The standard measurements of a pallet are 100 x 120 x 12
centimeters, weighing between 15 and 21 kilos, and can easily
withstand up to one ton.
However, this depends on the type of pallet, as there are
many options: metal, plastic or wood, new or recycled, etc.
The choice between one type of pallet or another will also
depend on the type of merchandise, load distribution, and support
capacity.
What is a pallet?
A pallet is a structure that is used to move heavy loads
because it facilitates its handling and lifting by using
forklifts.
It can support a wide variety of goods while suspended in the
air, secured by strapping or wrapping in plastic wrap.
Pallets can be lifted and moved with industrial product
handling machinery such as conveyors.
Pallet trucks to move pallets |BECOSAN®
These are in charge of moving the pallets within the
warehouse or to the vehicles that will transport them to other
points.
Types of pallet
There is a large classification of types of pallets.
Obviously, each and every one of them has a series of advantages
and disadvantages that make them more or less suitable for
different industries.
Wooden pallets
They are made out of wood or derivatives, which are grouped to
create a platform.
Their manufacturing process is standardized to achieve the
lowest possible height so that they can be easily transported by
pallet trucks, forklifts, or other mechanisms capable of
supporting heavy loads.
Wooden pallets | BECOSAN®The main advantages of using wooden pallets are:
- They occupy little space and have great resistance
- They facilitate transport, handling, and storage.
Also, in recent years wooden pallets have been recycled
by using them in homes in the form of furniture or other
accessories.
Plastic pallets
Although the most widely used and widespread type of pallet
is the wooden pallet, in recent years, thanks to technological
advances, the functionality, and design of plastic pallets have
been improved greatly.
They have even become essential for many industrial
sectors, due to the many uses and advantages they offer.
Plastic pallets | BECOSAN®These pallets are used above all in those industries which have
strict hygiene controls, as in the agri-food industry.
Advantages of plastic pallets
- They are efficient and light: They weigh half the amount
of what wooden pallets weigh, which considerably reduces logistics
costs when sending the same amount of merchandise. - Easy to clean: It can be done with antibacterial and
chemical products or steam. - They can be used in any weather condition, as they do
not get damaged or absorb moisture. - Recyclable, reusable, and
environmentally friendly. - Very durable, having a useful lifespan
of up to 10 years. - They adapt to automated systems and warehouses with
technological systems. - Very hygienic.
- They are easier and safer to handle because you do not
have to worry about nails or splinters, typical of wooded
pallets.
Cardboard pallet
Corrugated cardboard pallets, in addition to being made
with 100% recycled cardboard, are 100% recyclable, so they generate
0 waste.
They are 70% lighter than wooden pallets and not only reduce
transport costs, but also reduce carbon emissions.
They are easy to handle and lift, reducing back pain and
other injuries.
They are made from corrugated cardboard sheets and, although
they can be manufactured in a standardized way, they can have many
different shapes and formats, making them much more flexible
than other materials.
When is it better to use cardboard pallets?| BECOSAN®
Also, they can be graphically printed with your brand’s
logos and slogans.
The 3 words that define cardboard pallets are: lightness,
versatility, and resistance.
They can support surprising loads, even though they weigh very
little.
They simplify the recycling and disposal process, taking
them to any blue container is enough.
If you are implementing social responsibility policies in your
company, which are becoming increasingly popular, be sure to use
cardboard pallets to export or move goods. More information
here.
Metal pallets
Another variant of pallets different from those made of
plastic, wood, or cardboard, with their own specific uses.
Due to their high strength, metal pallets are frequently
used in the metallurgical industry and the automotive sector.
Metal Pallets – Source:www.transeop.com
The manufacturing process of metal pallets follows the
same criteria and measurements as European wooden pallets.
However, if different criteria are needed, the production
process would have to be modified.
Presswood pallets
They are made from chipboard, and although they have been
in use for over 20 years, they are the least known type of
pallet.
