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Pallet C e nt ral • S e ptem be r- O ctobe r 2 0 24 43 W ooden pallets are essential for transporting goods worldwide, from food products to construction materials. eir wide range of applications demands versatility and customization, while safety standards and environmental metrics require durability and reusability. Balancing these priorities can make it challenging for manufacturers to perfect a production process that meets all requirements. Navigating today's pallet requirements becomes straightforward with the pioneering Pallet Design System™ (PDS) software program. Leveraging its computational power, manufacturers can assess the strength of pallet components and predict product longevity in various environments. Over 40 years of evolution, PDS provides detailed structural and durability analyses, streamlining design, and ensuring pallets meet customer requirements while optimizing performance and sustainability. PDS exemplifies innovation, driving the industry forward by adapting to new challenges and opportunities. is article highlights how PDS features can enhance your business now and shape the future of pallet design. From expanding design capabilities to streamlining workflows, predicting pallet lifecycle and durability is crucial for meeting evolving customer demands. Op mizing Efficiency, Accuracy In Pallet Design Since 1984, the Pallet Design System™ (PDS) has helped manufacturers optimize pallet designs. By considering intended use and component performance, PDS recommends the best construction materials, replacing traditional hand-drawn or CAD designs. Kristen DeLack, PE, a structural engineer leading PDS, notes, "When manufacturers use PDS to design their pallets and run analysis on those designs, they can trust that the finished pallet will perform well." For years, Kristen has been helping the industry take a different approach to pallet design—one that is less costly, more accurate, and results in better outputs. Key Factors At Play When PDS measures the strength and longevity of different pallet designs, it looks at every pallet component. Here are some of the things that PDS assesses: • How strong are the joints? • Do the fasteners—like nails, screws, and bolts—have any known vulnerabilities? • How large is the load that this specific pallet will support? • What lumber is being used? How is it assembled? • What is the structure of the pallet? Is it a stringer pallet or a block pallet? • What environment will the pallet be used in? Is it wet or dry, harsh or benign? By incorporating this level of detail into its model, PDS can produce a comprehensive report that factors in each pallet's unique design properties. Pallet manufacturers can then use the ratings from PDS to redesign the pallet, leading to more efficient, cost- effective, and higher-quality pallet production processes across the board. PDS And Safety Standards Safety is a top priority for all industry experts in any design process. Manufacturers want their own design and production process to be incident-free, and they also want their customers to be able to use pallets with complete confidence, knowing they will support the load safely and not cause undue stress at any point. "ere are strong standards in the industry," shared Kristen. "e NWPCA publishes a set of industry standards—the Uniform Standard for Wooden Pallets. at set of standards is embedded within the PDS platform, making it easy for manufacturers who use the software to abide by all NWPCA requirements." e Pallet Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization that works closely with NWPCA to advance the science behind pallet design. Millions of dollars have been invested in R&D, with at least one new version released annually. e Association oversees PDS development through a strong network of PDS advisory boards, the board of directors, and leading pallet manufacturers and end users. "We are a self-regulated industry," commented Kristen. "If you want an industry-compliant pallet, you must use PDS or do independent laboratory testing, which can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. NWPCA has sponsored 40 years of applied research into wooden pallets. e full results can only be accessed using PDS." Regional Considera ons Because many pallet manufacturers have customers worldwide, only a computer system like PDS can cater to regional differences. For instance, block pallets are preferred in some markets, while stringer pallets are predominant in others. Lumber species, both domestic and international, are analyzed in the design. In the EU, some stakeholders use an ISO standard to test each pallet. "We are exploring the addition of that standard into PDS so that users can run an analysis and predict the outcomes of the ISO test," explained Brad Gething, PhD, vice president of science and technology. Manufacturing Benefits • Durability Testing: PDS evaluates pallet joints, fasteners, and overall structure, crucial for heavy-duty applications. • Environmental Impact: PDS helps reduce the environmental footprint of pallets by extending their lifecycles and improving sustainability. e new "Carbon Impact Assessment" simplifies understanding the environmental impact of wood pallets.

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