Turning Cross Conveyor

Overview

The Industrial Kinetics Turning Cross is an inline pallet-handling conveyor module designed to change the orientation of palletized or unitized loads relative to the direction of travel while maintaining controlled, predictable flow. Turning Cross units are used to rotate loads within a conveyor line to meet downstream orientation requirements without introducing secondary transfers or manual handling.



Industrial Kinetics Turning Crosses are engineered-to-order assemblies built around robust live-roller conveyor construction and proven rotating cross mechanisms. Multiple lift and rotation strategies are available, allowing each Turning Cross to be tailored to pallet size, load characteristics, and system layout.

Specifications

Controls

Load Capacities

Options

Non-Standard Features

Why Choose Us

Industrial Kinetics Turning Crosses are built on decades of experience designing pallet-class live roller conveyor equipment. Rather than offering a single standard mechanism, Industrial Kinetics applies multiple proven lift and rotation architectures to best match the application. Heavy structural frames, controlled lift-and-rotate sequencing, and integrated sensing result in reliable pallet orientation with minimal system disruption.


Each Turning Cross is engineered as part of the overall conveyor system, ensuring compatibility with adjacent CDLR sections, accumulation zones, and automated equipment.

success stories

Manual Palletizing and Pallet Handling Conveyor System in Distribution Center

March 3, 2026
High speed manual palletizing system featuring a low profile dual deck Smart transfer car, automatic pallet dispenser, and zero pressure accumulation to reduce labor, improve ergonomics, lower maintenance costs, and streamline pallet handling operations.
Factory floor with a conveyor belt system and machinery, including a green cabinet, under bright lights.

Material Delivery and Dunnage Removal Conveyor system for Parallel Assembly Line, Overhead Material Delivery System

August 29, 2025
A vehicle manufacturer was looking for a new method to deliver materials for the assembly of vehicles to four parallel assembly lines. IK developed, engineered, and implemented an overhead pallet conveyor system that provided great benefits to the vehicle manufacturer.

System Integration

Turning Cross conveyors are designed to integrate directly into chain driven live roller conveyor systems. Lift, rotation, and conveyor operation are sequenced through the control system to ensure smooth load transfer and accurate positioning. Turning Crosses are commonly paired with accumulation conveyors, transfers, and palletizing equipment as part of fully automated pallet handling systems.

What industries typically use these systems:

01

Manufacturing: Reorienting pallets between sequential production or assembly processes

02

Palletizing Systems: Aligning pallets for palletizers, depalletizers, or robotic interfaces

03

Warehousing & Distribution: Adjusting pallet orientation to match storage or shipping lanes

04

Automotive & Heavy Industry: Handling large, heavy palletized loads within constrained layouts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does a Turning Cross differ from a turntable?

    A Turning Cross is an inline conveyor module that maintains pallet support on live rollers while reorienting the load, rather than transferring the pallet onto a separate rotating platform.

  • Is the pallet lifted during rotation?

    Many Turning Cross designs lift the pallet slightly above adjacent conveyor rollers to isolate the load before rotation. The lift method and height depend on the configuration.

  • What rotation angles are supported?

    Turning Cross units can be designed for fixed 90-degree or 180-degree rotation, or for indexed or continuous rotation up to 360 degrees.

  • What determines whether pneumatic or motor-driven rotation is used?

    The choice depends on pallet weight, required rotation accuracy, duty cycle, and system control requirements.

  • Are Turning Crosses custom engineered?

    Yes. Each Industrial Kinetics Turning Cross is engineered to match the pallet dimensions, load characteristics, and layout of the conveyor system.

Request a Quote. Start Your Project Today

2535 Curtiss St.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 655-0300
Fax: (630) 655-1720

Turning Cross Conveyor (Pallet&Unitized Loads) Contact Form