Fruit consumption grows mainly in the summer, especially when it comes to pineapples and melons. PND, a leading manufacturer of fruit processing machinery, has dedicated an entire line to them. FreshPlaza discussed this with Virginia Cascella, an export manager at PND for many years and an expert in the sector.
© PND Costruz. Elettromeccaniche Srl"We are talking about a compact, well-organised and functional line that takes up minimum space (less than 7 metres in total) and requires only three operators. It is perfect for small processing operations or for those approaching this process. It consists of the PL1D peeler with a station attached for top&tail cutting and an SS8 cutter for cutting into wedges or cubes, mainly required in the fresh-cut sector. It processes 4 to 6 fruits per minute, with a production capacity of around 500 kg per hour of finished product. A real plus for customers who find themselves with a well-organised line from peeling to cutting that occupies minimum space, as well as one of the most popular lines, especially in the U.S. and Europe."
© PND Costruz. Elettromeccaniche Srl
PL1D peeler: Features and performance
The system is considered user-friendly when it comes to both maintenance and for operators involved in the peeling process, and is equipped with two conveyor belts, one for rejects and one for product exit, as well as an inspection and top&tail cutting stand for maximum precision.
"The PL1D peeler, which is made entirely of stainless steel, is dedicated to the external peeling of melons and pineapples. It is a semi-automatic machine with manual loading, which allows the rotation and peeling speed to be adjusted according to the product being loaded. All fruits, even if not graded and uneven, are peeled easily with maximum yield, without having to set the machine and without affecting their physical, organoleptic, and nutritional integrity. Three models are available with one, two, and four stations, depending on the production capacity required by the customer."
© PND Costruz. Elettromeccaniche Srl
The SS8 cutter and customised solutions
PND provides customised line completion solutions to suit all customer requirements: in fact, to complete the peeling process, it is possible to add the SS8 cutting option, which boosts productivity by running continuously. "It is a semi-automatic machine that performs quality cuts in different shapes (slices, wedges, and cubes) and sizes, thanks to the possibility of replacing dies and pads," adds the manager.
© PND Costruz. Elettromeccaniche SrlVirginia Cascella, PND export manager
"Operators only have to load the fruit, as the automatic mechanism pushes it through the punches, allowing it to be cut and collected on the outfeed belt for subsequent packaging. The parts in contact with the fruit are certified for the food industry, and all components are easily interchangeable. The SS8 cutter is easy to use and quick to maintain and sanitise," Cascella concludes.
© PND Costruz. Elettromeccaniche Srl
PND: Operational advantages and customer relations
Remarkable versatility, ease of use and integration into production processes, effective and fast maintenance, and customer care not only cut costs, but also improve results. Over 25 years, PND has managed to win over both technicians and customers, as they come to consider the machines as irreplaceable partners. By listening to customers, PND is, in fact, able to give prompt responses to its buyers. A vision that allows it to pay attention to technological performance, perfectly tailored to those who choose it.
For more information: 
PND - Fruit Processing Machinery
Via Brancaccio, 11
84018 Scafati (SA)
+39 0818509368
[email protected]
www.pndsrl.it
