Crate Pro 6 includes hundreds of style templates to make getting from quote to cut sheets to floor quickly and accurately. Style templates are are based on international standards and common modifications. Crate Pro 6 is designed for the custom crating company, and a crate style template is your starting point for your design.


To make Crate Pro most effective for you, its important to choose the style templates that most closely match your end construction methodology. Changes to your initial design should be expected, you do custom work, but you should be able to get from entering the dimensions to printing the cut lists in 5 minutes or less.


For help selecting style templates you can use the attached form, complete it and return to Support@CratePro.com


___________________________________________________________________________________________



This solution article will help you understand how the style naming convention is set.  This information is available on the Preferences > Styles tab and in the New Design selection screens. Look for the ?


Note: Style templates are not determined by the materials but by the method of construction or how the components are oriented to each other.


THE FIRST LETTER OF A STYLE IS PRIMARILY DEFINED BY THE BASE -- Light   Medium   Heavy 

THE SECOND LETTER DETERMINES THE SHEATHING       P = plywood   L= lumber    M = mixed  B = both

THE THIRD LETTER DETERMINES THE FRAMING CLEATING / BATTENS    I = inside cleated     O= outside cleated   N = some panels do not have cleats  S = Skid

            

            PAL are pallet styles

            SKD are skid bases


The numbers after the style designation will further define the construction methodology of the style family.



1> The first letter will decide the BASE: Review the base construction:  L, M, H

  • What direction will you run your skids/stringers? Length or Width? What direction do you run your lumber when designing with a lumber deck? 
    • L = skid/stringers run Width direction or front-to-back
    • M & H = skids/stringers run Length or left-to-right
  • L = If deck is lumber, the boards run lengthwise or left-to-right
  • M & H = If deck is lumber, the boards run widthwise or front-to-back


  • Rub Strips are placed below the skids/ stringers for 4-way entry and/or additional stability
    • L = rub strips optional but will run Length or front-to-back when they exist
    • M = rub strips are segmented and run Length or left-to-right 
    • H = rub strips run widthwise or front-to-back and in most standards are required
  • Based on the majority of internationally published standards - the terms  'light', 'medium' and 'heavy-duty' are not indicative of the load capacity but are used to describe a construction method. 


  • While some style images may show headers and/or load members - your designs can be modified to not include them



 


2> The second letter is the SHEATHING AND CLEATING:   P, L, M

  • The 2nd letter is based on selecting a plywood or a lumber crate or a combination (mixed) such as art frame style crates which may have lumber sides and ends but a plywood top and base (deck)

After selecting the style based on the first character - next narrow down your style template based on the sheathing material you will use.


3> The third letter is for the 5 panels of the CAP :   O, I , N

  • The 3rd letter determines if your primary cleats are on the outside, inside or none on some panels such as the top or side panels. Skids will have 'S' as the 3rd letter
  • Your initial base configuration is determined by the first character (L, M H) but the option to chose a lumber or plywood deck, or both, is not managed by the Style Template. ALL style templates allow you to chose lumber,  plywood or both at the time you're creating the design.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


NUMBERING SERIES: The numbering groups after the first 3 characters further define the construction methodology:



Interlocking cleats on plywood styles and medium-duty styles are predominantly determined by the cleating intersection across the top of the End and Side panels. Interlocking cleats on light-duty lumber styles are determined by the association between the Side Panel Top-to-Base cleats and Top Panel Front-to-Aft cleats.















MORE INFO: