Load Transfer Stations
Load transfer stations are pallet transfer systems that transfer loads
from one pallet to another pallet without disassembling. By efficiently
moving loads from one type of load base, such as pallets, slip-sheets or
floors, to another, load transfer stations simplify plant and warehouse
applications such as shipping and other material handling processes.
Some benefits of load transfer stations include eliminating injuries to
the worker that are associated with heavy lifting and repetitive-motion,
improving process and plant cleanliness and reducing costs. Load
transfer stations are often utilized in industries such as food
processing, warehousing, beverage, pharmaceutical, electronics,
packaging, commercial, agricultural, cosmetics and medical. Typically
used in manufacturing environments that require rapid pallet throughput,
load transfer stations maintain critical work flow as well as helping
to keep the warehouse floor space free of obstacles. Used for
dispensing, collecting and accumulating loads of cases, bottles, glass
vials, pails, combo boxes, bags or drums,
load transfer systems are particularly useful for companies with a high
pallet usage. As a cost-effective alternative to load inverters, pallet
transfer systems offer simple pallet transfer between pallet types and
other load bases.
The basic design of a load transfer station is typically operated by a fork lift
driver and can be accessed from two sides for loading, or three sides
for unloading. Even is this basic form, a load transfer station can
offer extreme flexibility in terms of the number of type of processes
that it can perform. However, in more complex pallet transfer system
designs a pallet dispenser, a lift mechanism and an output roller conveyor can be added to the basic design for a fully automated load transfer system. A pallet dispenser is a device that is used to feed or dispense empty pallets to conveyors in larger palletizing systems or automatic palletizers.
A roller conveyor is a type of material handling equipment that moves
loads from one load base to another while using rollers that are placed
parallel to one another to provide movement. A lift mechanism that a
load transfer system could use would be a mechanical arm or an elevator
plate that would raise the load up and away from the load base. An
example of one method of pallet transfer would be when the load transfer
station’s lift mechanism raises the load from the pallet, leaving room
for the old pallet to be pushed away and a new pallet to be put in its
place. Once the new pallet is in the place, the lifting mechanism will
position the load onto the new pallet.
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Load Transfer Stations - Möllers North America, Inc. |