StoneExtractor reduces blade damage in potato chips processing
Embedded stones remain a costly challenge in potato chip processing. Even after washing, cleaning, and optical sorting, small stones can stay hidden inside potatoes and reach the cutting head. Once there, they may damage several blades in succession, causing extra maintenance, unplanned stops, and less consistent slice quality.
FAM STUMABO developed StoneExtractor to improve stone evacuation inside the cutting head. Thanks to redesigned segments with deeper, wider grooves and optimized evacuation openings, stones can leave the cutting zone immediately after impact, rather than circulating further in the head, creating damage to parts & blades.
The solution was validated under industrial conditions at Kelly Ges.m.b.H., Austria’s market leader in salty snacks. After implementation, Kelly reported less blade wear and fewer unplanned stops, especially when processing potatoes from more challenging raw material conditions.
StoneExtractor is not a standalone machine, but an upgrade of the cutting head segment design. It strengthens FAM STUMABO’s broader approach to foreign material management in potato chips slicing, alongside StoneDefender and Scalibur™.
Interested in reducing blade damage and unplanned stops in your chips line?
Contact FAM STUMABO to discuss how StoneExtractor fits your production setup.