Garlic sorter

When selecting a garlic sorter, you must decide between mechanical size grading and AI vision sorting. Mechanical rollers or vibrating screens are cost-effective for basic diameter grading, but for premium markets, CCD color sorters or AI infrared sensors are essential to detect internal rot, skin damage, and clove uniformity. Ensure the machine uses food-grade silica gel rollers to prevent bruising the garlic bulbs during the process.

Prioritize machines with a sorting accuracy of ≥98% and a damage rate of <1%. Check the processing capacity (tons per hour) to ensure it matches your production scale. For international durability, look for SUS304 stainless steel construction and IP65-rated waterproof motors, which allow for easy cleaning and resistance to the corrosive nature of garlic juices.

Ensure the equipment carries the CE Marking for European markets or UL/ANSI standards for North America. Since this is food processing machinery, the conveyor belts must be FDA or EU Food Contact Material (FCM) certified. Additionally, verify that the manufacturer follows ISO 9001 quality management systems to ensure consistent machine calibration.

A high-quality sorter should offer adjustable grading levels (typically 3–6 levels). Look for systems with PLC touchscreens that allow you to save 'recipes' for different varieties like White Garlic, Purple Garlic, or Solo Garlic. The ability to quickly swap grading plates or adjust roller gaps is crucial for minimizing downtime between batches.

Always send physical samples of your garlic to the supplier for testing before the final build. Request a video of the FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) using your samples. On Made-in-China.com, you can utilize Secured Trading Services to ensure payment is only released after the machine passes these specific performance benchmarks.

Request vacuum-sealed plastic wrapping and reinforced fumigated wooden crates to prevent sea-salt corrosion during transit. For installation, confirm if the supplier provides remote video installation guidance or has local service engineers. Ensure the contract specifies Incoterms 2020 (e.g., CIF or DDP) to clarify who handles the complex customs clearance for industrial equipment.

Negotiate for a 'Wear-and-Tear Kit' to be included in the initial price, containing extra belts, sensors, and brushes. Demand a minimum 12-24 month warranty on core components like the motor and PLC. Ensure the supplier guarantees spare parts availability for at least 5 years to avoid the machine becoming obsolete due to a single failed component.