The potato industry continues to be one of the most active, so it comes as little surprise that the technology involved keeps improving on an almost day-to-day basis. Manufacturers strive to obtain the perfect balance between quality and cost reduction, also having in mind efficiency, durability, and also sustainability.
When it comes to cutting, the DiversaCut line remains the go-to choice for the potato industry, according to Mike Jacko, vice president of Applications & New Product Innovation at Urschel. It is not uncommon to find Urschel machines in plants that are over 30 years running strong. “Today’s Urschel machines are manufactured to easily switch over from the older equipment, so processors can seamlessly connect a new machine into an existing line. Many new designs include integral conveyors. Newer
cutting methods provide unique potato products to capture niche markets in chips/crisps and french fry sectors,” Jacko adds.
Urschel potato reduction machinery delivers boundless styles and a full range of sizes from large cuts down to micro-dimensions. “Dicers, including those in the popular DiversaCut line, provide 1-, 2-, or 3-dimensional cuts from slices, strips, or dices in flat or various crinkle styles. Slicers, including the most popular Model CC, produce thin to thick profiles in endless styles including flat, ‘V’ patterns, crinkle, Flat-V®, and others. Slicers also deliver various shreds and strips for products such as hash browns or rostis. Slicers may also be equipped with grating heads for additional versatility. Also available, the Model CCL delivers unique lattice style slices from fine, coarse, or wide lattice patterns.” Hydro-cutting options include heads and knives for existing systems. These provide slabs, strips, segments, and spear cuts. Urschel manufactures thousands of different knives and blades, and many of these are used in hydro cutting systems. The Comitrol® Processor line of milling equipment is defined as finest ‘particle’ size reduction.
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