Palletizers & Depalletizers
For Packaging Lines
The Basics of Depalletizers & Palletizers
Introduction
Palletizers and depalletizers are essential components of packaging lines—from the smallest craft producer to multinational beverage titans and everything in between. Cans must be removed from a pallet using a depalletizer. Palletizers, such as those offered by Codi, come in two varieties: can palletizers that palletize filled or decorated cans onto a pallet, and robotic gantry palletizers (Flex Stack) that can function as a palletizer for cans, cases, and just about any SKU, as well as a depalletizer.
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Depalletizers remove empty containers from inbound pallets and feed them into the line.
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Palletizers stack finished product onto pallets for storage and distribution.
Together, they reduce manual handling, stabilize line flow, and improve overall throughput.
Why Depalletizing Matters
Depalletizing is often the first automation touchpoint in a packaging line. A well-designed system ensures:
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Consistent container infeed to rinsers and fillers
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Reduced container damage and line interruptions
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Safe, ergonomic operation with minimal manual labor
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Flexibility across container types and pallet patterns
Modern depalletizers are built to integrate directly with conveyors and container-handling equipment.
Common Depalletizer Methods
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Sweep-style systems – Compact and cost-effective for moderate speeds
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Gantry / Cartesian systems – Higher throughput, gentler handling, and greater flexibility
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Robotic systems – Best for mixed pallets or irregular patterns, with added complexity
Selection depends on speed requirements, container geometry, and changeover frequency.
The Role of Palletizing at End of Line
Palletizing converts packaged product into stable, repeatable pallet loads ready for transport. Effective palletizing improves:
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Load stability and product protection
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Warehouse efficiency
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Line uptime at higher production rates
As upstream automation increases, palletizing becomes critical to maintaining line balance.
Important Selection Considerations
When evaluating palletizers or depalletizers, manufacturers should consider:
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Required throughput and future growth
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Changeover complexity
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Floor space and ceiling height
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Integration with upstream and downstream equipment
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Maintenance access and operational reliability
Codi's Palletizing and Depalletizing Solutions
Codi designs and builds palletizers and depalletizers as either part of a fully integrated packaging line or as standalone machines that can be integrated into existing lines. Our depalletizing machinery delivers reliable, high-speed container infeed, while our repalletizing and palletizing solutions—including Flex Stack—are engineered for repeatable load quality, smooth line integration, and long-term serviceability. Each system is configured to the customer’s containers, throughput requirements, and facility constraints, ensuring consistent performance as production demands evolve.
See below for our offering...
Palletizer/Depalletizer Gantry System
Flex Stack Pro
The Codi Flex Stack Pro is a configurable Automated Palletizing System and depalletizing system that outperforms cobots or manual labor for material handling. It delivers cobot-like flexibility with significantly higher payload capacity, faster cycle speeds, a smaller footprint, and typically a fraction of the total system cost.
It’s smart, too: operators can create new SKU stack patterns directly from its browser-based interface (no programming required!). Integrated predictive analytics monitor part wear to support uptime.
For producers looking to improve throughput, reduce reliance on manual labor, and achieve consistent, precise palletizing/depalletizing across high-mix, high-volume operations, the Flex Stack Pro is a solution worth considering.
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Case Packer Cartoner
Flex Pack
While a cartoner like the Flex Pack is not a palletizer, it is the machinery that typically precedes one. The Flex Pack is a compact, servo-driven drop packer that automates case loading and reduces manual labor, handling products gently while delivering precise, high-speed placement into cartons.
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Bulk Depalletizer
DPL-1000
The DPL-1000 is our flagship automatic depalletizer machine. Running at speeds up to 1400 cans per minute, it is a fully automated solution for large-scale operations. Accommodates full-height pallets, removes slip sheets automatically, and delivers continuous, efficient layer discharge.
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