投稿者: Fujiwara

What Is a Tow Strap?

A tow strap is a type of strap primarily used to tow immobilized cars or trucks for vehicle recovery purposes.

They are mainly made of nylon or polyester materials. Unlike metal hooks, they do not have protrusions, which is a key feature. Originally, tow straps and hooks were essential safety equipment required during circuit racing. Today, they are also used in regular vehicles for both fashion and functionality. Rather than being used only during towing, they are kept installed at all times and are used for towing during emergencies. They typically have a tensile strength ranging from 2 tons to 3 tons, providing sufficient strength for vehicle recovery. Due to different product specifications for specific vehicle types, caution is required. Additionally, when using them on public roads, it is crucial to comply with regulations and ensure proper installation for safe driving. Similarly, for racing events, adherence to specific regulations for each competition is necessary. They are also known as tow straps or towing straps.

Applications of Tow Straps

Tow straps are primarily used as essential safety equipment in racing cars. This is because during racing events, vehicles can become immobilized for various reasons, requiring towing by rescue vehicles.

They are also used in regular cars, 4WDs, trucks, etc. For instance, when a vehicle gets stuck in mud or experiences a breakdown, having a tow strap installed can facilitate vehicle recovery.

Apart from functionality, tow straps are also used in regular cars for their racing car-inspired designs. They come in various colors and patterns. However, it is essential to ensure compliance with regulations on public roads and adhere to competition rules for racing events when selecting colors or shapes.

Principle of Tow Straps

Tow Hooks vs. Tow Straps

Traditional ring-shaped steel tow hooks protrude from the bumper, posing safety issues such as:

• Damaging other cars upon contact with the protruding tow hook
• In accidents, the tow hook entering the vehicle’s body causing damage

In severe cases, not only the bumper but also parts like radiators and frames can be damaged. These accidents can also occur with foldable tow hooks.

On the other hand, tow straps, being fabric-based, do not protrude metal parts, reducing potential damage upon contact.

Materials of Tow Straps

Tow straps are mainly made of nylon or polyester. Nylon 6 tow straps have elasticity and stretchability, with a stretch ratio of over 20%. This allows them to absorb shocks during towing, and they offer excellent durability and corrosion resistance.

Polyester tow straps have low stretchability of less than 10% and are also used in seat belts. They often excel in durability and strength compared to nylon, making them suitable for towing trucks and large vehicles.

Types of Tow Straps

Tow straps come in various types, with nylon and polyester materials, and some are reinforced for higher strength. Breaking strengths vary between products, ranging from 4000kg to 15000kg or more. They typically have a tensile strength of over 2500kg.

The loop length of straps attached to the vehicle is around 10-20cm, but they are sold in longer units ranging from 3m to 20m. The width is usually around 5cm to 10cm.

They come in various colors such as red, orange, blue, black, pink, camouflage, etc., but compliance with regulations on public roads and adherence to competition rules for racing events are crucial considerations.

What Is a Gold Solder?

Gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste is a form of gold (Au) and tin (Sn) alloy primarily used as solder material, provided in paste form.

Essentially, it comprises a mixture of gold-tin alloy powder and a binding material called flux. Gold-tin alloys have a higher melting point (217°C and above) compared to common lead-free solders, and they excel in heat conductivity and post-bonding reliability. They are used for joining and sealing precision components such as high-frequency devices, optical devices, and for applications requiring heat resistance during subsequent low-temperature reflow, as well as for soldering applications needing tensile strength and corrosion resistance.

Applications of Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Pastes

Gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste is primarily used for bonding and sealing precision components such as:
Die bonding for high-brightness LEDs, Peltier elements, power semiconductors
Sealing materials for crystal devices, SAW devices
The former is used in automotive, lighting, and thermoelectric module applications, while the latter is used in mobile communications, base stations, MEMS sensors, among others. It is a solder material used for bonding high-frequency devices and optical communication devices.
Moreover, gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste’s paste form allows for high adaptability to various bonding methods such as screen printing, dispenser coating, and pin transfer, making it suitable for various joint shapes.

