Motek introduces dedicated injection molds for heavy-duty grid-style Chuan-character (川字) plastic pallets. The "川字" configuration features three longitudinal bottom runners resembling the Chinese character "川," creating forklift-entry channels on two sides while maintaining a grid-reinforced top deck for load distribution. These pallets are engineered for logistics, warehousing, and industrial handling where high dynamic and static load capacity, forklift compatibility, and dimensional stability are essential. The core challenges in mold development lie in deep-rib forming with balanced filling, side-core pulling for forklift openings, and warpage control across the large flat pallet body. Motek addresses these through hot runner systems, optimized cooling, and robust demolding mechanisms, helping customers achieve stable mass production of heavy-duty pallets.











| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Applicable Plastics | HDPE / PP (high-strength grades; PP+GF optional for enhanced rigidity) |
| Mold Material | P20 / 718H / 2738 / H13 (cavity and core); 1.2344ESR optional for extended life |
| Number of Cavities | 1×1 (single cavity for large pallets) |
| Mold Life | 500,000–1,000,000 shots |
| Cycle Time | 120–180 seconds (depending on pallet size and cooling design) |
| Injection Machine | 800T–2000T+ (depending on pallet dimensions) |
| Runner System | Hot runner (multi-point, balanced filling) |
| Demolding Method | Ejector pins + angled lifter for central groove release |
| Standard Compliance | ISO 8611 load testing reference |
Deep-Rib Forming with Balanced Filling.
The grid-reinforced deck and three longitudinal runners create a complex rib network with varying wall thickness. Motek employs hot runner systems with multi-point gate layouts to ensure balanced melt distribution across the large pallet body, preventing short shots in thin-rib areas and over-packing in thick sections. Mold flow analysis verifies filling completeness at rib intersections and runner junctions.
Side-Core Pulling for Forklift Openings.
The Chuan-character configuration creates forklift-entry channels on two sides that require side-core pulling during demolding. Motek designs side-core mechanisms (sliders or hydraulic core-pullers) that retract before ejection, ensuring clean forklift opening formation without damaging the pallet body. The side-core action is sequenced with the ejection system to prevent interference.
Angled Lifter for Central Groove Release.
The central longitudinal runner between the forklift channels forms a deep groove that can adhere to the mold during ejection. Motek incorporates trapezoidal angled lifter mechanisms positioned between the left and right cavity sections. As the ejector plate rises, these lifters apply lateral force to separate the central groove from the mold, preventing damage from tight adhesion at the straight parting line.
Warpage Control Across the Large Flat Body.
Large pallets are prone to warpage due to uneven cooling across thick and thin sections. Motek designs zoned cooling circuits covering the deck surface, runner undersides, and thick junction areas separately, with independent temperature control for each zone. Conformal cooling channels follow part contours to minimize hot spots and dimensional variation.
Structural Reinforcement for Heavy Loads.
The grid pattern and three-runner design distribute loads across the pallet surface. Motek optimizes rib thickness and junction geometry through mold flow analysis, ensuring the pallet meets dynamic and static load requirements. Reinforcement at fork-entry corners and runner transitions prevents stress concentration under repeated forklift handling.
Dimensional Consistency and Stacking Tolerance.
For pallets used in automated racking and stacking systems, dimensional consistency is critical. Motek applies tight tolerance control to overall dimensions, fork-entry spacing, and deck flatness, with first-article inspection reports provided for customer verification.
The table below lists reference mold dimensions for common Chuan-character/grid pallet sizes, compiled from industry literature and mold maker disclosures. Actual mold dimensions vary depending on product structure, cavity count, hot runner brand, and cooling system design. Motek provides customized mold dimension proposals based on customer 3D pallet drawings and injection machine specifications.
| Pallet Size (mm) | Mold Outer Dimensions (mm) | Mold Weight / Notes | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100×800 | 1460×1320×756 | Net weight approx. 8.1 tons | Industry literature |
| 1140×800×155 | 1520×1450×1033 | Mold base 45#, inserts/sliders P20 | Mold maker |
| 1100×1100×120 | 1620×1620×1060 | Single cavity, 20-point hot runner | Commercial platform |
| 1200×1000×150 | 1540×1540×1080 | Mold weight approx. 15,000 kg | Mold maker |
| 1100×1100×120 | 1790×1510×1040 | Mold weight approx. 17,000 kg | Mold maker |
| 1300×1100×150 | 1800×1650×1060 | Single cavity, 22-point hot runner | Commercial platform |
| 1200×1200×150 | 1800×1800×1100 | Single cavity | Mold maker |
Motek heavy-duty grid / Chuan-character plastic pallet molds are suitable for:
After the customer provides 3D product drawings, load requirements, and dimensional specifications, Motek completes mold flow analysis (including rib filling evaluation, cooling optimization, and warpage prediction) and mold structure confirmation; mold steel and hot runner systems are procured according to agreed specifications; progress and key milestones are regularly reported during processing. During trial molding, emphasis is placed on verifying dimensional accuracy, flatness, load-bearing performance, and demolding smoothness, with samples and inspection reports provided. Before shipment, molds undergo anti-rust treatment and action testing, with water circuit diagrams, hot runner wiring diagrams, consumable parts lists, and maintenance instructions provided. Technical support is available during the warranty period, with lifetime maintenance consultation.
Motek — From standard pallets to heavy-duty Chuan-character designs, providing reliable mold solutions for industrial logistics and material handling.