The technology behind frozen potato products aims to ensure maximum efficiency while reducing costs for operators as the frozen potato market shows steady growth. Frozen food manufacturers look for cutting machines with high yield and capacity, as well as equipment that is both skilled and quick to use. As a result of increased competition, consumers now have a plethora of options when shopping for cutting equipment – and the situation is similar when it comes to sorting.
When making a capital purchase, processors need to identify the flow of their current system. If creating a new line, make sure each station will work seamlessly with the next. Safety and flow should be fully analyzed, explains Alan Major, chief sales officer of Urschel. “In analyzing a new purchase, such as cutting machinery, a test cut of the supplied customer product may be highly advantageous. The customer should make sure the machine fits their needs and any future flexibility that may be foreseen. If replacing an existing machine, weigh the benefits of different models. Urschel engineering specializes in assisting customers attain the right fit for their production objectives. In addition to choosing the proper cutting machine, ask about spare parts availability, maintenance, and determine the degree of support after the sale. Urschel offers support to every customer for long life of their cutting machinery,” Major says.
The DiversaCut series, designed and manufactured by Urschel, remains the go-to for leading global potato processors. The series excels at crinkle and straight (flat) strips and dices for popular items such as french fries and diced potatoes O’Brien or hash brown dices. Other items, like popular veggie noodles and riced cuts may also be produced, according to him. Different models are available to meet small, medium, and mega processor goals. From the small footprint of the DiversaCut Sprint® Dicer (DCSPR) to the Sprint 2® Dicer (SPR) to finally the largest and highest capacity DiversaCut 2110A® Dicer (DCA).
“Each DiversaCut model incorporates a similar operating principle to produce precision cutting in a compact cutting zone. Both the DCA and SPR2 may be manufactured with an optional discharge conveyor to facilitate dispensing into totes. Differences are found in the size of the infeed product accepted: DCSPR and SPR2 infeed size up to 6.5″ (165 mm), DCA infeed size up to 10″ (254 mm), and motor sizes: DCSPR 1.5 HP (1.1 kW), SPR2 1.5 HP (1.1 kW) or 3 HP (2.2 kW), DCA 5 or 10 HP (3.7 or 7.5 kW),” Major says.
For slicer/shredders, leading processors around the world rely on the Model CC. From shreds to ‘V’, flat, or crinkle slices, the CC remains at the pinnacle of the crisp/chipper market. In addition to the CC, the lattice waffle version, the CCL, has established an ever-growing niche market. Ongoing improvements to the newly developed 14-cutting-station MicroAdjustable® heads benefit the global market by increasing capacity compared to an 8-station standard head. In addition, patented technology in the new series of MicroAdjustable heads expedites knife changeovers and saves labor and cleaning times. The 14-station .212 V Slice head incorporates SlideLocc™ technology to quickly change knives in an easy 3-step process. New top ring and cam design is available for all MicroAdjustable heads to increase the cam opening to 180° to facilitate cleaning without having to completely remove parts – time and labor savings.
Flaking and milling potato processors turn to the Comitrol® line of reduction equipment. Differences between the models include motor sizes, feeding methods, and types of reduction heads. The Comitrol® Processor Model 1700 is the most versatile in the line accepting all three heads – slicing, cutting, or microcut. Cutting heads offer different blade and column spacing to offer a full spectrum of reduction possibilities. Microcut heads deliver the smallest in particle size down to micro-dimensions for the ultimate in reduction. “Many watergun systems rely on Urschel blades. Urschel manufactures segment cutters, such as the Model VSC. Larger watergun systems depend on the blades manufactured by Urschel to deliver consistent quality at high capacities backed by Urschel support,” according to Alan Major.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe January-February, 2023 issue here.