Modularization of package sizes [German version]


The aim of the modular system is to tailor the various technical components in the transportation chain, such as packages, cargo units, pallets, containers, transport vehicles to each other so as to optimize the economic viability and safety of transport operations.

Packaging sizes are in particular adjusted to the internationally standard pallet dimensions of 800 mm x 1200 mm and 1000 mm x 1200 mm. Using pallet dimensions firstly has economic advantages (better utilization of payload area). Secondly, there are also technical advantages because the cargo may accordingly more readily and safely be secured on the pallet.

Current DIN standards make a fundamental distinction between the following terms:

Area module: The area module in the transportation chain is a rectangle of 600 mm x 400 mm.

Area module multiple: The area module multiple is defined as any rectangle which may be formed without gaps from an integral multiple of the area module. This includes, for example, the internationally usual pallet dimensions of 800 mm x 1200 mm.

Sub-multiples: Sub-multiples are obtained by integral division of the area module into identically sized areas. These dimensions are defined in so-called selection series.

Depending upon the size of the item to be packed, the packaging may be designed such that its external dimensions match those of the area module or a sub-multiple, such that the payload area of the pallets is 100% utilized. It is often difficult or impossible to adopt the modular system for large items, such as fridges etc.. It is simpler to package small items or bulk cargoes in accordance with the modular system.

The following tables show an overview of the number and arrangement of packages of varying sizes on pallets of dimensions 800 mm x 1200 mm and 1000 mm x 1200 mm. Please click on the appropriate package size.

  Pallet size 800 mm x 1200 mm
Package
size [mm]		 600 x 100 600 x 133 600 x 200 600 x 400
300 x 100 300 x 133 300 x 200 300 x 400
200 x 100 200 x 133 200 x 200 200 x 400
150 x 100 150 x 133 150 x 200 150 x 400
120 x 100 120 x 133 120 x 200 120 x 400


  Pallet size 1000 mm x 1200 mm
Package
size [mm]		 600 x 100 600 x 133 600 x 200 600 x 400
300 x 100 300 x 133 300 x 200 300 x 400
200 x 100 200 x 133 200 x 200 200 x 400
150 x 100 150 x 133 150 x 200 150 x 400
120 x 100 120 x 133 120 x 200 120 x 400


Table 1: Selection series for certain package sizes and arrangement of packages on an 800 mm x 1200 mm pallet

Size of
package
[mm]		 Number of
packages
per layer		 Arrangement Alternative
600 x 100 16
600 x 133 12  
600 x 200 8
600 x 400 4  
300 x 100 32
300 x 133 24  
300 x 200 16
300 x 400 8  
200 x 100 48
200 x 133 36  
200 x 200 24  
200 x 400 12
150 x 100 64
150 x 133 48  
150 x 200 32
150 x 400 16  
120 x 100 80  
120 x 133 60  
120 x 200 40  
120 x 400 20  


Table 2: Selection series for certain package sizes and arrangement of packages on a 1000 mm x 1200 mm pallet:

Size of
package
[mm]		 Number of
packages
per layer		 Arrangement Alternative
600 x 100 20
600 x 133 15  
600 x 200 10
600 x 400 5  
300 x 100 40  
300 x 133 30  
300 x 200 20
300 x 400 10  
200 x 100 60  
200 x 133 45  
200 x 200 30  
200 x 400 15
150 x 100 80  
150 x 133 60  
150 x 200 40
150 x 400 20  
120 x 100 100  
120 x 133 75  
120 x 200 50  
120 x 400 25  


The following is a list of the most important DIN standards relating to modularity:

DIN 30 783, Pt. 1: Modular order in the transportation chain; horizontal dimensional coordination; terminology, principles
DIN 30 798, Pt. 1: Modular systems; modular coordination; terminology
DIN 55 509: Payload areas in packaging; terminology
DIN 55 510: Packaging; modular coordination in packaging; modular sub-multiples of the 600 mm x 400 mm area module
DIN 55 511, Pt. 1: Packaging containers; cartons manufactured from millboard or corrugated board, adjusted to 600 mm x 400 mm (area module); folding cartons with bottom and top flaps.
DIN 55 511, Pt. 3: Packaging containers; cartons manufactured from millboard or corrugated board, adjusted to 600 mm x 400 mm (area module); telescope cartons
DIN 55 520: Payload areas for shipping packages derived from the 800 mm x 1200 mm and 1000 mm x 1200 mm payload areas
DIN 55 521, Pt. 1: Packaging containers; cartons manufactured from millboard or corrugated board, adjusted to 800 mm x 1200 mm or 1000 mm x 1200 mm (payload area); folding cartons with bottom and top flaps
DIN 55 521, Pt. 2: Packaging containers; cartons manufactured from millboard or corrugated board, adjusted to 800 mm x 1200 mm or 1000 mm x 1200 mm (payload area); telescope cartons
DIN 55 522: Packaging containers; cartons manufactured from cardboard; folding cartons with tuck-in bottom and lid; determination of carton dimensions