Pallet Flow Storage System

The Pallet Flow System is an intelligent storage solution that enables pallets to move automatically by gravity, helping reduce operating costs and increase inbound and outbound handling speed. With a flexible design, the system supports both FIFO (First In – First Out) and LIFO (Last In – First Out) principles, providing an optimal solution for diverse storage requirements.

Pallet Flow System Includes

PF 1100

This system uses gravity-driven pallet flow tracks with a 4% incline. The optimized design eliminates the need for motors, allowing pallets to move smoothly and continuously by gravity alone. It is equipped with a Magnetic Speed Controller and a Time Plus Separator, enhancing operational safety.

Technical Specifications:

• Pallet load capacity: 60–1250 kg
• FIFO & LIFO compatible with standard pallets 800 × 1200 mm and 1000 × 1200 mm
• LIFO compatible with UK CHEP pallets (1000 × 1200 mm)
• Modular design: flexible integration and easy system expansion
• Compatible with all conventional racking systems

Advantages:

• Fast, continuous handling for efficient and stable material flow
• Magnetic speed controller ensures smooth and controlled pallet movement
• Time Plus Separator enhances safety during pallet picking
• Energy-saving operation using gravity only
• Durable operation with low maintenance costs
• Long service life and reliable long-term performance

Automatic Pallet Stacker Crane PM 9770

Designed for automatic pallet storage, retrieval, and sorting in Flow Storage systems, with a handling time of under 4 seconds per pallet. It is an ideal complementary solution for pallet conveyor systems and Pallet Flow racking.

Technical Specifications:

• Maximum load: 1000 kg/m
• Throughput: up to 100 pallets per hour
• Travel length: up to 95 m
• Operating height: 0.6 m – 9.8 m

Advantages:

• High-speed pallet infeed and outfeed
• Space-optimized design
• Energy-efficient operation
• Automatic pallet centering
• Integrated lift speed control with high system safety
• Easy system installation

Transfer Car PM 9750 / PM 9756

The PM 9750 / PM 9756 Transfer Car operates at speeds of up to 5 m/s, efficiently connecting production areas with storage zones and optimizing material flow throughout the entire system.

The transfer car features intelligent drive technology combined with a robust powder-coated steel frame, ensuring high reliability and long service life. It integrates seamlessly with Pallet Flow racking systems, delivering continuous, safe, and efficient operation.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum load: 1000 kg/m
• Length: Up to 95 m
• Drive system height: 0.28 m
• Speed: 5 m/s
• Acceleration: 1 m/s²

Advantages

• Compact design with low energy consumption
• Power supplied via conductor rail
• Smooth operation with reduced vibration
• Easy installation and maintenance

Outstanding Features of the Pallet Flow System

Coordination Solution

The Pallet Live System reduces travel distance by up to 400 meters per truck (33 Euro pallets) and achieves a throughput of 90 pallets per hour. Pallets move automatically on gravity roller conveyors with a 4% incline, enabling continuous loading without waiting time.

Powered separators integrated with WMS ensure precise pallet positioning. Combined with high-speed pallet transfer cars, the system creates a fully automated dispatch area, increasing productivity and optimizing warehouse space.

Driven Separator

This system allows customers to flexibly program and reconfigure operations throughout the entire lifecycle. It can be easily adapted to real operational requirements, ensuring optimal performance for all applications.

It is an ideal solution for dispatch zones or seamless integration into internal logistics centers, with outstanding connectivity to other automated systems such as AGV/AMR.

Next-Generation Time Plus Technology

The upgraded Time Release Mechanism delivers superior reliability and performance. This enhanced version improves durability and stability compared to previous models, while significantly reducing operational failure rates.
Users can easily configure and adjust release timing directly on-site, ensuring long-term stable operation.

High-Performance Magnetic Speed Controller – MSC 80

The Pallet Flow System is equipped with the patented MSC 80, making it ideal for high-performance storage applications that require stable, safe, and reliable operation.
The controller regulates pallet speed on gravity tracks, preventing product damage and workplace accidents.

Pallet Flow Operating Applications

FIFO Principle (First In – First Out)

In FIFO systems, pallets are loaded at the higher end of the gravity lane and slide down to the picking position. When one pallet is removed, the next pallet automatically advances, ensuring constant availability.
This method enables efficient inventory rotation and is especially suitable for perishable goods requiring fast turnover.

Advantages:

• Space-saving design, using up to 50% less floor area than conventional storage systems
• Low maintenance, energy-efficient, long service life
• Fast handling and picking, pallets always available at the picking face
• High return on investment (ROI) in less than 2 years
• Reduced labor costs with fewer operators required

LIFO Principle (Last In – First Out)

In LIFO systems, forklifts perform both loading and unloading from the same end of the storage lane.

This is a push-back system: during loading, the incoming pallet pushes existing pallets deeper into the lane. During unloading, the remaining pallets automatically roll forward to the picking position.

Advantages:

• Optimized storage near walls or on mezzanine levels
• Each lane corresponds to one batch or delivery cycle
• Easy inventory control
• Above the Carton Flow system, FIFO lanes function as temporary buffer storage, ensuring continuous product supply to the picking area below.

Conclusion

If you are looking to optimize your warehouse system, contact ETEK – your trusted partner in developing intelligent and efficient storage solutions.
With hands-on experience and advanced technology, we deliver storage systems that fully meet key operational requirements:

• Warehouse space optimization
• Faster order processing
• Reduced operating costs
• Accurate and safe inventory flow

Whether you operate in e-commerce, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, or logistics, ETEK is ready to support your journey toward warehouse automation and operational excellence.