Malvern On-Line Particle Sizing Helps De'Longhi Achieve 100% Testing of Each 'Bean to Cup' Coffee Maker |
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park
Malvern Worcestershire, WR14 1XZ
United Kingdom
Press release date: April 17, 2012
Malvern, UK: 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. www.malvern.com/insitec
Malvern, Malvern Instruments and Insitec are registered trademarks of Malvern Instruments Ltd. About De'Longhi
De'Longhi is recognised as the global market leader in coffee, comfort and selected kitchen and homecare categories. The Company mission is to offer consumers innovative home appliances with a distinctive combination of style and performance and to take an international approach to product development appealing to different cultures and living environments, through committed people who are passionate about driving the continuous success of the brand.
De'Longhi has an intelligent approach to product innovation and commerce inspired by insights from household around the world and the De'Longhi family's entrepreneurship and commitment to new ideas.
The brand provides assurance, clarity and integrity and is committed to improving the comfort and quality of daily life.
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern Instruments is a market leader in measuring performance controlling material properties. These include particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, size and conformation, rheological properties and chemical identification. Malvern delivers the systems, support and expertise that ensure the analytical integrity and productivity needed to drive research, development and manufacturing.
Malvern's measurement solutions for scientists, technologists and engineers advance continually through customer collaboration. Complementary materials characterization systems deliver inter-related measurements that reflect the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Combining intelligently implemented technologies with in-depth industry applications knowledge and support, Malvern provides customers with the competitive advantage they demand.
Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com USA contact:
Marisa Fraser, Malvern Instruments Inc.
117 Flanders Road, Westborough, MA 01581-1042 USA
Tel: +1 508 768 6400; Fax: +1 508 768 6403; marisa.fraser@malvern.com
Please send sales enquiries to:
Alison Vines, Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1XZ UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456; Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789; salesinfo@malvern.com
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