Principles of Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Pastes

Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Composition

Typically, gold-tin (AuSn) alloys with around 20% tin content are commonly used. The main compositions of gold-tin (AuSn) alloys along with their melting points and densities are as follows:
AuSn18: 278-360°C, Density 14.89
AuSn20: 278-300°C, Density 14.52
AuSn21: 278°C, Density 14.35
AuSn21.5: 278°C, Density 14.26
AuSn22: 278°C, Density 14.17
AuSn90: 217°C, Density 7.78

Gold-tin alloys have a higher melting point than common lead-free solders, excellent heat conductivity, post-bonding reliability, and good wetting properties. They offer superior thermal conductivity compared to thermosetting Ag epoxy resins, leading to high joint strength. They are particularly suitable for applications requiring heat resistance during low-temperature reflow, as well as for applications requiring tensile strength and corrosion resistance.

Comparison Between Foil Material and Paste Material

Besides paste materials, gold-tin (AuSn) solders are also available in foil form (preform solders). Using foil materials requires remaking molds when there are changes in bonding surface shape or size, incurring additional costs. Paste materials do not require molds, offering flexibility in supply for various sizes and shapes. Paste materials are also compatible with various supply methods like printing, dispensing, and pin transfer, making them versatile solder materials.

Types of Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Paste

Gold-tin (AuSn) alloy paste comes in various compositions, mainly with around 20% tin content like AuSn18 or AuSn22. The powder size of the alloy in the paste varies depending on the intended application, with typical types including:
Printing: 16-53um, 16-32um, <32um, 5-16um
Dispensing: 5-16um, 16-32um
Pin transfer: <11um
Thin-film formation: <11um

Non-Cleaning Gold-Tin (AuSn) Alloy Pastes

Traditional gold-tin (AuSn) alloy pastes using nitrogen gas during reflow required a cleaning process due to residual flux after reflow. Recent developments using glycol reflow processes revealed that high-temperature-resistant rosin and activators, previously needed for oxide removal in traditional pastes, are unnecessary. This dramatic reduction in post-reflow flux residue has led to non-cleaning gold-tin (AuSn) alloy pastes, eliminating the need for cleaning processes.

What Is a Spirit Level?

A spirit level serves as a fundamental tool for measuring the horizontality or verticality of a surface relative to the ground.

Beyond its primary horizontal and vertical measurements, it can also accurately gauge angles such as 45 degrees. Alternately referred to as a bubble level or simply a level, its most prevalent form is the bubble spirit level, utilizing a liquid and an air bubble within a tube. Widely employed in civil engineering, construction, surveying, and general construction tasks, it facilitates the establishment of both horizontal and vertical planes.

Applications of Spirit Levels

Spirit levels are extensively used in various fields such as civil engineering, construction, and surveying.

• Construction works
• Civil engineering projects
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Interior finishing
• DIY and home improvement

Spirit levels are sometimes integrated into devices and equipment　that require horizontal or vertical alignment. Bubble levels or circular levels are commonly embedded in such machines, which include:

• General surveying instruments (poles, rods, distance-measuring prisms, etc.), pile drivers
• Mobile cranes, aerial work platforms, satellite relay vehicles, and other vehicles
• Scales
• Workbenches
• Projectors, cameras, tripods
• Directional compasses
• Sports equipment

Principle of Spirit Levels

1. Overview of Bubble Spirit Levels

Predominantly, the bubble spirit level is the most utilized variant, with its measuring capability contingent upon the mounting angle of the bubble tube. Comprising a transparent sealed container filled with a clear liquid such as alcohol, the tube houses a single air bubble. It features reference lines (or marks), and the bubble’s position between these lines indicates the surface’s horizontal or vertical alignment.
A single spirit level may have various bubble tube configurations, such as:

• Two tubes for horizontal and vertical measurements
• Three tubes, adding a 45-degree angle measurement
• Five tubes, including 30-degree, 45-degree, and 60-degree tubes (mainly for civil engineering)
• Models with an adjustable slant function for roofing work
• Circular spirit levels, or disc levels, adhere to the same operating principle, featuring a transparent disc containing a liquid and a solitary bubble, facilitating two-dimensional leveling.

