Slice of Innovation: Cutting-edge Tech Redefines Potato Processing

By Ionel Văduva and Tudor Vintiloiu
In the industrial potato processing business, cutting and slicing operations are acknowledged as two of the most crucial stages.
The leading producers of potato-cutting equipment on the market are regularly asked by customers for something novel and distinctive.
Occasionally, people ask for a product that is similar to what is currently on the market. In this instance, a given form could already be protected by a patent or designated for use by a certain industry or customer group.
Certain novel cuts can be made using current equipment and are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, while others can be exceedingly difficult and expensive, especially in light of the unknowns.
Small niche items have the potential to become big sellers over time. Processors know that being able to differentiate themselves from the competition by creating a unique form provides them an edge.
Experts in potato cutting claim that it’s getting harder to distinguish between potatoes used for crisps or chips and potatoes that are fries. Under exclusive agreements, they are creating several distinctive consumer hybrid potato goods.
Urschel: Faster, Accurate, High-Speed Potato Slicing
Since the introduction of the CC Slicer in 1959, the slicer has evolved to meet the changing demands of the popular chipping industry. While the operating principle has remained constant, the cuts, machine construction, and capabilities continue to advance. The latest improvements include the MicroAdjustable SL-14 (slicing) and SH-14 (shredding) heads. SL-14 heads have been greatly accepted by the potato chip industry.
According to the company, customers have reacted very positively to the higher capacity SL-14 and SH-14 style CC heads. Different shapes are available including Z-cut slices, Crinkle, V, and flat slices; small 1.8 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3.2 mm V and reduced V shreds, oval shreds, julienne sticks, Flat V, and hexagonal sticks.
The SL-14, 14-station cutting head, over the 8-shoe cutting head offers many benefits: more precise slicing, quick change over of knives, lightweight, and higher yield with less product loss.
Setting the SL14 head is extremely simple and can be achieved with a single setting of each knife, the setting will also not shift during production. Knife life on the 14-station heads has increased dramatically resulting in reduced costs for the customer.
Each time an Urschel customer purchases an SL-14 head to replace a pre-existing 8-shoe head; the customer inevitably mentions that the head almost sells itself because of the obvious benefits and that switching to the SL-14 was a wise business decision.
The .212 V MicroAdjustable SL-14 Heads incorporate SlideLocc technology. This patented design incorporates a simple, fast knife-clamp operation that enables a wide hinge opening. A great asset when it comes to cleaning behind the clamp.
You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 2 of Potato Business Digital 2024 magazine, which you can access by clicking here.