This is the era where automation has become an integral part of almost all industries, with the food processing sector being no exception to that. In fact, we have to note that when the rapid pace at which this industry grows is taken into account, automation is much more pivotal. This is not an exaggeration!
One doesn’t have to be hesitant to state that, for any food processing plant to be successful on the competitive landscape, bringing in automation into the processes is compulsory! Most of the food processing factories of contemporary times rely on automation, which not just guarantees quality but also contributes to profits, in the long run.
At this juncture, it won’t be out of place for us to be having a glimpse of few forms of the automation machinery that are used by the plants (of food processing).
- Machinery For Cleaning: Cleaning is a highly relevant operation in the raw material stage, for this is the task that gets rid of contaminants (from raw materials). The process of cleaning is categorized into two types: dry and wet. And, automated machinery is very much there for both the varieties. Air classifiers, screening separators and magnetic separators, etc, take care of dry process. Likewise, the wet process is addressed by machines like ultrasonic cleaners, sterilizers and spray washers, to name a few.
- Machinery To Handle Vegetables And Fruits: Handling of vegetables and fruits could be rather challenging, as these foods come in different sizes. They need to be handled with utmost caution, for reducing the risk of damage. A specialized gripping machine is now available in the market that has dramatically simplified the process (handling vegetables & fruits).
- Slicing And Cutting Machines: Cutting and slicing have always been complex tasks in the industry, until the advent of automation. It is only in the recent past that automation has come out with a solution for this issue! Processing plants now have access to machines that effectively carry out these operations (slicing & cutting), while simultaneously eliminating flaws in the product. Especially, these machines are very helpful, when we speak of cutting of fish.
- Butchery Machines: Butchery had been considered as a task where, introduction of automation is almost impossibility. But thanks to modern technology, butchery machines have actually found their way into several food processing units. In this connection, a critical point is worthy of special mention. Prior to entry of this kind of automation, the task of butchery seriously endangered safety of laborers. But this scenario has now changed for the better, courtesy the automated butchery machines.
- Peeling Machines: If you want the end product to be of top quality that also looks good, the task of peeling is significant. Peeling ensures that uneatable and unwanted materials get eliminated. And, now machines such as pressure vessels, rollers and blades, etc, have transformed the task (peeling) into an uncomplicated one.
- Emulsification Machines: The emulsification machines work in two different ways: they both minimize size of particles and also make sure that the consistency of liquid and semi-solid foods get enhanced. High shear mixers, homogenizers and emulsifiers, among others, are some of the machines used for the purpose.