2. Gradient Measurement

The reference lines on a bubble spirit level can also facilitate gradient measurements. A four-line level (two lines on each side) can measure a 1/100 gradient (1 cm slope per 1 m), with alignment indicated when the bubble’s edge aligns with the second line from the inside. Six-line levels (three lines on each side) accommodate both 1/100 and 2/100 gradients.

3. Sensitivity and Accuracy

The sensitivity and accuracy of spirit levels are defined by JIS standards. Sensitivity is the gradient at which the bubble starts moving and is classified as:

• Type 1: 0.02mm/m
• Type 2: 0.05mm/m
• Type 3: 0.1mm/m

Accuracy refers to the error when the bubble position changes upon reversing the level. It’s expressed in height (in μm) per 1m base or in angles (in seconds). There are Class A and Class B accuracies, with Class A being more precise, but Class B is sufficient for general use.

Types of Spirit Levels

1. Overview

In addition to bubble spirit levels and circular levels, the market encompasses laser levels, angle-measuring levels (inclinometers), and digital levels.

2. Bubble and Circular Levels

In various configurations concerning the number and angles of the bubble tubes, bubble spirit levels cater to diverse requirements. Models equipped with magnets are conducive to attachment to metallic objects for determining levelness. Circular levels, while adept at measuring horizontal planes in two dimensions, typically exhibit lower accuracy than bubble levels.

Traditional bubble tubes often have black markings, which can overlap with the scale on the other side of the tube, making it difficult to read. Models with white markings make the scale on the far side less prominent, improving visibility even when scales overlap. Sizes and shapes (flat, square, etc.) also vary, allowing selection based on the application.

3. Laser Levels

Laser levels integrate laser functionality into traditional spirit levels or solely feature laser capabilities. They project laser beams onto distant surfaces such as floors or walls to ascertain levelness, supplementing surface level measurement. Point and line laser projections are available.

4. Digital Levels

Digital levels digitally display angles, offering heightened accuracy compared to traditional bubble levels. Powered by batteries, opting for models equipped with dust and waterproof features is advisable for outdoor applications.

What Is an Alignment Telescope?

An alignment telescope represents a specialized type of telescope employed for aligning various equipment and optical instruments. Harnessing the principles of parallelism and coaxiality within optical axes, it facilitates the precise positioning and alignment correction of diverse devices and machinery. Apart from centering functions, it is adept at adjusting and measuring right angles, straightness, plumbness, flatness, and parallelism, among others, tailored to specific equipment requirements. Also referred to as a centering telescope or centering scope, this tool finds extensive application across industries where meticulous positioning is imperative.

Applications of Alignment Telescopes

The utilization of alignment telescopes ensures meticulous axis alignment for bearings and bores, pivotal in machinery setup and measurement endeavors. Its versatility extends across various sectors, encompassing manufacturing, machinery, automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and optical instrumentation. Key applications comprise:

• Alignment of optical instruments
• Checking bore alignment
• Alignment of various bearings (general machinery bearings, propeller shaft bearings, periscope bearings, etc.)
• General measurement and adjustment of fixtures
• Checking straightness and alignment of machine tools
• Tool adjustment in large boring mills
• Alignment of main bearings in large engines, such as diesel engines
• Checking flatness and installation of bedplates
• Alignment in ship repair and maintenance
• Roller alignment in process industries
• Setting and control of aircraft jigs
• Alignment of aircraft frames

Principle of Alignment Telescopes

Basic Configuration

An alignment telescope primarily comprises the telescope body and a target for position correction.

The telescope body enables clear observation through the eyepiece, facilitating the visualization of distant objects with precision, courtesy of the focusing lens and objective lens. The target typically features concentric circles indicating the center and is positioned either beyond or in front of the alignment object. Simultaneous viewing of the alignment object and target through the telescope enables seamless positioning and correction.

Performance & Additional Features

Alignment telescopes boast high precision, capable of detecting alignment errors ranging from 0.02mm to 0.05mm at distances of up to 30 meters.

