Quick, precise depalletizing is central to efficient warehouse and manufacturing operations. As production volumes and efficiency demands rise, manual methods are becoming increasingly unreliable in light of these goals. Automated alternatives are ideal, but what features should a company look for in a reliable depalletizer?
While every facility has unique needs, all depalletizers share a few common traits. Here are the five best features of automated depalletizers to look for today.
1. Container Compatibility
Different products require varying depalletizing approaches, so businesses must ensure their automated solutions are compatible with relevant container types. A machine intended for use with cans and bottles may be unable to reliably unpack bags or large boxes.
Similarly, a depalletizer must be compatible with larger packing concerns, such as being able to undo shrink-wrapping or remove stacks of boxes. Many leading systems support multiple container and packaging types, but not all do.
2. Processing Speed
The speed at which a depalletizer unpacks items is also critical. Generally, the faster the processing rate, the better, but requirements may vary between facilities.
Consider that a machine’s container per minute (CPM) rate may vary depending on how many containers there are per layer. Some solutions may also be fast but have complex maintenance requirements, which may counteract the long-term benefits.
3. Upfront and Long-Term Costs
As with any other investment, entities must review how much an automated depalletizer costs. However, a lower initial price tag is not always ideal.
The long-term cost benefits of maintenance, productivity and labor concerns put the upfront expense into context. A more expensive machine may be more cost-effective if it yields a big enough improvement in processing speed or requires minimal maintenance or human oversight.
4. Ease of Use
Relatedly, user-friendliness is another feature to look for in a reliable depalletizer. While automation minimizes human involvement, all also require setup, maintenance and calibration, introducing room for error when these processes are too complicated.
The best depalletizer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offer integration assistance and ongoing support to streamline such considerations. Brands can also review customer feedback to understand a given solution’s ease of use.
5. Physical Footprint
Finally, facilities must consider a depalletizer’s size and configuration. Industrial floor space often comes at a premium, so a depalletizer is only reliable when it can fit within an existing workflow with minimal disruption.
Size is the most obvious part of this factor, but shape and layout are also worth attention. Some solutions are adjustable, helping them fit into multiple workflow setups and enabling longer-term flexibility should operations change.
Best Automatic Depalletizer Companies
Once companies know the best features of automated depalletizers, selecting an optimal solution is easier. Here are five leading depalletizer OEMs to consider in light of these requirements.
1. Ska Fab
The overall best option for most applications is Ska Fabricating for its wide range of equipment and extensive support. Ska Fab’s depalletizers can handle thousands of pounds, reach up to 400 CPM, and meet various space and container type needs. They also provide implementation assistance and dedicated engineers for ongoing in-house support if necessary.
2. BW Integrated Systems
Another popular option is BW Integrated Systems, which boasts a large footprint across over 100 global locations. Apart from its availability, BW is worth considering for its custom depalletizer solutions. Customization makes it easier to get a solution that works within stringent space and workflow constraints, but the OEM also provides off-the-shelf options for faster deployment.
3. Simplimatic
Alternatively, Simplimatic may be the optimal supplier for some robotic depalletizers. All Simplimatic solutions can handle multiple SKUs, facilitating higher productivity and adaptability for fast-moving warehouse operations. Like BW, the OEM provides bespoke solutions, too, and offers a broad range of grips and accessories to account for varying product types.
4. Honeywell
Industry giant Honeywell is another reliable source of automated depalletizing equipment. Its solutions can depalletize at rates up to 200 CPM and support robotic arms from multiple manufacturers to simplify implementation and customization. Its systems are also easy to use and adapt, thanks to innovative controls and fully integrated software.
5. Micmachinery
While many businesses prefer domestic suppliers, Micmachinery is also worth consideration when supply chain strategies allow. The OEM provides multiple depalletizer types to cover varying kinds of packaging and space requirements. It also designs these machines to require minimal maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining high speeds and accuracy.
Find the Ideal Depalletizer For Your Plant
Manual depalletization is too slow and error-prone to be a viable option in today’s fast-paced environments. Organizations must embrace automation, and that begins with recognizing what features to look for in a reliable depalletizer.
Requirements over packaging types, pallet amounts, speeds and physical space will vary between use cases. However, what makes a worthwhile solution is often consistent between all applications. Once enterprises understand these key features, they can look into these five OEMs to identify a depalletizer provider that suits their needs. The optimal supplier may depend on the specific facility in question, but the answer likely remains among these five in all cases.
Posted by Megan Vitanza
Marketing Strategist
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