reliably classified according to EPAL criteria and color codes (e.g. CHEP, LPR).
• Future-proof technology
  New pallet types and quality features can be easily added and adapted at any time.

Test characteristics and quality criteria

• 360 degree control: length, width, clearance, etc.
• Marking and labeling: color, barcodes, etc.
• Signs of use: A-B-C classification, EPAL
• Contamination: Mold, oil, paint, etc.
• Damage: twisted or broken blocks, splintered wood, etc.
• Foreign bodies: remnants of cardboard, labels, foil, etc.
• Deformations and cracks: protruding nails, etc.

All sorting data live – with our industrial software autfactory

The pallet sorting system not only works efficiently, it also thinks for itself. Our industrial software autfactory records and visualizes all relevant process data in real time:

• Sorting capacity per hour / shift / day
• Share according to quality classes and pallet types
• Misclassifications and rejection rates
• Trends and developments on a weekly and monthly basis

Maintain an overview at all times – whether on the Shopfloor or in the office. Whether for quality monitoring, optimization or proof to customers: autfactory provides you with all key figures at a glance – clearly structured and easy to evaluate.