Common Solid-Deck Pallet Configurations
While solid-deck engineered wood pallets can be configured many ways, their components are simple and few: one solid-deck piece, blocks or stringers, and fasteners. The final design ultimately depends on the pallet's intended end-use, how the pallet will be handled, moved or stored, and what equipment will be used with the pallet. In general, pallets are available with either two-way or four-way entry (each style has multiiple variations). Common solid-deck engineered wood pallet configurations include the following:
Plywood block pallet
Plywood top and bottom deck allows for high racking capability. High impact-resistant laminated engineered wood blocks can also be used to minimize fork penetration damage. Perhaps the best pallet for use in highly automated materials handling systems. This increasingly popular pallet design does not require stringer boards when a solid plywood deck is used, lowering the overall height of the pallet and reducing pallet weight.
Plywood stringer pallet
Plywood top deck and lumber bottom deck with partial four-way entry. Very high racking capability. This is a standard stringer pallet that provides superior protection to goods, reducing product damage and extending pallet life. It simultaneously maintains its shape for use in automated pallet handling systems.
Plywood block pallet with uni-directional plywood bottom
Racks 2,000 pounds; carries 3,000 pounds when flat-stacked. Unique design and type of structured plywood used yields a 44-lb, 48”x40” pallet - the most lightweight, high-performance plywood pallet in the industry. Uses no lumber and is therefore perfect for international shipping (meets phytosanitary regulations).
Oriented Stand Board (OSB) pallet with full four-way entry
An excellent one-way shipping pallet. A cost-effective alternative to traditional export pallets. The solid deck provides superior product protection and maintains its shape in rough handling environments.
Automated Handling Systems & Engineered Wood Pallets
In finely tuned automated handling systems, every component must perform seamlessly, and engineered wood pallets boast a remarkable track record for rising to this challenge. Wood structural panels enable the pallet to conserve space, retain a consistent size and shape, reduce nail popping (a problem that cuses system malfunctions and costly downtime), flow smoothly over any type of conveyor, and meet the modern demands of increasingly automated materials handling systems.