The telescope tube undergoes meticulous manufacturing to ensure errors in mechanical and optical axes remain within three to five seconds. Incorporating a pentaprism facilitates precise 90-degree deflection of the optical axis for measuring right angles, while a rotating pentaprism enables flatness measurement. Diverse accessories enable measurements of straightness, plumbness, parallelism, and verticality.

Types of Alignment Telescopes

An array of alignment telescopes is available, including those offering supplementary features:

Camera-equipped Alignment Telescopes

Products with cameras use CCTV cameras and PC with specialized software to enlarge the view. This improves operability for long-distance measurements, reduces subjective errors by operators, and decreases operator fatigue.

Digital Alignment Telescopes

Digital alignment telescopes utilize high-resolution CCD technology and specialized software for digital output. They are equipped with CCD targets and systems and software that automatically detect the target center.

With the target displayed on the monitor, adjustments to the alignment object can be made, making it particularly effective for aligning large equipment (such as large machine tools or aircraft jigs). Superior measurement repeatability with CCD is also expected.

Others

Additionally, there are compact telescopes suited for low-precision applications and infrared-specific products (with infrared-specific light sources, coatings, and cameras).

What Is a Suppressor for Ion Chromatography?

A suppressor for ion chromatography is a crucial device utilized in ion chromatography to eliminate background noise-causing cations or anions from the eluent.

In ion chromatography, especially in conductivity detection methods, two main techniques prevail: non-suppressed and suppressed. By employing a suppressor, counter ions present in the mobile phase can be effectively removed, thereby diminishing the background concentration at the detector and enhancing the conductivity of the target ions through ion exchange. Consequently, a suppressor in ion chromatography significantly bolsters detection sensitivity, particularly in the analysis of anions.

Applications of Suppressors in Ion Chromatography

Suppressors find indispensable utility in suppressed ion chromatography to eradicate background ions in the eluent. Ion chromatography operates by leveraging ionic interactions, enabling the measurement of inorganic anions and cations, alongside certain organic acids and amines. Detectable ions encompass inorganic anions such as NO2-, NO3-, SO42-, PO43-, and halide ions, as well as alkali metal cations (e.g., Li+, Na+, K+) and alkaline earth metal cations (e.g., Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+). Amines like methylamine, dimethylamine, ethylamine, and ethanolamine can also be detected using the same apparatus employed for inorganic cations.

Diverse applications of ion chromatography include:

• Assessing ion concentration in drinking water, groundwater, and industrial wastewater
• Analyzing anions and cations in tap water
• Examining NOx and SOx in exhaust gases
• Evaluating anions in rainwater
• Conducting trace ion analysis in ultrapure water
• Measuring fluoride ions in industrial wastewater
• Analyzing anions and organic acids in electroless nickel plating solutions
• Investigating impurity ions in chemical products
• Assessing anions and organic acids in biofuels
• Determining polyphosphates in food
• Analyzing amines in power plant process water
• Evaluating ion concentration in gases
• Conducting environmental assessments like water quality analysis
• Performing fluoride analysis in juices and tea
• Separating sugars in food samples

Principle of Suppressors for Ion Chromatography

Suppressors for ion chromatography harness ion exchange membranes or ion exchange materials (columnar, gel, fiber, etc.) to execute ion exchange. While certain ion exchange materials, such as gels, are discarded after single use, membrane dialysis types can be regenerated repeatedly by regenerating the ion exchange membrane while exchanging ions in the sample/eluent. Typically, they are interconnected between the column and the conductivity detector. Cation suppressors alleviate noise by substituting cations for hydrogen ions (H+), while anion suppressors perform the same by swapping anions for hydroxide ions (OH-).

Regeneration techniques for ion exchange membranes encompass chemical regeneration (utilizing sulfuric acid solution) and electrical regeneration (administering hydrogen ions produced by water electrolysis, etc.). Throughout the regeneration process, the system continuously furnishes hydrogen ions while exchanging ions in the sample/eluent to eliminate counter ions.

