During Interpom Primeurs, Flaminex introduced a new cutting machine with three different cutting modes for the potato sector. It is unique, in that the first two knives in the machine can be quickly and safely changed. Lieven Derpreaetere indicates that the idea had been floating around for a while already. “A number of years ago, this machine was thought of and further developed. This year, it was made concrete.”
Unique in Europe
Lieven indicates that the machine has been equipped with two knife units. “The knife units are driven by separate motors and can each be taken from the machine separately. The speed with which a knife unit can be taken from the machine ensures that the time that production is halted can be significantly reduced. The machine can continue to produce while one of the knives is cleaned.” Lieven says the machine is unique in Europe, because it is the only one with two cutting stations. “It is also the first machine made with a cassette system. For this, the first and second knife are on a drawer, or cassette. This can be pulled out and slid back in. If a knife breaks because of a rock or other hard object, the knives can be quickly and safely changed.” The idea of the three cutting systems has been around for years already. “A dicer always first cuts into slices, then sticks or chips, and then dices. It is not new, but the way these first two knives can be quickly changed is new.”
Capacity doubled
Another major advantage is the double capacity. “A double cutting station on the same drum, that is unique. Because of this, capacity has been doubled compared to the classic cutting machine. Of course, it is dependent on cut and drum size, but volumes have been measured up to 20 tonnes per hour.” Flaminex was at the Interpom Primeurs with Spiessens Machinebouw at the end of 2016. “Visitors showed much interest in the cutting machine. Various requests were made to test the machine or join a demonstration session.” For more information:
Lieven Depreaetere
Flaminex
Tweewallenstraat 20
B- 8760 meulebeke, Belgium
T +32 (0)51 488 999
F +32 (0)51 484 999
info@flaminex.be
www.flaminex.be