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In industrial automation and material handling, precision in system design beginning with accurate data collection. This is especially true for pallet handling equipment, where the combination of heavy loads (often 3,000–4,000 lb.) and a wide variety of pallet types—many of inconsistent quality—means that the difference between a reliable, durable, and cost-effective solution and a subpar one often comes down to the details.
While more details are always helpful, there are a few critical pieces of information that make the difference between a complete solution and an incomplete picture of an application.
To make the information gathering process easier, Alba Manufacturing created the Pallet Conveyor Application Questions for Quoting. This essential document streamlines specification and quoting by capturing the operational, environmental, and mechanical requirements needed to engineer the right conveyor solution.
By ensuring these key parameters are identified upfront, Alba can design and deliver a pallet handling system tailored to your exact needs—saving time, reducing revisions, and ensuring rock-solid performance from day one.
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1. Pallet Specifications and Geometry |
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The form begins by identifying the pallet type, with visual references to common configurations such as:
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Double-Face Reversible / Non-Reversible |
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Single-Face Expendable |
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4-Way Notched Stringer |
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4-Way Block with Picture Frame Bottom |
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Single-Wing / Double-Wing Pallets |
Users are asked to specify:
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Pallet Dimensions (length, width, overall height) |
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Bottom Board Count and Width |
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Slip Sheet or Tier Sheet Dimensions. |
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Maximum Pallet Weight |
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Drawing or Sketch of the Pallet Bottom (critical for roller spacing and support) |
This data is essential for determining width, roller pitch, support spacing, and load distribution.
2. Environmental Conditions |
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The operating environment significantly influences material selection and system design.
Alba requests specification of:
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Ambient Conditions (standard indoor) |
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Freezer or Heat Zones |
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Washdown Areas (requiring stainless steel or sealed components) |
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Dusty or Outdoor Environments (requiring IP-rated enclosures and corrosion-resistant finishes) |
3. Conveyor System Parameters |
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To ensure mechanical compatibility and performance, the form collects:
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Pallet Orientation: Defines which pallet's edge leads during conveyance, affecting sensor placement and roller alignment. |
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Effective Conveying Width (EW): Must match pallet width plus clearance for smooth transport. |
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Elevation Requirements: Top of Roller (TOR) height for integration with upstream/downstream equipment. |
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Conveyor Speed: Specified in Feet Per Minute (FPM), impacting motor sizing and throughput. |
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Rate of Pallet Flow: Pallets per hour, used to calculate system capacity and buffer zones. |
4. Drive and Component Specifications |
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Alba’s standard drive components include Baldor motors and Dodge Tigear II gear reducers, but customers may specify alternatives for compatibility with existing systems or preferred vendors.
Additional options include:
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Roller Finish: Steel, galvanized, or zinc-plated tubing based on corrosion resistance and application. |
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Conveyor Color: Standard is Alba Blue; custom colors require an RAL number or paint chip. |
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Special Requirements: Space for additional specs such as safety guarding, controls integration, or custom frame modifications. |
5. Engineering Integration and Customization |
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This form is not just a quoting tool—it’s a pre-engineering worksheet. By collecting granular data, Alba’s engineering team can calculate:
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Model load dynamics and roller deflection. |
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Select appropriate frame materials and finishes. |
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Configure motor sizing and gear ratios. |
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Ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. |
Alba Manufacturing’s application questionnaire is more than a form—it’s a vital tool that ensures pallet conveyor systems are engineered to exact specifications. By capturing critical details upfront, it bridges the gap between customer requirements and mechanical design, reducing lead times and delivering reliable, long-lasting solutions.
For technical assistance or to submit a completed form, contact Alba at rocksolidconveyor@albamfg.com, telephone at 866.252.2634 or visit our website at www.albamfg.com to discuss.
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