Types of Suppressors for Ion Chromatography

Suppressors for ion chromatography are primarily categorized into two types: cation (for positive ions) suppressors and anion (for negative ions) suppressors. As aforementioned, ion exchange within the suppressor can be achieved via ion exchange membrane technology or gel technology with hydrogen-type cation exchange resins.

Within ion exchange membrane suppressors, chemical regeneration variants necessitate a regenerant flow, whereas electrical regeneration suppressors can autonomously regenerate through the collaborative action of an electric field and ion exchange membrane. Moreover, compact models tailored for microbore and low-flow columns are available. Opting for the suitable suppressor hinges upon the specific application at hand.

What Is a Chromatography Column?

A chromatography column is a narrow, tube-shaped apparatus packed with a stationary phase, primarily employed in liquid chromatography.

While chromatography encompasses techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography, products labeled as “chromatography columns” or “columns for chromatography” typically refer to liquid chromatography (open column/flash chromatography) or ion chromatography. These columns play a crucial role in chromatography by separating and purifying mixtures through solute adsorption and elution.

Applications of Chromatography Columns

Chromatography columns serve as essential tools in chromatography, a technique utilized for the separation and purification of mixtures across diverse fields including chemistry, fragrances, food, and pharmaceuticals. Noteworthy applications encompass:

• Separating and purifying synthetic products in organic chemistry
• Extracting active constituents from natural substances
• Analyzing flavor components and food additives in the food industry
• Detecting components in residual pesticides and toxin tests
• Analyzing active pharmaceutical ingredients and identifying by-products upon ingestion
• Facilitating quality control across industrial, pharmaceutical, and food sectors
• Analyzing disinfection by-products
• Conducting environmental assessments such as water quality analysis
• Examining fluoride levels in juices and tea
• Separating sugars in food samples

This analytical approach proves indispensable for quality control and component identification across a spectrum of domains, from fundamental research to industrial applications.

Principle of Chromatography Columns

Chromatography involves segregating and detecting mixtures by utilizing a gas or liquid as the mobile phase and exploiting the physicochemical interactions between the sample substances and the stationary phase housed in the column. Chromatography columns are either filled with a stationary phase for single-use or come prefilled. Typically, these columns find application in liquid chromatography.

1. Open Column/Flash Chromatography

Columns utilized in open or flash chromatography are cylindrical glass apparatuses not prepacked with a stationary phase. The top remains open, while a tap is situated at the bottom. The stationary and mobile phases are introduced from the top, and the tap regulates the eluting solvent flow. The process entails:

• Placing cotton or a similar substance at the bottom to adjust the flow rate
• Packing with a stationary phase
• Loading the sample, dissolved in a small solvent volume, atop the stationary phase
• Introducing the mobile phase (eluting solvent) for separation and purification

2. Ion Chromatography

Ion chromatography segregates and purifies using ionic interactions, capable of measuring inorganic anions and cations, along with certain organic acids and amines. The chromatography column’s stationary phase often comprises ion-exchange resins.

Given that ion chromatography necessitates pressurizing the electrolyte solution mobile phase via a pump, akin to HPLC, the columns are typically constructed from metal or resin and come prefilled with a stationary phase. They can be reused post-cleaning with a washing solvent.

Types of Chromatography Columns

Chromatography columns encompass glass apparatuses for open columns and metal or resin columns for ion chromatography.

Ion Chromatography Columns

Columns used in ion chromatography are tailored specifically for either cation chromatography (cation columns) or anion chromatography (anion columns), each packed with ion-exchange resins of opposite polarity.

There are various types of cation and anion columns, including specialized variants for specific applications. For instance, anion columns may specialize in analyzing polyphosphates in seafood or in the analysis of ions such as I- and SCN-.

Guard columns, capable of filtering insoluble solid particles, are employed to prevent column contamination.

What Is a Powder Dispenser?

A Powder Dispenser is a sophisticated device specifically designed to accurately dispense a predetermined volume of powder. It falls under the category of automatic dispensing systems and is also known as a powder feeder or powder dispenser. These devices are commonly used in laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for dispensing small amounts of powder, such as in milligram units.

