Crate Stackers and Destackers

Pohjaranta crate stackers and destackers automate crate stacking and destacking on washing and handling lines. The destacker separates crates from incoming stacks onto the line, and the stacker builds the clean crates back into stacks. Each unit is sized to the line capacity and the crate type.

Crate stackers build stacks at the end of the line

The low level stacker collects crates from the conveyor automatically into stacks after washing and drying. Stacking takes place at floor level, and the number of stack positions is chosen to match the production rate:

• 1-place stacker for a small production rate
• 2-place stacker for a medium rate
• 3-place stack-through model for a high rate, where the finished stack passes straight through the conveyor system.

Destackers work from above

The upper level destacker separates one or more crates at a time from a stack at the start of the line. Because it works from above, it frees floor area and lets other conveyors pass underneath. The destacker comes in five versions:

• horizontal overhead model for general use
• base model for standard-size washing crates
• rotating 2-place model for Transbox crates (400 × 600 × 136 and 400 × 600 × 254)
• rotating 3-place model for 600 × 400 × 175 crates
• rotating model for beer and soft-drink trays.

The rotating models can also orient the crates and sort them accurately.

Stackers and destackers as part of a crate line

On a typical crate line, stack conveyors bring stacks to the destacker, the crates run through washing and drying, and the stacker builds them onto a stack conveyor. In one delivered line, the stack conveyors hold 13 stacks per lane, the destacker takes two crates at a time, and the stack conveyor after the stacker holds five stacks, one pallet load.

Stackers are used outside washing lines too: a logistics centre has been supplied with 22 crate stackers together with automatic sorting, a sorter conveyor and WMS integration.

Designed and built in Säkylä, Finland

The stackers and destackers are made of stainless steel and meet food industry hygiene requirements. Control is PLC compatible, and the units connect to Pohjaranta conveyors, washing lines and transfer carts. Pohjaranta designs and manufactures them at its own factory in Säkylä and handles automation, installation and service with its own people.