This month’s Albagram highlights an automated material handling application developed for a leading producer of weed prevention solutions. The project was brought to Alba by integration partner, PAC Strapping Products, which designed and built an automated strapping line to handle both quarter pallets and half pallets, then combine them into a single, unitized full-pallet footprint. |
Working alongside PAC Strapping Products, Alba developed a custom pallet handling conveyor system designed to receive individual 20" x 24" and 40" x 24" pallets by fork truck, automatically accumulate and index them into controlled pairs, route pallets using a powered shuttle, and stage and release them in synchronized multi-lane groups. The solution integrates chain driven live roller conveyors, an electric shuttle car, and a split-lane discharge conveyor to deliver smooth, controlled material flow with a strong focus on reliability, precision, and durability.
The process begins when a single pallet is placed onto a chain driven live roller (CDLR) conveyor by fork truck and conveyed forward under controlled accumulation. The pallet moves to a PAC Strapping Products-supplied strapping unit, where the load is secured. PAC’s control system then indexes pallets into a matched pair, maintaining a precise 2-inch gap as they are conveyed onto a second zoned conveyor to form a two-pallet slug.
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The two-pallet slug of quarter pallets, or a single half pallet, then enters the electric shuttle zone. There, a powered shuttle car shifts the pallets sideways into a two-lane arrangement and transfers them onto the appropriate lane of the downstream split roller conveyor. This automated transfer eliminates manual handling while maintaining smooth, controlled, and accurate pallet alignment.
At the split-lane conveyor, pallets are staged in two independent lanes and held by a common blade stop at the discharge end. The blade stop aligns the pallets and prevents overtravel while both lanes are filled. Once fully staged, the blade stop lowers, releasing both lanes of pallets simultaneously for an organized and efficient transfer to the downstream conveyor. |
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This integrated conveyor and shuttle system delivers precise pallet control, consistent throughput, and long-term reliability—key advantages in automated pallet staging and transfer applications. It is another strong example of how thoughtful engineering and rugged construction come together to solve real-world material handling challenges.
Call us to locate your nearest Alba Partner Network Member to assist with your next project at 866.252.2634 or visit our website at www.albamfg.com.
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