Pallet flow racking can be used for two different applications: (eg 2 deep), for order picking applications. We put a lot of efforts on our deep lane pallet flow. Gravity stream conveyors for pallets are involved with profound lane pallet flow. Lanes should have either full width rollers (more expensive, but easier to flow variety of pallet types / qualities) or roll tracks (cheaper, but require better pallet quality). In line brakes, deep lane pallet flow is also required to avoid runaway pallets.
Deep pallet flow is perfect for circumstances where rigorous FIFO is needed. It is common that pallets need to be transferred rapidly from one region to another, with no need for traffic aisles or lift trucks. Applications include production or assembly line environments, as well as cooler / freezer applications, where space is at a premium.
Key Benefits
- Strict FIFO
- High density – there is theoretically no limit to depth- systems of 20 pallets deep and more have been installed.
- Throughput – can keep pace with high volume palletizers, and other production lines.
- Productivity – eliminates lift truck travel time – pallet flow lanes do the conveying.
Advantages
Over Single Selective Racking
- Installing Pallet Flow can generate space savings of about 35% vs. Single Selective Rack, in a typical 6 deep application.
- Converting an existing warehouse area from Single Selective Rack to Pallet Flow can accommodate approximately 50% more pallets, in a typical 6 deep application.
- Where SKU volumes warrant, much deeper systems may be built, with even greater savings.
- High pick rates can be achieved in full case pick-to-belt applications. In this case, all lift truck access for both Pallet Flow and Push Back is from the replenishment aisle, keeping the pick aisle free from any lift truck contention