Add food extruding equipment to your business inventory to make your work easier. Whether you own your own extrusion company or produce food or packaging films to cover or contain your food and beverages, co-extrusion equipment can enhance your products, your process and ultimately your bottom line.

Food co-extrusion equipment feeds two or more materials through a single die with at least two openings arranged so that the extruded materials merge and weld together before chilling. As you begin your search for packaging and food extrusion machines, consider the following options:

1. Purchase co-extrusion equipment for food processing that's designed to meet your specific needs and standards.

2. Order food extrusion equipment that allows you to manufacture packaging in your extrusion business or for your own product.

3. Consider used food extruders when your budget's tight.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go directly to the manufacturers of food extruding machines

Co-extrusion food machines will definitely speed up your process and allow you to boost your productivity.

I recommend: If you produce sausage, check out your options with Quality Extrusion (QX) equipment from Townsend. The company originated more than 60 years ago and has worked hard to perfect the art and science of sausage making equipment. The QX system boasts minimal manual labor and unmatched safety, sanitation and hygienics. While extruding a continuous flow of meat batter for links or rings, the QX system simultaneously extrudes a thin outside layer of gel to make the casing as the sausage is produced. Order a custom co-extrusion unit from Phase II Pasta Machines for your special needs. The company relies on the Commercial Food Equipment Service Association's nationwide network of authorized service centers to service its equipment. Contact Diamond America to inquire about their custom co-extrusion line. This company's workforce draws on 250 years of combined extrusion equipment manufacturing experience. Consider Wayne Machine's co-extrusion equipment for food processing. The company will also upgrade existing extrusion equipment and takes trade-ins on purchases.

Order co-extrusion machinery for packaging

Co-extrusion equipment will provide you with the opportunity to produce stronger packaging films. If you don't find the co-extrusion equipment you need, ask different manufacturers if they can custom build the machine or system you want.

I recommend: To create multi-layer packaging films, contact Automated Packaging Systems to learn more about the Alpine Multi-Layer Co-Extruder they work with. The extruder uses a three-layer process and employs a laser scanner that continuously monitors film thickness and provides quality control. For custom-built food and beverage co-extrusion equipment, contact J J Jenkins to see what that company can do for you. They manufacture extruders up to eight inches in diameter and also offer heating and cooling systems in different combinations to maximize processing conditions for your specific application.

Spare your budget by purchasing used extrusion equipment

Used food extruders may offer you all the capability you need if you're just starting your business.

I recommend: Go to Aaron Equipment Company to see pictures and obtain a price quote for a Davis Standard 112 inch-wide, 7-layer HDPE co-extrusion sheet extrusion line. New in 1995, the line remains installed as operated. Aaron, in business for more than 70 years, sells most of its used equipment in the same condition they receive it, but they will recondition equipment upon request. At Kitmondo, an online marketplace for used equipment, you can find food extruding equipment like a Union 1600mm-wide sheet co-extrusion line.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for the most cost-effective and simplest way to get the co-extrusion machinery you need, consider leasing the equipment as one of your options. Leasing can allow you to conserve your capital, require less hassle on your part during the acquisition process and often allow you to save money on repairs and maintenance.