Industrial Crate, Returnable Packaging and Parts Washers
FORCHEM industrial washing equipment
Crate, Returnable Packaging and Parts Washers
FORCHEM industrial tunnel and cabinet washers are designed for crates, KLT containers, returnable packaging, pallets, industrial trays, blister inserts and production parts. Applications include food processing, logistics, automotive manufacturing and other industrial operations. Equipment is engineered for the items being cleaned: the term “crate washer” does not restrict the machine to crates alone.
Custom tunnel washers can be configured for the dimensions, materials and geometry of pallets, trays, blister inserts, KLT containers or components. Tunnel cross-sections, conveyors, guides, item orientation, spray nozzles, washing zones and optional drying are specified accordingly. Final dimensions and throughput are determined for each application. Send us dimensions, photos and technical requirements.
For continuous applications, explore our modular tunnel washers, including the MP 150, MP 150S with one drying module and MP 150 2S with two drying modules. Cabinet washers can suit batch cleaning or smaller production runs. Selection depends on production flow, part geometry, contamination and required cleanliness.
Each system is designed around washing and rinsing stages, spray pressure and flow, material handling and acceptable residual moisture. Drying modules, return conveyors and automated loading can be included where appropriate but are not standard features of every model.
Depending on the specification, systems use AISI 304 stainless steel, appropriately positioned nozzles, filtration and controlled conveyor movement. Water, energy and detergent consumption, as well as achievable throughput, depend on the application and operating conditions.
FORCHEM has experience supplying industrial washing technology to hundreds of facilities. Our technical proposals consider cleaning performance, handling, maintainability and integration with production lines.
- Custom washing of crates, KLT, pallets, trays, blister inserts and parts
- Adaptable tunnels, nozzles, conveyors and process zones
- Optional drying: without a module, with one or two modules depending on the model
- Automation and production-line integration options
Considering a temporary rental instead of purchasing equipment? IECS containerised industrial washing equipment rental may be an option for suitable crates, KLT containers and returnable packaging. The rental system has its own technical limits and is not suitable for every custom application. See IECS rental details for enquiry options.
How to choose industrial washing equipment
Which industrial washing system fits your process? Machine size and nominal items-per-hour capacity are only part of the decision. The item's geometry and material, type of contamination, handling method and target cleanliness all influence the equipment design.
What details help us prepare a technical proposal?
- Item type and dimensions: crate, KLT container, pallet, industrial tray, blister insert, part or other returnable packaging; outer dimensions, material, photos or a sample.
- Contamination and cleaning target: what must be removed, whether recesses are hard to reach, and whether rinsing or drying is required.
- Throughput and operating pattern: items per hour or shift, continuous flow or batches.
- Handling and integration: manual, conveyor or robotic loading, available floor space and utility connections.
For repetitive, higher-volume crate washing, a tunnel washer may be a suitable starting point. With varied parts and smaller batches, a cabinet washer is also worth evaluating. The final configuration depends on the specific application.
Next step: send us dimensions, photos and required throughput so we can start a technical assessment.
Returnable packaging washing by type
KLT container washing equipment
KLT and E-KLT containers carry parts between production, storage and suppliers. System design considers container dimensions, ribs, drainage and handling on the line.
Explore tunnel washers or share a sample and your required hourly throughput.
Custom industrial pallet washing systems
FORCHEM custom pallet washers can be engineered for industrial pallets based on dimensions, material and contamination. Tunnel cross-section, conveyors, guides and spray nozzles are tailored for access to the required surfaces and water drainage.
Actual system dimensions, throughput and any drying stage depend on the application. Send pallet dimensions, photos or drawings to discuss a suitable design.
Industrial tray washing options
Industrial tray, carrier and insert washing can be handled by a custom-designed tunnel washer. Tunnel dimensions, item positioning, conveyors and spray nozzles are specified for the geometry, material, cleanliness requirements and drainage.
Optional drying can be included where required by downstream operations. The final design and throughput are determined from a sample or technical specification.
Blister and formed insert washing
Blister inserts and formed returnable packaging can be washed with a custom-engineered FORCHEM tunnel system. Recesses, trapped water and contamination determine item orientation, nozzle layout, drainage and any drying stage.
A blister washer is also mentioned in the Logicon project article. We specify the configuration and required throughput for the particular insert or packaging type.
Our Motto: “5× PRO Washers”
Drawing on established methods used in industrial production, our “5× PRO” approach helps balance wash quality, required throughput and operating costs from the design stage.
- PRO – FMEA – Prevent defects already in design and process setup. Handover includes configuration to the customer’s operation, backed by our long-standing practical experience.
- PRO – LEAN – Performance without unnecessary waste. Washing stages, conveyor pace and optional drying are configured for the items and the operating process.
- PRO – SMED – Rapid product changeover. The design supports faster changeover between part sizes and helps reduce downtime during production changes.
- PRO – TPM – Low downtime and simple maintenance. Accessible assemblies and preventive care help reduce the risk of faults and unplanned downtime.
- PRO – CBA – Cost awareness. Depending on the configuration, water heating options including a Panasonic heat pump can be assessed. Actual benefits and savings depend on the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many crates can a tunnel washer clean per hour?
We match capacity to your line speed and soil type. Typically dozens to hundreds of pcs/hour.
What drying options do you offer?
Optional drying: standard convection drying (fans/heating) and compressed-air drying (“air-knife”) connected to an industrial compressor — fast water blow-off from edges and ribs.
What crate sizes do you support?
Standard E-KLT/Euro crates as well as custom sizes; we tailor the tunnel and baskets to fit.
Can KLT containers be washed?
Yes. Standard E-KLT/Euro containers are already included among the supported types. We check dimensions, handling and required throughput for the specific application.
Can you wash pallets, industrial trays and blister inserts?
Yes. FORCHEM tunnel washers can be custom-engineered for pallets, trays, blister inserts and production parts, not just crates. Conveyor handling, nozzles and washing or drying zones are specified for the dimensions, material, contamination and required throughput. Send your requirements.