There are many types of pallet making machines, including injection molding machines, blow molding machines, thermoforming machines, etc.
In logistics warehouses, plastic pallets can be found almost everywhere. Because they are particularly strong and durable, easy to clean and disinfect, and can be recycled and reused, they are more popular than traditional wooden pallets – especially in food factories and pharmaceutical factories, which are particularly concerned with hygiene and durability.
Nowadays, people prefer to use plastic pallets, in fact, they just want to find a cost-saving and environmentally friendly solution to meet the needs of modern logistics.
To produce these pallets, you need to rely on machines and equipment specially made for plastic pallets, and different machines are responsible for different production links.
Common Types of Pallet Making Machines
As the core carrier of logistics warehousing, the production of plastic pallets relies on five major mainstream processes, corresponding to different equipment types:
- Injection Molding Machines
- Blow Molding Machines
- Thermoforming Machines
- Compression Molding Machines
- Extrusion Machines
Injection Molding Machines
Injection molding machines are the workhorses of the plastic pallet industry. They are responsible for the high-volume production of pallets with a consistent shape and design.
- Principle: By melting plastic particles (PP/HDPE, etc.) at high temperature, injecting them into the mold cavity under high pressure (140-158MPa), and cooling them to form a complex structure pallet.
- Advantages: Suitable for high-precision and high-strength pallets (such as nine-legged pallets and Sichuan-shaped pallets), and can handle 100% recycled materials.
- HAICHEN Case:
- In response to the demand for heavy pallets, HAICHEN Kseries (clamping force 3000 tons, injection volume 61073cm³) successfully produces steel-reinforced HDPE European pallets with a load capacity of 3 tons.
Blow Molding Machines
Blow molding machines are used to make hollow plastic products, such as intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and certain types of pallets.
In operation, workers heat and soften a plastic tube called a parison, place it in a mold, and inject compressed air into it. The air pressure expands the softened parison and conforms to the mold wall, eventually forming a preset shape.
This process is particularly good at producing large, hollow containers, which are usually light and strong.
Thermoforming Machines
Thermoforming machines are used to produce plastic pallets. The working process is: the operator heats the plastic sheet to a softened state and then covers it on the surface of the mold to form it. The shape of the mold determines the final structure of the pallet.
Depending on the specific design requirements, this process has the flexibility to produce single-layer or double-layer pallets.
Compression Molding Machines
Operators often use compression molding machines to produce thermosetting plastic pallets. In specific operations, plastic particles are first filled into the lower mold of a heated metal mold (usually the temperature needs to reach the melting point of the material, about 150-200°C). And then the upper mold is closed under the action of hydraulic pressure (about 100-200 tons). Within 5-10 minutes of continuous pressurization, the material will completely fill the mold cavity and solidify into shape.
The pallets produced in this way have a dense structure and can stably carry 800-1500 kg of heavy objects. Which is particularly suitable for logistics scenarios with frequent turnover.
At present, mainstream equipment is divided into three categories: hydraulic presses have the highest precision and are suitable for complex structures; mechanical presses have the fastest production speed; and pneumatic presses are the easiest to operate.
Extrusion Machines
The extrusion production line pushes molten plastic (usually HDPE or PP materials) through a screw to continuously extrude plastic profiles of equal cross-sections.
The operator only needs to set parameters on the control panel, and the equipment can automatically complete the extrusion-cooling-cutting process. This automated production is particularly suitable for manufacturing standardized pallet parts, such as pallet legs and panels with the same cross-section. A single production line can produce 300-500 standard pallets per day.
Since the computer monitors the extrusion pressure (15-25MPa) and temperature (180-220℃) throughout the process. The dimensional error of the finished product can be controlled within ±0.5mm, ensuring the stability of the pallet when stacking.
Plastic Pallet Equipment Selection Guide
Key Parameter Decision Matrix
| Demand Scenario | Core Indicator | HAICHEN Recommended Model |
| Heavy Pallet (>1.5 tons) | Clamping Force ≥2500 tons | BU-V 4000 tons series |
| High-speed mass production | Injection rate>100g/s | BM260-MT Upgraded Version |
| Recycled Material | Production Bimetallic Screw + High Compression Ratio | HCK Series (L/D Ratio 20:1) |
| Fully Automatic | Integrated Robot Arm Interface | HCK230+Techmation PLC |
Cost Optimization Suggestions
Mold Design: HAICHEN provides “ANOLE Hot Runner + Copper Guide Bushing” mold solution, which extends the life by 3 times.
Energy Management: Servo motor injection molding machine saves 50% energy compared to hydraulic press.
HAICHEN: The Manufacturer of Plastic Pallet Injection Molding Machines
HAICHEN focuses on the research and development and manufacturing of plastic pallet injection molding machines. Since its establishment in 2005, we have ensured that the equipment maintains stable performance output in production through continuous technology iteration (such as the development of servo energy-saving systems) and strict quality control processes. At present, the products cover the clamping force range from 90T to 3000T, including 7 major series. Such as standard type and servo energy-saving type. Which can adapt to the mass production needs of pallets of different specifications.
In actual applications, our equipment reflects the core value through three points:
- Precision control: A closed-loop control system is used to ensure that the pallet size error is ≤0.3mm, meeting the stacking compatibility requirements of logistics equipment;
- Energy consumption optimization: The servo model saves 40%-60% energy compared to traditional hydraulic presses, directly reducing the customer’s unit production cost;
- Stability guarantee: Key components use international brands (such as Siemens PLC), and the average annual downtime is controlled within 8 hours.
Choosing a plastic pallet making machine depends on the specific requirements of the pallet design, the materials used and the desired production volume. Each machine type offers unique advantages and is tailored to specific production needs.
