publication date: Apr 25, 2012
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author/source: Malvern Instruments Ltd
Renowned globally for the quality of
its coffee makers, manufacturer De'Longhi has transformed QC processes
for grinders at its manufacturing facility in Mignagola di Carbonera, using the
Insitec on-line particle size analyzer from Malvern Instruments. The Malvern
applications team worked closely with engineers at De'Longhi to develop a fully
automated solution that supports the target of achieving 100% testing, of every
element, of each ‘bean to cup' coffee maker. Grinder set-up is assessed on the
assembly line by analyzing the particle size of freshly ground coffee beans.
The Insitec solution is easy to use, extremely reliable and robust, and testing
is complete in just a few seconds. Three systems are now in continuous
operation on three parallel assembly lines.
Commenting on the innovative solution,
De'Longhi said, "Because we wanted to test every single grinder that comes off
the assembly line, measurement speed was critically important to us. Insitec
quantifies grinder performance in real-time. The interface we've developed then
guides the assembly line worker as to any corrective action required to ensure
that this performance meets our defined specification. The results are tagged
to the specific grinder so we have an audit trail for every single coffee maker
that leaves the site."
‘Bean to cup' coffee makers, as the
name suggests, incorporate an integral grinder, whose performance has a
defining influence on the taste of the finished cup of coffee. At De'Longhi,
grinder set-up is assessed, on the assembly line, by analyzing the
particle size of freshly ground coffee beans. While the essential basis of the
solution is particle size distribution data, the system has been engineered to
provide operatives with simple pass/fail information. Out-of-specification
performance is rectified by turning a gear wheel in either direction to move
the grinding surfaces closer or further apart, the Insitec interface providing
direct instructions as to what action to take.
The Insitec is a laser diffraction particle size analyzer for in- or
on-line use. Measuring up to four complete size distributions every second it
provides real-time data that effectively tracks even the most rapidly changing
processes. Insitec technology is designed specifically for the process
environment and is suitable for both wet and dry streams with particles in the
size range 0.1 to 2500 microns.
For more information visit
www.malvern.com/insitec
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