A panel stack is protected at its weakest surface, which is the edge. MDF and particleboard take moisture through an unprotected edge faster than through the face, and a band tensioned directly on that edge both crushes it and opens it to the air. Paper edge protectors close the edge line, spread the band, and add almost nothing to the weight of the lift.
Profile data for panel stacks
| Panel | Profile | Band practice |
|---|
| MDF 18 mm | L 50 x 50, 4 mm | Moderate tension, thick protector |
| Plywood 18 mm | L 50 x 50, 3 mm | Standard tension, two bands |
| HPL faced board | L 60 x 60, 3 mm white | White top, no colour transfer |
| Particleboard | L 60 x 60, 4 mm | Edge is friable, wider leg |
| Single panel, both faces | U profile up to 260 mm open | Protects both faces and the edge |
Edge crush versus edge swelling
Crush is mechanical: the band or the fork tine presses the edge and the core compresses, so the panel measures short and the stack no longer sits flat. It shows up as a rounded edge on the outer sheets and as a loose band on the pallet.
Swelling is moisture: an open edge absorbs water from humid air or a wet pallet deck and the core expands locally, which shows as a raised lip under the laminate. A paper protector does not waterproof an edge, but it does keep the band from opening the core and it slows the direct contact with a damp deck.
Three-face wrap and the width limit
For a single panel that has to be protected on both faces plus the edge, a U or three-face profile is the correct part, and on our lines that profile can open to a maximum of 260 mm across all three faces. Panels thicker than that need two L profiles back to back rather than one wide wrap.
For a stack, an L profile on each corner plus a rim board top and bottom is the normal build. The L takes the vertical corner of the stack, the rim board takes the horizontal band line.
Banding practice on a panel stack
Band over the protector, never beside it. Two bands per stack length is usual for panels up to 2.4 m, three above that. Where the band crosses a corner, the protector must sit under the crossing point, otherwise the band pulls the two boards apart.
Watch the band tension on MDF: it compresses more than plywood, so a band tightened to plywood tension will be loose on MDF by the time the truck arrives. Set tension per material, and use a thicker protector on MDF rather than more tension.
Questions buyers ask before ordering
Can one U profile protect both faces of a panel?
Yes, up to 260 mm across three faces. Above that, use two L profiles back to back.
Will paper protectors stop edge swelling?
They slow it and stop the band opening the core. They are not a moisture barrier, so a coated face is the right upgrade for a wet route.
What wall for a 30 sheet stack?
4 mm with 60 mm legs is the usual quote. Go to 5 mm if the stack is banded at high tension or moved by clamp truck.
Do you cut to the exact panel length?
Yes, to the millimetre, and each bundle is labelled by length for mixed orders.
Can the profile be printed with the panel grade?
Yes. Printing the grade and thickness on the edge protection is a simple way to stop mixing on the line.
Mail the dimensions you need, the number of pallets per month and the destination port to mona@hengnicepacking.com for a costed offer.
