NWPCA Releases Pallet Design System™ 6.2

WHAT’S NEW IN PDS 6.2

PDS 6.2 makes it possible to design overlap-base block pallets with recessed bottom decks. It also contains an important extension to our unit load for boxes analysis capabilities.

Improvements and new features included in PDS 6.2 are:

• Filler boards and trenched stringer boards can be added to overlap base block pallets.
• Interlock stacked boxes can be analyzed for unit loads.
• Forklifting from the end of stringer pallets can be analyzed when there is no stringer between the fork tines.
• Improved properties for air dried softwood pallets that are assembled green and dried prior to use.
• The PDS installer is now available in many languages, in addition to English: German, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese

PDS 6.2 can draw and analyze a new family of overlap-base block pallets having uninterrupted, flat bottom decks. Pallets with flush bottom decks are advantageous when stacking unit loads such as drums. The deck engages over more of the top surface of the bottom unit load, providing better support to the upper unit loads and reducing the risk of damage to the cargo on the bottom pallet. Overlap base pallets can be made stronger and more durable than perimeter base pallets due to the better connections in the bottom deck. Now you can have the best of both worlds – a strong overlap-base pallet which has a flat and continuous bottom deck. This is essential for designing CP-9 pallets which are popular in the chemical industry. The gaps that would normally be there between the deckboards are either filled with nailed-on filler boards or the deckboards are recessed into a thicker stringer board that has been trenched (dadoed) to accept them.

PDS 6.2 allows interlock stacked box unit loads to be analyzed. Interlock stacking tends to shift more loads away from the pallet while greatly reducing the crushing resistance of the boxes. While not lending itself towards optimization of corrugated boxes, it is used to improve the stability of unit loads, particularly, when stretch wrap or other stabilizers have not been applied.

CONTACT

Brad Gething, PhD
NWPCA Director of Science & Technology Integration
Phone: 703.519.6104 Ext. 215
Email

ABOUT PALLET DESIGN SYSTEM™

The Pallet Design System™ software provides fully engineered and safe pallet designs, delivered in a professional manner. Nearly 450 major pallet manufacturers in more than 30 countries around the world use PDS to create 3-D designs that are comprehensive, detailed and efficient. In addition to predicting safe load capacity and deflection under load, PDS provides detailed specifications in 2-D and 3-D drawings for virtually any wood pallet design. PDS is a proprietary software of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association. For more information on PDS, visit www.palletdesignsystem.com.