Classic Field-Character Grid Pallet Mold with Four-Way Forklift Entry — Product Introduction (Motek Pallet Mold Series)
Classic Field-Character Grid Pallet Mold with Four-Way Forklift Entry — Product Introduction (Motek Pallet Mold Series)
Product Positioning
Motek introduces dedicated injection molds for classic Field-character (田字) grid plastic pallets with four-way forklift entry. The Field-character configuration divides the pallet base into four rectangular grid zones via cross-shaped reinforcement ribs, with forklift openings positioned at the quadrant boundaries to enable entry from all four sides. This structure balances load distribution, stacking stability, and handling flexibility, making it a mainstream choice for warehousing, logistics, and racking applications. The core challenges in mold development lie in four-side slider core-pulling for the forklift openings, balanced filling of the Field-character rib network, and composite ejection for the high-rigidity pallet body. Motek addresses these through multi-directional core-pulling mechanisms, multi-point hot runner systems, and composite ejection designs, helping customers achieve stable mass production of Field-character grid pallets.
Core Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Applicable Plastics | PP / HDPE (high-rigidity grades; PP commonly used for Field-character pallets) |
| Mold Material | P20 / 718H / H13 / S136 (cavity and core), selected according to output and wear requirements |
| Number of Cavities | 1×1 (single cavity for large pallets) |
| Mold Life | 500,000–1,000,000 shots (depending on steel selection) |
| Cycle Time | Depending on pallet size and cooling design; hot runner and optimized cooling can effectively shorten cycles |
| Injection Machine | 1,800T–2,800T (for 1200×1000mm class single-cavity molds) |
| Runner System | Hot runner (typically 12 points for single-layer pallets; 20–24 points for double-layer or large-format pallets) |
| Forklift Entry | Four-way entry (all four sides accessible) |
| Steel Tube Option | Configurable per customer load grade; typically 7 tube positions, with rack load requiring full tube installation |
Product Features
Four-Side Slider Core-Pulling for Forklift Openings.
The Field-character layout creates undercut forklift openings on all four sides, requiring synchronized core-pulling before ejection. Motek references industry-proven configurations: large sliders with hydraulic cylinders for top and operator/non-operator side undercuts, angled guide pin + large slider for bottom-side undercuts, and a cross-auxiliary-rod angled lifter for internal undercuts. The core-pulling action is sequenced with the ejection system to ensure all constraints are released before demolding, preventing damage to the forklift opening edges. Sliders can incorporate built-in cooling circuits to maintain dimensional stability during continuous production.
Composite Ejection for High-Rigidity Pallet Bodies.
Field-character pallets are rigid, high-load structures that resist single-point ejection. Motek adopts a composite ejection mechanism: multiple ejection units are fixed on the lower mold plate side walls, with ejection cylinders driving ejection rods whose ends locate in T-slots of the ejection plate, enabling simultaneous ejection at multiple mold positions. This approach improves ejection efficiency and ensures flat demolding across the large pallet body, avoiding deformation or grid rib damage. Ejection points are preferentially arranged at Field-character rib intersections and leg root areas where structural rigidity is highest.
Balanced Filling of the Field-Character Rib Network.
The cross-shaped reinforcement ribs divide the pallet base into four grid zones, creating varied flow path lengths from the center gate to each zone extremity. Motek employs a multi-point hot runner system (typically 12 points for single-layer 1200×1000mm class pallets) to balance melt delivery across all four quadrants. Mold flow analysis verifies filling completeness at rib intersections and grid extremities, preventing short shots or over-packing that could compromise load-bearing performance. The Field-character forming inserts can be designed as segmented interlocking components to ensure high flatness without secondary machining.
Dimensional Control for Four-Way Entry Compatibility.
Field-character pallets must interface reliably with forklifts from all four sides. Motek applies tight tolerance control to forklift opening dimensions, fork entry heights, and overall pallet squareness, ensuring consistent four-way entry across production batches. Slider core-pulling mechanisms are guided with precision to maintain opening dimensional accuracy over repeated cycles.
Cooling and Warpage Control for the Ribbed Structure.
The thick Field-character ribs and thinner grid panels create uneven cooling rates that can cause warpage. Motek designs zoned cooling circuits covering the rib network and panel areas separately, with beryllium copper inserts embedded in thick rib sections where necessary to accelerate heat dissipation. Sliders and core inserts can be equipped with internal cooling to manage thermal load during high-cycle production.
Steel Tube Integration for Rack Load Upgrades.
Field-character pallets can be configured with internal steel tubes to enhance rack load capacity. Motek reserves tube channel forming positions in the mold design, allowing the same pallet platform to be produced in different load grades. Reference industry data: a standard Field-character pallet without steel tubes typically achieves 1.0T dynamic / 4.0T static load; with four or more steel tubes installed, dynamic load can increase to 1.5T, while rack storage generally requires full tube installation.
Load Specification Reference
The following data is compiled from industry product and mold maker disclosures for reference. Actual load performance varies by pallet size, material formulation, wall thickness design, and steel tube configuration. Motek provides customized mold design based on customer 3D drawings and target load grades.
| Pallet Size (mm) | Dynamic Load | Static Load | Rack Load | Steel Tube Notes | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200×1000×150 | 1 T | 4 T | — | Configurable | Mold maker |
| 1200×1200×150 | 1 T | 4 T | — | 4+ tubes → dynamic 1.5T; full tubes required for rack | Product spec |
| 1210 (1200×1000) | 1 T | 3 T | 1 T | — | Product listing |
| 1111 (1100×1100×150) | 2 T | 6 T | — | — | Product listing |
Applications
Motek classic Field-character grid pallet molds with four-way forklift entry are suitable for:
- Warehousing and logistics pallets requiring four-side forklift access
- Racking storage pallets (with steel tube reinforcement for rack load grades)
- Automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) compatible carriers
- Export and container transport pallets
- Standard Field-character pallet sizes (1200×1000mm, 1100×1100mm, 1200×800mm class)
Service Process
After the customer provides 3D product drawings, load requirements (dynamic/static/rack load), steel tube configuration, and injection machine specifications, Motek completes mold flow analysis (including Field-character quadrant filling balance, four-side core-pulling sequence verification, and warpage prediction) and mold structure confirmation; cavity steel, slider core-pulling components, 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 forklift opening dimensional accuracy, four-way entry compatibility, grid rib forming completeness, pallet flatness, and load-bearing performance, with samples and inspection reports provided. Before shipment, molds undergo anti-rust treatment and action testing, with water circuit diagrams, hot runner wiring diagrams, core-pulling sequence documentation, consumable parts lists, and maintenance instructions provided. Technical support is available during the warranty period, with lifetime maintenance consultation.
Motek — From Field-character grid pallets to Chuan-character flat-top pallets, providing reliable mold solutions for four-way entry logistics and warehousing plastic pallets.
