Cartesian robots move along 3 axes; x, y and z. Each movement is along a straight line with no cylindrical movement. Usually in palletizing, there is no need to rotate a package at odd angles, say 45 degree. So, it is quite common for the rotational unit to either be at rest 0 degree or to rotate to 90 degree with a mechanical stop to prohibit motion past that point. It is possible however, to graduate the motion so that any angular rotation is possible. This graduated rotation adds to the cost of the unit.

Cartesian robots generally lift mid size loads 50 to 100 lbs adequately, at slower speeds than other types of robots. However, this type of robot is also generally lower priced than the other styles of robots.

SCARA robots have joints in the horizontal plane, which allow the arm to swivel about its base and fold in on itself. Its work envelope is cylindrical. These robots maneuver cartons through four axis movement using a mast and cross arm.

Source:http://www.robotic-palletizer.com/robotic-palletizing.htm

The gantry is the slowest of all the palletizer types, but also the most flexible in the number of pallets it can pick from and place to at the same time.

Gantry systems are commonly used in large OFS (Order Fulfillment Systems) where they can travel to one of the many pallets retrieving cases or layers of cases and place that load onto one or many outbound pallets. Although the speed is slower, it is usually very expensive.

Source:http://www.material--handling--system.com/gantry-palletizing.htm

High speed palletizing is an extension of the original dedicated palletizers and unitizers developed in the 50's. When pricing palletizers, speed is usually the primary consideration. However, higher price does not always equal higher speed.

One of the primary rules of palletizing is that the more cases per layer, the higher the speed. So, a machine that handles a 12 case layer at 36 cases per minute, may have a limitation of 12 cases per minute at 4 cases per layer. Or, in other words, the palletizer can do 3 layers per minute, if there are a lot of cases per layer, the palletizer can palletize many cases per minute. However, if there are only a few cases per layer, then the palletizer’s true speed is slower.

Source:http://www.material--handling--system.com/high-speed-palletizing.htm

Palletizing is actually to store or move by means of pallets. In recent years, robotic palletizes have gained acceptance. Primarily due to their flexibility and size. Size is often a determining factor in picking the type of palletizer that is right for you. Robotic systems can fit into tighter areas than a traditional palletizer.

Examples of Palletizing:

1) High Speed Palletizing

2) Gantry Palletizing

3) Robotic Palletizing