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A walnut cracking machine is used to break open walnuts and extract the kernels. There are three main categories of walnut cracking machines- traditional, modern, and automated machines. Let's delve into the details:
Manual walnut cracking machine
The traditional or manual walnut cracking machines are operated by hand. They are comparable to the conventional methods of cracking walnuts with hammers or other hand-held tools. These machines usually consist of a metallic frame with a pair of levers or pressing mechanisms. The frame holds the walnut in place while the operator applies pressure to the lever or the cracking mechanism to break the shell. One of the advantages of using a manual walnut cracking machine is that they are affordable and easy to use. However, they are not efficient and can easily lead to damage to the walnut kernels.
Automatic walnut cracking machines
The modern or automatic walnut cracking machines come with an electric or battery-powered mechanism. Like the manual cracking machines, they also consist of a frame with a set of plates to apply pressure to the walnut and break the shell. The major difference between the automatic and manual machines is that the operator has to push a button to crack multiple walnuts at once. This supplies the necessary force to crack the walnut shells one after another, saving time and effort. They are more efficient than manual cracking machines and can process a larger volume of walnuts in less time. Depending on the model, some automatic walnut cracking machines may even offer adjustable settings for different walnut sizes and shell thicknesses. One downside is that they can be expensive and require some maintenance over time.
Industrial walnut cracking machines
These machines are more advanced and model-driven, often with a more extensive crushing and separating capacity. Some have special features like screens, blowers, and sieves to sort walnut pieces based on their size and even crack multiple types of nuts, including pecan and black walnuts. They usually have a roller system that applies pressure to the walnut shells until they crack. Please note that an industrial walnut cracker is not the same as a commercial walnut cracker. The industrial machines are bigger and have more capacity compared to commercial ones. The latter are still excellent for processing a large volume of walnuts; they just buckle under extensive runtime. One major benefit of these machines is that they have more capacity and efficiency. Large-scale walnut-producing companies typically use them. However, they are very expensive and may require a specific kind of training to operate.
Most walnut cracking machines come with key specifications that determine their suitability for different types of walnuts and walnut-cracking needs. Here are some of them:
Cracking Method
Types of walnut cracking machines use different methods to crack walnuts. For example, mechanical walnut cracking machines apply controlled force, while pneumatic machines use air pressure. Instruments such as hydraulic cylinders and air compressors can be used in walnut cracking machines to implement the method used.
Production Rate
Depending on the type, size, and power of the walnut cracker used, the walnuts cracked per hour will vary. For example, a small manual machine may crack 30 samples -60samples an hour, while larger machines will crack 20-80 per minute.
Power Source
A walnut-cracking machine can be electrically or manually powered. An electric machine will use electricity from an AC power source, while manual machines will require the user to apply manual force through a hand crank.
Materials
A walnut-cracking machine's body, feeding mechanism, and hopper are made of different materials, including stainless steel, hardened steel, and aluminum alloy. Stainless steel is a rust-resistant, durable material great for walnut cracker machines that handle different types of nuts in humid environments. Stainless and aluminum alloys are lightweight yet durable materials that's perfect for machines that have to move a lot of speed. Hardened steel is the material used for the blades and hoppers of heavy-duty walnut crackers. It is durable and built to handle heavy workloads.
Kernel Recovery Rate
Determining how much walnut nut/kernel is recovered after cracking is essential for commercial value and efficiency. It is better to choose a machine with a high recovery rate. Some walnut crushers have up to 80% recovery rates, while others have less.
A walnut shelling machine is built to crack walnuts efficiently and handle some heavy use. Luckily, when they are well looked after, they can take a lot of wear and tear. Maintenance should not be a problem as long as users are reasonably gentle with the crank during manual cracking and are careful with abuse from external forces during the cracking process. Here is some maintenance advice:
Regular Cleaning
Users should remove any residual walnut shells and debris regularly to prevent clogs and contamination. The cleaning should be done after use and periodically during long breaks in use. Use compressed air or a small brush to extract residue from hard-to-reach areas.
