Depalletizer

Depalletizer

A depalletizer is a machine designed to remove containers from full pallets and place them onto the bottling line for filling. These machines handle glass bottles, PET bottles, and cans, representing the starting point of the entire bottling process.

The operation begins when an operator uses a forklift to load pallets of empty containers onto a roller conveyor, removing the thermo-shrink nylon wrapping that holds the package together. The pallet then feeds slowly into the machine through the roller system.

How Depalletizers Work

The depalletizing process removes containers one layer at a time through a systematic sequence:

1. Pallet immobilization — grippers secure all sides of the pallet to keep it stable
2. Top cardboard removal — 4-5 suction cups on mechanical arms lift the protective cover by vacuum
3. Layer transfer — a push bar moves containers from each layer onto a steel plate
4. Height adjustment — the filled plate rises to line level
5. Discharge — containers push onto an accumulation surface
6. Interlayer removal — plastic or paper dividers between layers are extracted and stored

From the accumulation surface, containers travel via conveyor belts to the first processing machine, typically a rinsing machine or filling monoblock.

Depalletizer Components

A complete depalletizer system includes several integrated elements:

• Infeed roller conveyor — receives pallets from forklift
• Pallet grippers — secure pallet from all sides during unloading
• Suction cup arms — remove top cardboard covers
• Push bar mechanism — transfers container layers to steel plate
• Elevating plate — adjusts height for line discharge
• Empty pallet magazine — stores pallets after unloading
• Interlayer magazine — collects plastic or paper dividers
• Accumulation surface — buffers containers before line entry

Pallet Configuration

Pallets are organized in 4, 5, 6 or more layers depending on container type and height, with each layer separated by plastic or paper interlayers. A cardboard cover protects the top layer and is removed first via suction cup system.

Container Format Management

Different containers require specific machine settings based on their dimensions. The PLC control system stores preset programs for various container formats:

The operator selects the corresponding format code in the PLC before operation, automatically adjusting machine parameters for the specific container height and configuration. This ensures proper layer detection, push bar positioning, and plate height adjustment for each container type.