26 WESTERN PALLET
Transitioning with Automation to Industry 4.0
Specifically, the newly installed automated plant in Neu Wulmstorf includes the following technology:
- Multi-functional fully automatic inspection and repair system for automatic destacking,transport, turning and stacking of pallets at a throughput of 600 pallets per hour
- A new laser system (Automatic Digital Inspection, ADI) that inspects individual pallets for damage and, if necessary, sends them for repair
- Automatic painting and stencil processes using brush painting booths and inkjet systems
- New roll nailer technology that ensures no nails stick out over the top of the pallets
- A moisture meter that monitors the moisture content of the pallets and probes the top deck and bottom of the pallets. If the moisture content exceeds a certain value, the pallet is sorted out of production
- A robot that enables stacking of pallets and sorting of batches according to production needs
- Automated buffering to manage tips of damaged pallets
“With the automation of the service center, CHEP is optimally equipped for the future: Thanks to the faster throughput of pallet inspection and repair, we can respond even more effectively to economic upturns and ensure a regulated pallet supply for our customers. The new technology gives us a very high level of flexibility, which ultimately benefits the customer, “reports Kai Derda, Managing Director of CHEP Deutschland GmbH.
The automation of the Neu Wulmstorf service center marks the start of the implementation of state-of-the-art technology in all existing CHEP service centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland under the banner of Industry 4.0.