In the early 1940’s, U.S. farmers and food producers began developing the first potato dehydration process to better feed troops overseas. While this process has extended to a variety of food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and nutrient processing, the critical step of removing dried product from the drum surface remains a challenge:

• Thick metal blades (knives) require heavy loading forces to conform to the surface of a heated or cooled drum.
• Clamped style blade holders restrict thermal expansion and contraction of thin metal blades causing them to ripple.
• Heavy loading forces cause blades to wear quickly.

Many of the technological advances developed and patented by Kadant Solutions Division optimize the flaking and drum drying process.

• Free-floating blade holders like the patent-pending AccuFlake™ PRO blade holder allow thin metal blades to be used without buckling and allow for simple, swift, safe blade changes.
• Long life metal blades such as the ProFlake™ doctor blade enables longer production runs.
• Durable and robust knife oscillation enable product removal at lower loading forces.