Uses of Powder Dispensers

Powder Dispensers are primarily used in fields requiring precise powder dispensing related to chemistry and biology. They are employed in testing and research, the pharmaceutical industry, medical fields, the cosmetics industry, chemical engineering, and the food industry. These devices are used to accurately dispense minute quantities of powder, typically in milligram or microliter units, and commonly handle substances like:

• Pharmaceutical ingredients
• Reagents and raw materials for chemicals (such as resins or salts)
• Food ingredients like powdered milk or soy milk
• Food additives and seasonings
• Dental amalgam powders
• Agar and glass beads for biological and biochemical experiments
• Silica gel
• Veterinary powders
• Fish feed

Depending on the device, substances of various granularities, including powders, granules, and beads, are often processed.

Principle of Powder Dispensers

Powder Dispensers typically work by ejecting filled powder to achieve accurate dispensing. Some use a mesh plate to manually sieve a set volumetric amount of powder into a microplate.

Filling the Powder

The method of filling powder varies by device, including manual filling into the dispensing head or devices equipped with powder suction functionality. In dispensing head systems, the heads are interchangeable, allowing for the quick processing of multiple materials in different quantities without the need for cleaning, thus preventing cross-contamination.

Dispensing

Dispensers operate either by volume or mass units, with manual systems generally dispensing by volume. For example, manual systems might fill powder into a cavity at the tip and use a plunger to eject it. Electric systems can dispense rapidly, with each dispensing action taking about 3 seconds, and are capable of continuous ejection.

Device Design

Devices come in various designs, including handheld and benchtop models. Electric benchtop models can perform automated dispensing using racks of microtubes, vials, or well plates.

Mesh Plate Method

In the mesh plate method, a well plate is placed under the mesh plate, and powder is filled onto the mesh with a slider inserted between the mesh and well plate. After filling the mesh plate with the correct amount of powder and removing excess with a scraper, the slider is removed to dispense the powder into the well plate below.

Types of Powder Dispensers

There are various types of Powder Dispensers, and selecting one appropriate for the application is essential. Volume-based dispensers typically accommodate powder volumes from 5 to 1000 μl. Mass-based dispensers commonly work with milligram quantities, with some capable of dispensing from 5 to 300 mg, and others up to 25 g.

Both electric and manual dispensers are available, with electric models particularly suited for automating large-volume dispensing. Some devices can also integrate with peripheral equipment for automated material mixing, reagent preprocessing, and cap opening/closing. While microtubes, vials, and well plates are commonly used dispensing containers, compatibility varies by device, and some may only accept specific containers. Additionally, while some Powder Dispensers are designed solely for powder, others can handle various solids, including granules and beads.

What Is a Bowl Cutter?

A Bowl Cutter, also known as a silent cutter or a bowl chopper, is a device used in food processing. It consists of rapidly rotating cutters within a spherical container, designed to shred food materials while simultaneously mixing and emulsifying them. This innovative tool is particularly suitable for foods made from ground meat or paste, such as ham and sausage.

Uses of Bowl Cutters

Bowl Cutters are used for the uniform shredding, mixing, pasteurization, and emulsification of food ingredients. They are commonly utilized for coarse and fine chopping and emulsification of meats, making them ideal for the production of ground meat, hamburgers, sausages, chicken nuggets, and various types of ham. They can process various parts of meat, including lean meat, fat, and sinew, and can be used with chilled or frozen meats. They are also capable of producing fish meat sausages.

Additionally, they are used for chopping chicken products, vegetables, salads, and in the production of processed cheese, functioning as a general mixer and cutter. They can mix soy protein and gluten protein with water or oil, used in the production of vegetarian hams. Beyond food processing, bowl cutter technology is also applied in the field of fine chemicals.

Principle of Bowl Cutters

Overview

Bowl Cutters are made from stainless steel, considering hygiene. They are electrically powered and use motors to operate the bowl and cutters. The combination of knife speed, bowl speed, and the number of knives allows for various shredding and mixing processes.

Bowl

The bowl’s shape is typically flat, similar to a large washbasin, or completely spherical. Flat-type bowls usually rotate, while in spherical types, a part called the baffle usually rotates to stir the contents. Bowl speeds range from 12 to 24 rpm, with products offering stepwise speed changes or continuous speed adjustments.

