The frozen food industry never stands still, so the need for machines that can keep up with the pace of it is more obvious than it has ever been. Innovation, then, is paramount for manufacturers aiming to improve key indicators such as performance, uptime, and output.
For Urschel, recent innovations in the fruit/vegetable sector include the TranSlicer 2520 Cutter (T2520), E TranSlicer with discharge conveyor (ETRS-C), new DiversaCut models (2110A and Sprint 2) with built-in discharge conveyors, the Affinity CD-L Dicer, and the Comitrol Processor Models 1700HMI and 9310.
According to Alan Major, chief sales officer, Urschel the T2520 is the latest evolution of the original TranSlicer that revolutionized the fresh salad industry. It excels in commercial food processing of fresh-cut salads, leafy vegetables, celery, leek, carrots, and cucumbers. The design concept encompasses the next generation of sanitation to greatly reduce cleaning times. To accommodate different types of products, the machine offers a choice between three feed belt configurations: primary and secondary belts, full-length primary belts, or the more compact machine version featuring shorter primary belts. HMI option is also available.
The ETRS-C, DiversaCut 2110A® (2110A) and Sprint 2® Dicers feature built-in discharge conveyors to facilitate dispensing cut product into totes. The built-in conveyors assist in effectively capturing slivered, small cuts of products such as leeks, onions, or peppers to promote complete discharge from each machine. Also new for the 2110A, the DiversaCut 2110A equipped with a large product input. Urschel delivers a targeted solution to processing whole heads of leafy vegetables — the DiversaCut 2110A® Dicer specially equipped with a large feed hopper and a new type of impeller. Withing with leading fresh-cut processors, this new development alleviates precutting and minimizes product handling.
The Affinity CD-L Dicer, the most recent addition to the Affinity series, combines new technology with the utility of previous Urschel Model CD-A and L-A machines. Processors replacing Model L-A’s with the CD-L achieved more than twice the capacity. Feed spindle, feed drum, and 5 HP (3.7 kW) motor work effectively with the cutting components in the successful processing of dried fruits and other products. Optional integrated oil spray system lubricates circular knives to assist in the processing of sticky products.
The Comitrol Processor Models 1700 and 9310 now offer new technology. Among these features is the available HMI. An HMI integrated system monitors amperage, temperature of the motor bearings and inside air of the support housing, identifies misaligned safety sensors, and flags machine runtime, motor loads, and overfeeding issues. The Comitrol series is popular for purees and pastes in such products as baby food, nut milks, nut butters, and beverage bases.
Complete support for clients
“Urschel offers complete support over-the-phone, in-person plant visits, service agreements, and test cutting in our Product Test Cutting Facilities at offices all over the world,” says Alan Major.
“Urschel’s significant ongoing investment in the global infrastructure of the company gives clients peace of mind knowing their local office is there for complete support in terms of maintenance and training for the long life of their cutting equipment. Urschel speaks the language of food processing and the local language, so important details in customer expectations are met. Implementing innovative technology is also crucial in food production to deliver benefits and fulfill the demands of the food processing industry. As food processors expand into processing-controlled environments, the potential for built-in smart technology in Urschel cutting machines has increased.”
He adds that the investigation of PLC’s (programmable logic controller) and HMI’s (human machine interface) on Urschel machinery began several years ago. Urschel engineers determined a strategy to enable this technology on Urschel cutting machinery to benefit customer lines.
“As the Global Leader in Food Cutting Technology, Urschel global personnel possess the highest degree of knowledgeable food cutting expertise. Urschel is the number one best-selling provider of industrial food cutting machinery because the company partners with customers to increase their productivity and profitability. Manufacturing is vertically integrated under one roof which is unique to our company compared to other manufacturers. Urschel designs new patented cutting methods and discovers new shape cuts to assist processors. Urschel continues to develop new knives, parts, components, and machinery to expand and grow with the ever-changing demands of the food industry,” Alan Major points out.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe March-April, 2024 issue here.