What Are the Types of food Extruders？

Piston Extruders vs. Twin-Screw Extruders

A piston extruder is a common food processor used in more controlled, consistent applications, such as pasta extruders. It uses a de motor-driven piston that either pushes through a die mechanically or hydraulically, giving a cylindrical mechanical object a continuous and even pressure output.

On the other hand, a twin screw extruder seems to work better with food snacks and the production of textured proteins, where the better the mixing, the better the stuffing goes along the food snack or the protein. Twin screw mix with ingredients in a more aggressive way due to its intermesh screws which also means a wider array formulation and more ingredients can be processed. It is ideal for food processing as it can put more pressure and provide better temperature while in the dual stage.

So, depending on the process, some food processors use different types of food extrusion. For simple tasks like forming a soft dough, piston extruders would be better as they work at high-pressure applications. On more complex tasks that require better mixing and an array of stuffing, a twin screw would be ideal.

Use of single screw extruders in foodstuff and feed industry

Using single-screw extruders is common in the food and feed industries, considering their economic advantage and convenience. They cater primarily to processing cereals, pet food, and aquaculture feeds. So, the technology is based on applying the screw rotational motion to transport material and thermomechanically treat it for producing puffed snacks, breakfast cereals, minced meat, and textured vegetable protein. Moreover, single-screw extruders modify and shape food products of rococo form and texture with simple ingredients targeted precisely at the food. Although single-screw extruders do not possess as intricate mixing capabilities as twin-screw extruders, they offer a dependable alternative for uncomplicated processing requirements where cost and simplicity are significant.