lexiKon
Our glossary provides information on technical terms from the pallet and transport sector.
Blue stain, depending on its stage of development, is a discoloration of the wood ranging from grayish-blue to dark blue or blackish-gray. This is caused by a fungus that is often already present in the wood before it is cut, but it does not negatively affect the stability of the pallet. Some users, however, perceive the wood discoloration as a defect, as it is often mistakenly identified as mold by laypeople. Since blue stain can still appear after production at certain temperatures and with inadequate ventilation of the stored pallets, we recommend additional kiln drying of the pallets to a wood moisture content of 18% or below. This drying process deprives the fungus of the water it needs to survive, preventing it from spreading further or even appearing in the first place. Because fungal spores are ubiquitous in the air, boards with varying degrees of blue stain will always be found in commercially available packaging wood assortments. However, there are types of wood, such as spruce, that tend to be less susceptible, as well as others, such as pine, that are more vulnerable.
floorboards are the components of the floor covering.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
Deck boards are the components of the deck surface on which the goods to be transported rest.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A disposal pallet is also known as a loss pallet, one-way pallet, or lost pallet. Unlike reusable or exchange pallets, this type of pallet is given to the recipient for their own use and is therefore no longer available to the sender. These pallets are often simpler in design and are primarily used for export.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A chamfer is a bevel on the floor surface or floorboards that facilitates the passage of the wheels of a pallet truck. This chamfer can be continuous or interrupted at certain points (usually in the area of the blocks).
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A one-way pallet is also known as a disposable pallet, a reuse pallet, or a lost pallet. Unlike reusable or exchange pallets, this type of pallet is given to the recipient for their own use and is therefore no longer available to the sender. These pallets are often simpler in design and are primarily used for export.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A window pallet (also called a frame pallet) is a non-reversible flat pallet where the outer edge boards form a frame, complemented by one or two middle boards. All boards lie on the same plane, similar to a brewery pallet. One advantage of the frame pallet compared to a skid pallet is that it can be moved both lengthwise and crosswise on roller and chain conveyors. Additionally, the weight is distributed across multiple boards, providing increased stability and sturdiness when stacking bagged goods, big bags, beverage crates, and similar items. Due to the additional material and transport requirements, frame pallets are generally more expensive.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
Blocks are short support elements with a round or square cross-section. They are located under the top plate or between the top plate and the base support and, together with the thickness of a crossbar or base board, determine the entry height. Blocks are generally used in four-way pallets.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A frame pallet (also called a window pallet) is a non-reversible flat pallet where the outer edge boards form a frame, which is complemented by one or two middle boards. All boards lie in the same plane, similar to a brewery pallet.
One advantage of frame pallets compared to skid pallets is that they can be moved both lengthwise and crosswise on roller and chain conveyors. Additionally, the weight is distributed across multiple base boards, which provides increased stability and sturdiness when stacking multiple items such as bagged goods, big bags, beverage crates, and similar products. However, due to the additional effort required in terms of materials and transport, frame pallets are generally more expensive.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A recessed design refers to a pallet where the supports or blocks are set back from the top surface and/or base. This recess facilitates handling with lifting equipment (e.g., strap handling in ports). The recessed design also improves the adhesion of stretch film to the pallet, resulting in better stability for stretched goods. A very common example of this design is the CP-1 pallet.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
There are different ways to stack pallets:
Nested stacking:
Most four-way and two-way pallets can be nested. In this method, every second pallet is rotated 180 degrees onto its top surface, so that the runners or beams of the next pallet are positioned between the runners or beams of the pallet below. This is not possible with four-way pallets that have a base frame or two-way pallets that have additional bottom boards. This allows multiple pallets to be stacked in the same footprint, which generally results in savings on freight costs per pallet. The disadvantage is that the pallets must be unstacked before use in rack dispensers or automated palletizing systems. This is usually unnecessary when handling pallets manually.
Unnested stacking:
In principle, all pallets can be stacked without nesting them. This involves simply placing each pallet on top of the pallet below. The advantage is that stacks without nesting do not need to be unstacked before use. The disadvantage is that freight costs are usually higher than with nested stacking.
Beams are long, load-bearing components. They are located under the decking or between the decking and the base and determine the entry height. Two-way pallets typically have beams, which are usually made of continuous square timbers.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
The load-bearing capacity (load-bearing capacity) of a pallet is essentially influenced by its construction (cross-section and material of the components) as well as the type of load (area load, point load, high-bay storage).
Most of the values are based on experience. Determining the load-bearing capacity through breakage tests is more accurate, but very complex and therefore expensive. For some standard pallets, such as Euro pallets or chemical pallets, the load-bearing capacity values can be found in the relevant standard or regulation.
The following load-bearing capacities are distinguished:
Dynamic load capacity: This is defined as the load-bearing capacity of the pallet during handling or transport with material handling equipment.
Static load-bearing capacity: This describes the load-bearing capacity of the pallet when stored with and without goods. The load here is significantly lower than in dynamic load cases. For most pallets, the rule of thumb is that the static load-bearing capacity is approximately four times higher than the dynamic load-bearing capacity. An exception is storage in high-bay racking, where the pallets are only supported at the front and back by a beam and are suspended freely in the middle. Here, the static load-bearing capacity is usually comparable to the dynamic load-bearing capacity. However, a universally valid statement cannot be made.
A lost pallet is also known as a disposable pallet , one-way pallet, or requisition pallet. Unlike reusable or exchange pallets, this type of pallet is given to the recipient for their own use and is therefore no longer available to the sender. These pallets are often simpler in design and are primarily used for export.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A four-way pallet has entry openings on all four sides for forklifts or other industrial trucks, similar to the Euro pallet.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
A two-way pallet has entry openings for forklifts or other material handling equipment on only two opposite sides. This type of pallet is frequently used in the brick or refractory industries.
(Source: cf. classification and terms for pallets with entry openings DIN 15145)
