Industrial sifting may appear straightforward, but the process varies greatly depending on the material, application, and desired outcome. From food and pharmaceuticals to plastics and chemicals, selecting the right sifting technology is essential for ensuring product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Fuchs Maschinen AG, Switzerland, outlines some of the technology options

  • Vibratory sifters are the classic and most cost-effective solution, ideal for control or safety sifting to remove unwanted particles from good product. They are versatile, suitable for dedusting bulk materials, and offer a good balance between simplicity and performance.
  • Cyclone sifters, or rotary sifters, use a high-speed rotor to throw material through a cylindrical basket. Fines are separated by centrifugal force, while oversized particles are discharged. These compact systems deliver high throughput with minimal space requirements.
  • Tumbler sifters provide gentle yet highly precise sifting. Their eccentric, oscillating motion creates a slow, tumbling action, protecting both product and machine. The result is quieter operation and more accurate particle separation compared to standard vibratory sifters.
  • Plansifters, such as Fuchs’ Siftomat series, combine precision and practicality. With adjustable slopes and multiple sieve decks, they allow fine-tuned control of dwell time and flow rate. Quick to dismantle and clean, these sifters are particularly valued in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Their robust design and long service life make them ideal where precise particle separation is essential, such as in plastics masterbatch production.

Contromat VE 450 control sifter with overflow for oversize material

Contromat VR 630 control sifter without overflow for oversize material

Siftomat plansifter with bagging device in the food industry