Cutter

The cutter part of a Bowl Cutter consists of multiple blades. Typically ranging from three to ten blades, depending on the device, it’s possible to change the number of blades by swapping the cutter part. Knife speeds are generally between 1500 to 3000 rpm, with devices offering stepwise speed changes or continuous speed adjustments.

Types of Bowl Cutters for Food Processing

Overview

Bowl Cutters come with various unique features depending on the product, including safety lock mechanisms that stop the blades automatically when the lid is opened, and meat thermometers to prevent the temperature of food materials from rising. Some devices can heat or cool the ingredients during use, circulating cold or warm water around the bowl for temperature control.

The size of the products varies, with compact models available for tabletop use. Some products enhance usability with touch panel controls.

Vacuum Bowl Cutters

Some Bowl Cutters can reduce the pressure inside the bowl or create a vacuum environment. Processing chicken or vegetables in a vacuum can enhance the binding with water, improve color and flavor, and achieve denser emulsions. Vacuuming can also promote protein extraction and reduce jelly sedimentation, improving product quality and extending shelf life.

What Is a Hydraulic Piston Filler?

A Hydraulic Piston Filler is a device that utilizes hydraulic pumps to power the filling of foods, such as pastes, using a piston mechanism. This mechanism allows for the suction and extrusion of high-viscosity substances, making it ideal for filling viscous materials like ground meat and fish paste. It is commonly referred to as a hydraulic stuffer and falls under the category of volumetric fillers. The rapid filling capability of piston fillers makes them perfect for high-volume applications.

Applications of Hydraulic Piston Fillers

The primary applications of Hydraulic Piston Fillers are in food factories, meat processing plants, supermarkets, and butcher shops for sausage production. Casings for stuffing can be attached to the nozzle, allowing for sausage production. With additional attachments, they can also be used to shape hamburgers, meatballs, croquettes, and more.
Larger models can be used to stuff entire muscles into nets for products like hams, enabling the stuffing of prosciutto, rolled hams, and boiled hams. These fillers accommodate stretchable nets and general sausage casings.

Operating Principle of Hydraulic Piston Fillers

Mechanism

Most Hydraulic Piston Fillers feature a large cylinder with a hydraulic piston attached at the top.
The operation proceeds as follows:
Food to be filled is placed into the cylinder.
A piston is fitted at the top of the cylinder, and a casing is attached to the nozzle at the piston’s end.
When activated, the cylinder’s bottom rises, pushing the filling material upward to the top piston and then into the casing.
Filling into casings usually involves manual support. Consequently, the device’s switch is often a knee switch, allowing for hands-free operation.

Structure

The device is made of hygienic stainless steel, designed for easy piston removal and a screw-free bottom cylinder structure for straightforward cleaning. Some models feature corrosion-resistant coatings on cylinder parts. Many devices also use waterproof electrical boxes for the power and electrical circuits, enhancing durability.
Particularly in meat processing, piston fillers are designed to prevent the filling material from heating up, with some equipped with cooling fan kits to limit heat transfer.

Types of Hydraulic Piston Fillers

Hydraulic Piston Fillers are available in various sizes and capacities from multiple manufacturers, necessitating selection based on specific needs. Cylinder capacities range from small to large, with options like 14, 20, 25, 35, 50 liters, etc. Nozzle diameters can often be changed, with sizes like 12mm, 20mm, 30mm, and even up to 70mm to 200mm for larger models suited for hams.
Advanced models may include built-in pressure gauges and automatic depressurization as contents diminish. Some come with integrated speed regulators, allowing for manual speed adjustments. Models designed for mobility may be equipped with wheels.

Optional Attachments

Many Hydraulic Piston Fillers support a variety of optional attachments. For example, manual portioners can set quantities from 10 to 500 grams, and there are parts for shaping uniform patties of 100g, 80g, or croquette components. Some products feature attachment nozzles with vertical holes for producing skewered sausages (kebabs). These attachments are typically easy to disassemble and clean, similar to the main unit.