Exos pre-launched the prototype of its new Exos A302, an automated pin-bone remover designed for pre-rigor salmon and trout, at SPE in Brussels.
The automated machine is based on proprietary flap-technology. The technique commonly used in pin-boning equipment today is drum-based, which has a number of drawbacks. The pioneering flap-technique from Exos overcomes these drawbacks and adds many features that solve the problems of left-over bones, broken bones and annoying gapping from which processors currently suffer.
“With the A302, the bones are pulled out in the same direction as they lie in the fillet. With the drum-technique, the bones are bent around a drum, which, of course, adds to the risk of them breaking. Moreover, the A302 grips bones in four to five places as they are pulled out. That gives added strength and the possibility to pull out bones from pre-rigor and other very difficult fish without breaking them”, explains Kari Koljonen, Technical Director at Exos. He adds “The design also slows down the actual moment of grabbing the top of each bone, without changing the speed of the machine. Instead of being snatched at, bones are gently pulled out in one smooth movement that allows the equipment to get a good grip and thus utilise all of its pulling strength. Working successfully with pre-rigor fish and other difficult fish is now a real possibility.”
The new Exos A302 is a two-line machine built for professional companies with high demands on reliability and up-time. In laboratory tests, the Exos A302 has proven to process 30 post-rigor fillets/minute with a minimum of waste and gapping, although this rate will, of course, decrease with more difficult fish.
More bones being pulled out, higher yield and greater through-put all mean better profitability for processors plus preserved quality to the end-consumer. The A302 also features a clean and functional design for easy handling and maintenance. A minimum of control buttons, no need for tools when cleaning, and easy adjustments for line operation and individual workers means time-savings plus good working conditions. Functionality, usability and return-on-investment more than outweigh price.
