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Calculating A Container From Pallets And Boxes

The purpose of this example is to explain how to fill a group of boxes with wood panels and then load pallets and containers. In this case, we know the dimensions of the cases that will be used for filling with panels. The first step is to add the box we will use. In this case, it's dimensions are 800x800x100 mm. We run Quick Pallet Maker and open the Standard Cases & Pallets Window. In this window, we store the list of boxes that can be reused and filled with different packages. In the second tab of the window, we store the list of ready-to-use pallets and containers. To create a new box, we select one from the list... Example 01
And then use "Edit -> Duplicate" to copy this item to the end of the list. Example 01
Once we have created the new box item, we double-click on the dimensions and change them to 800x800x100 mm. In order to eliminate results from other standard cases, we change the standard box class from "Box" to another name such as "Carton". Example 01
Once this is done, we open a new document window starting from primary package dimensions. Since in this part, we will only concentrate on how the panels fit in the cartons, we enter their dimensions 300x30x70 and their weight = 0.3kg. We select "Fill Standard Cases" to add as many panels as possible to the case we selected and choose "Carton" from the standard case type list to make sure that we only calculate the fill for the 800x800x100 box. Example 01
After selecting "Tools -> Recalculate", we obtain a pallet with the flat boxes filled with rectangular panels. Example 01
Our next step is to save the box to a file. We do this by choosing "File -> Export -> Box -> File (XML)". Example 01
This gives us a window where we can choose the location of the saved file. If you wish to download the file from the example, click here. Example 01
Once we have saved the file, we will reopen it to calculate the box placed on its side on a pallet. Mostly, placing boxes on their sides is discouraged because of the reduced compression resistance of a box that is not upright. However, it is allowed for this example. Our next step is to open a new Start From Box window by choosing "File -> New Data Sheet -> Start From Box". Example 01
Once we are here, we click on the "Import Box" button to bring the carton we had saved before. Then, we set up the pallet type (1200x800 Europallet) and restrictions (2600 mm max height for fitting into a 40' High Cube container) and select "Length" and "Width" as allowable dimensions vertical to the pallet height. Example 01
After using "Tools -> Recalculate", we obtain a list of pallets that fit the selected box. We choose the last one because it was one that fit the most boxes on the pallet. Example 01
The next step is to open the Layer Editor by choosing the appropriate command from the Tools menu. Within the Layer Editor, we select "Toggle Pallet View" from the View menu until we see the isometric view. There we choose "View All Layers" and select the last layer. The top box will be selected as in the screenshot to the right. From there, we choose "Edit -> Duplicate" to create a new and identical box. Example 01
After duplicating, the pallet should look like the one in the graphic to the right. Example 01
We edit the box location (X,Y,Z) so it will rest on top of the pallet, providing more stability and increasing the height to the still-allowable of 2,500 mm. Example 01
If we click on "OK", we will see the pallet at the end of the list again. Example 01
We add straps and corner posts to provide a means to obtain the required pallet stability. This is done by selecting the appropriate commands from the View menu. The next step is to select "Tools -> Load Container" so that the selected pallet can be used for filling a given container. Example 01
A new window will appear in which we will see a list in the middle featuring the pallet we just created. We select "40' High Cube" from the container type list and then choose "Tools -> Recalculate". Example 01
The program will calculate how many of the pallets, which measure 1200x800x2500 mm, fit into the 40 foot High Cube container. Example 01
To finish the report, we choose "Tools -> Distribute Load Weight" to center the pallets in the container for transportation. Example 01

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