Author: Le Van Thang, Director of ICD Vietnam – 15 years advising factories on heavy racking and automation.
Steel-core plastic pallets have galvanised steel bars moulded inside the PP body, combining the hygiene and weather resistance of plastic with the rigidity of steel. They carry the heaviest loads in the range and hold tight dimensions for automated systems. ICD supplies them at 1200×1000 mm and 1200×800 mm, with dynamic load 2,000 kg, static load 6,000 kg, beam-rack load 2,000 kg and tolerance to +/-1 mm. See the full range on the plastic pallets page.
Choose steel-core pallets when:
- Heavy racking: up to 2,000 kg per beam position, far beyond a standard plastic pallet.
- AS-RS and AGV automation: +/-1 mm tolerance meets what robots and cranes require.
- Long unsupported spans: the steel bars stop mid-deck sag under a full load.
1. Steel-core pallet specifications
| Model | Size (mm) | Dynamic | Static | Racking | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel-core PP 1200×800 | 1200x800x150 | 2,000 kg | 5,000 kg | 1,500 kg | +/-1 mm |
| Steel-core PP 1200×1000 | 1200x1000x150 | 2,000 kg | 6,000 kg | 2,000 kg | +/-1 mm |
Steel bars are fully encapsulated in PP – no exposed metal to rust or contaminate.
2. Why automation needs steel-core tolerance
A standard injection-moulded plastic pallet shrinks slightly and unevenly as it cools, leaving a real-world tolerance of about +/-3-5 mm. That is invisible to a forklift driver but fatal to an automated system: an AS-RS crane or an AGV places and retrieves by fixed coordinates, and a pallet a few millimetres off-square can jam in the rack channel or be rejected at the transfer station.
Steel-core pallets hold +/-1 mm because the internal bars resist warping as the plastic sets, and they stay square under repeated racked loads. If you are commissioning AS-RS, AGV or shuttle racking, specify steel-core and ask for the tolerance certificate. For manual reach-truck racking under 1,000 kg, a standard warehouse storage pallet is enough.
3. Steel-core pallet price 2026
| Model | Size (mm) | Static load | Unit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel-core PP 1200×800 | 1200x800x150 | 5,000 kg | 1,800,000d |
| Steel-core PP 1200×1000 | 1200x1000x150 | 6,000 kg | 2,800,000d |
Indicative 2026 prices, ex-VAT, Vietnam domestic. Orders from 20 units: extra 10-15% off. Contact us for an exact quote.
4. Frequently asked questions
1. What load can a steel-core pallet hold?
Dynamic 2,000 kg, static up to 6,000 kg, and 2,000 kg on a beam rack – the heaviest in the plastic range.
2. Will the steel rust?
No – the bars are fully encapsulated in PP, so there is no exposed metal to corrode or contaminate goods.
3. Is it required for AS-RS or AGV?
Yes – automation needs +/-1 mm tolerance, which standard plastic pallets (+/-3-5 mm) cannot guarantee. Ask for the tolerance certificate.
4. Can it go in cold storage?
PP is stiffer but more cold-sensitive than HDPE; confirm the cold rating with us if the steel-core unit will be racked in a freezer.
5. Related plastic pallet pages
| All Plastic Pallets (14 Types) | Warehouse Storage Pallets | Cross-Pattern Pallets |
6. Contact and steel-core pallet quotes
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Northern Vietnam: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Thon Bau, Thien Loc, Hanoi – 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Southern Vietnam: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City – 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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VAT invoice – In stock – Nationwide delivery 24-48h – 2-year manufacturer warranty
