Smart palletising Alutec’s response to the challenges of modern automation

At a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, the packaging industry is undergoing a phase of critical transformation, driven by tighter regulations, a shortage of skilled labour, and mounting cost pressures. Against this backdrop, Alutec mades its presence felt at interpack 2026, where over 2,800 exhibitors came together to present their solutions and seize the opportunity to exchange views on automation, materials and expertise – the three key drivers shaping the future of the processing and packaging industries.

Custom engineering and customer-focused approach
Among the exhibitors, Alutec stands out with over 20 years of expertise in aluminium processing and the design of custom solutions for industrial automation. A flagship example is its stainless-steel Cartesian palletiser.
Alutec’s approach is clearly reflected in the technologies it develops: systems conceived to meet address production needs, easily adaptable to existing layouts and line constraints, with no compromise on accuracy and safety.

Uncompromising flexibility by design
Every production line has its own footprint, formats, and workflows. The Alutec palletiser is engineered for seamless integration, minimising the need for structural modifications. Key features include optimised access points, safety light curtains where applicable, and grippers configurable to the product.

Tailored performance
The system handles loads of up to 25 kg, with a throughput of 4-6 cycles per minute and palletising heights of up to 2 metres. These specifications make it particularly suitable for the pet food sector, while also addressing the requirements of pharmaceuticals, food, light automotive, components, and logistics. At the heart of the system is the gripping unit, available with suction cups, dedicated grippers, combined solutions or custom configurations, enabling the handling of flexible, rigid, and irregular items. A roller conveyor with pneumatic centring device and brushless motors complete the system, reducing maintenance requirements and increasing overall efficiency.

Built-in safety
The palletiser is equipped with safety interlocks, operator control panels, integrated emergency buttons, and controlled restart systems. The stainless-steel structure ensures hygiene in food and pharmaceutical environments, while also providing durability and ease of cleaning for automotive and mechanical applications.
Automated palletising also supports compliance with occupational health and safety regulations by reducing repetitive manual handling, while improving accuracy – a critical factor for pallets destined for containers and international shipping.

Beyond functionality
For Alutec, automation, precision, and flexibility are core engineering principles. These are fully embodied in its Cartesian palletiser, a solution designed for real-world plants, with space-constrained layouts and continuous operation, capable of turning automation into a tangible competitive advantage.