It is mainly used in international transport, because the
average load reaches up to 200kg, although it can support up to
1350kg.
Pallet measurements
There are many classifications on pallet measurements,
but the one that should be followed is the one elaborated by the
ISO (International Organization for Standardization), which
establishes that the most common measurements for pallets are:
- 800 x 600 mm. For consumer products. They are usually
made of wood or metal. The measurements are 31.50 ″ × 47.24
″. - 1000 x 600 mm. Used for handling liquids. They have
little use. - 1016 x 1219 mm. It is the most commonly used pallet in the
U.S.A. Its measurements are 40.00 ″ × 48.00 ″. - 1067 x 1067 mm. Pallets used in Europe, the U.S.A and
Asia. Measurements, 42.00 ″ × 42.00 ″. - 1100 x 1100 mm. Pallets usually used in Asia.
Measurements, 43.30 ″ × 43.30 ″. - 1140 x 1140 mm. Widely used in Australia. Measurements,
44.9 ″ × 44.9 ″. - 1200 x 800 mm. European pallet or europalet. Used for
consumer products. They weigh 25 kgs. - 1200 x 1000 mm. American pallet. They weigh 18 kgs.
Measurements, 39.37 ″ × 47.24 ″.
Pallet measurements | BECOSAN®European pallet
The origin of the European pallet, or europalet,
dates back to World War II, since a large quantity of food and
goods needed to be transported to the military troops.
European pallets measure 1200 x 800 mm, which made it
possible to carry large amounts of supplies in fewer trips and
optimizing the distribution and logistics of pallets transported by
trains.
European pallets weigh 25 kg and can support loads
weighing over a ton. If the load is static, it can hold up to 4
tons.
Another fundamental aspect of European pallets is that they
are perfect for cardboard and plastic boxes with standard
measurements, which adjust to the size of the pallet.
They are widely used in automated warehouses. This is
because they can be easily transported with forklifts.
How do I recognize European pallets?
The best way to recognize a europalet is to look for its EUR
stamp. This way, we can be sure that the pallet follows the
weight, design, and measurements established by the European Pallet
Association (EPAL).
European Pallet – Source:vicentferrer.com
American pallets
This pallet also has its origin in World War II, as it was used
as a loading system for the US Army.
American Pallet – Source:www.madererianasa.com.mx
The dimensions of the American pallet are 1200 × 1000
mm, with a weight of around 25 kg and capable of supporting
dynamic loads of around 1,200 kg.
It is widely used to transport moving liquid substances and
it’s the main alternative when transport between Japan and the
United States.
Differences between European and American pallets
Taking into account that, more and more, warehouses are in full
expansion and are constantly being automated, the European
pallet has an advantage over the American pallet,
because it has the perfect measurements to adjust to this type of
warehouse.
However, the American pallet has more resistance to dynamic
loads, therefore, to transport liquid substances, the American
pallet should always be chosen over the European.
Both can be built with different materials, but the most common
is the wooden pallet.
More information about pallets, in this article from the
British government.
The deterioration of concrete floors as a consequence of the use of
pallets
As we have seen previously, pallets can be made of different
materials. They are mostly in constant contact with the
industrial building’s floor, supporting large amounts of
weight.
They are mostly in constant contact with the industrial
building’s floor, supporting large amounts of weight.
Although they are usually moved with pallet trucks or forklifts, there
can always be the possibility that they may leave traces of
materials, stains, or footprints on the floor on which they have
been placed.
Of course, accidents can also happen and pallets can be dropped,
causing a lot of damage to the flooring.
In short, although pallets greatly facilitate logistics and
the transportation of goods, they are not exempt from damaging the
flooring within the facility.
As it is always better to be safe than, in this case, to repair,
we want to offer you our BECOSAN®
treatment, a dust-proof, durable, and resistant finish for
all kinds
of industrial floors, regardless of its use and the state
in which the concrete floor is previously found in.
Contact us
to satisfy my enquiry.
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