Lubrication
Lubricate moving parts of the walnut cracker, such as bearings and chains, with food-grade lubricant known to be safe and compatible with nuts. This will reduce wear and tear from friction, allowing the machine to crack with ease.
Storage
When storing the walnut cracker for long periods, choose a dry place that is free from any rust, mould, or pests. Store the machine indoors or under shelter, away from any exposure to elements that worsen damage. If using protective coatings on the machine during storage, ensure they are not flammable or toxic.
The supply of hickory nuts and walnuts is growing worldwide, and this trend will continue in the coming years. As a result, the demand for walnut cracking machines is booming due to the rising consumption of walnut kernels for food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement products.
More farmers, food companies, and health supplement industries are using cracking machines to increase walnut production and supply worm customers' interests. The machine's efficiency increases the number of wholesome walnut products on the market.
Besides these industries, many people use handmade walnut crackers at home. Small-scale walnut cracking machines are easily used for home or small-scale nut cracking. The machines offer an affordable way for DIYers, crafters, and product developers to produce home-based products for local and individual consumption.
The demand for quality walnut oil is rising. Therefore, walnut cracking machines are used to extract oil from nuts for the following industries:
In some cases, the walnut shell is a valuable product used for cat litter, fuel, or abrasive compounds. Therefore, cracking machines are used to ensure a large supply of walnut shells for these industries.
There are several factors to consider when buying a walnut cracker machine for business use. These include:
Production capacity:
Consider buying a walnut sheller with the right capacity to match the current harvest or market demand. If 2,000 nuts per hour are fed into the machine, ensure there are enough workers to gather and feed the machine, as well as enough storage space to gather processed walnuts. Consider the full nut and walnut supply chain before investing in a walnut cracker machine with a specific production capacity.
Automation:
Automation levels can vary; some models require manual input to gather and feed the nuts into the machine. Higher-end walnut cracker machines can process nuts without manual input. Assess the machine's need for further workers or automation and weigh the costs against benefits.
Quality of crack:
The main advantage of walnut-cracking machines is the high volume of nuts that can be cracked in a short time. However, the main feature of the machine is to crack the nuts, and not all machines will give an equal or optimum crack yield. Thoroughly investigating how well the walnut is cracked and whether the customer would mind paying a price for a nut that was cracked imperfectly is important. Exploring how easily the damaged nuts can be sorted is essential.
Ease of assembly/disassembly:
Eating cracked walnuts are an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to flourish and spread. Therefore, the cracker machine must be easy to disassemble and clean with standard cleaning tools and solutions.
Replacement parts:
Know what parts are easily replaceable and ensure they are available worldwide to avoid lengthy downtime and delays in service.
Durability and reliability:
Walnut-cracking machines are a considerable investment, so choose a machine that is built to last. Read reviews from other customers, and look at the warranties provided on critical parts of the device.
Price:
The price of walnut-cracking machines can vary widely, depending on brand, capacity, and features. Compare prices, but remember that the cheapest machine may cost more in service, repair, and replacement parts down the line.
Q1: How much throughput do walnut cracking machines have?
A1: The throughput of walnut cracking machines varies. Small-scale machines may process 25 to 100 walnuts per minute. Larger, industrial-scale machines have throughputs of 500 to 1,000 walnuts per minute or more.
Q2: At what size do machines become economical for cracking walnuts?
A2: Cracking walnuts by machine instead of by hand is economical at large volumes. Cracking 2,000 walnuts per day, or 750,000 per year, would make it economical to purchase a walnut cracking machine. This is because the cost of the machine would be less than the cost of paying people to crack the walnuts at that volume.
Q3: Are walnut cracking machines adjustable for different sizes of walnuts?
A3: Yes, a walnut cracking machine has adjustable settings to accommodate walnuts of different sizes. This is important because walnuts are often cracked for their meats, which are shaped like other products used in the food industry.
Q4: What is the ratio of cracked walnuts to whole walnuts when using a walnut cracking machine?
A4: The approximate ratio is 5 to 1, with about five walnuts being processed to obtain one cracked walnut. Not all walnut shells can be successfully cracked open without damaging the walnut inside. This is similar to other food processing machines.
