Finding the Right Balance: Pallet Strength vs. Stiffness

When considering pallet performance and choosing or designing the right one for your needs, its strength and stiffness must be considered. Why? Because if a pallet is loaded up based only on its strength capacity yet it deflects or breaks under load, the effect can range from a minor disruption in the supply chain to a major disaster. To avert this type of mayhem, arm yourself with knowledge!

#1: Know the Terminology

Pallet strength is the average load capacity that causes failure of the pallet.

Pallet stiffness is the measure of how much a pallet bends under load over a specified period.

Load capacity is the maximum payload a pallet can bear. Load capacity is determined by analyzing both the strength and stiffness of the pallet. It can be reported as static, dynamic, or racking capacity.

Safe load capacity is based on the values of a pallet’s strength and stiffness. It is restricted to the lower of the two values. In effect, the safe working load will always be a lower number than the average force or load to cause failure.

Static load is a measure of a pallet’s performance while it is under a uniformly distributed load and at rest.

Dynamic load measures the performance of a loaded pallet as it makes its way through various shipping phases, moved along by conveyor or forklift.

Racking load refers to the amount of uniformly distributed product that can be safely edge-racked by a pallet.

#2: Consult an Expert

Analyzing and calculating strength and stiffness is commonly done using pallet design software. But many purchasing and logistics professionals lack access to these tools. Rose Pallet uses the Pallet Design System or PDS to help each client choose the right pallet for his or her unique performance requirements. Our experts can help you find the perfect balance of both. The pallet must have enough strength to support the load, but it also must withstand the rigors of various shipping and storage environments. Ultimately, a stiffer pallet leads to less load instability, less load shifting, and less stress from the weight of the product it carries.

Ask us more about it today!  Call us at 708-333-3000 or request a free consultation online.