Co-Extrusion Head (Co-Ex)
Overview
The Co-Ex is designed to produce filled treats directly from the end of an extruder. It takes the main extruder flow and divides it evenly across a number of treat nozzles, allowing multiple product strands to be formed at the same time.
A secondary flow of cream or another filling is then injected into the centre of each treat, creating a consistent filled core within the outer extruded product. This provides a flexible platform for producing a range of filled treat shapes, sizes and flavour combinations.
Key Benefits
Patented Flow Normaliser
Key figure: Single- and twin-screw extruders
The patented Frazer-Nash Flow Normaliser balances the extruder flow evenly across multiple nozzles, providing consistent output on both single- and twin-screw extruders.
Individual Nozzle Adjustment
Key figure: Every nozzle adjustable
Each nozzle can be adjusted independently to fine-tune its flow rate, improving balance and accuracy across all product lanes.
Continue Production Through Blockages
Key figure: Individual nozzle shut-off
If a nozzle becomes blocked, it can be shut off individually so the remaining nozzles continue running without stopping the extruder or ending the production run.
Multipurpose Line Integration
Key figure: Tool-less Bayonet changeover
The Co-Ex can be integrated into an extruder line using Frazer-Nash Bayonets, allowing fast changeover between the Co-Ex and other tooling so one extruder can produce multiple product types.
Frazer-Nash designs the internal process paths around the product, optimising flow through the Co-Ex for the required recipe, output and treat geometry.
Fully machined construction, with a choice of materials and surface finishes available to suit the product and process requirements.
Line-independent and adaptable to any extruder or extruder type, including single- and twin-screw machines, with or without a Frazer-Nash Bayonet connection.
Designed to minimise the use of gaskets and O-rings, avoiding them wherever they are not essential.
Interchangeable nozzles allow multiple treat shapes to be produced from the same Co-Ex assembly.
Can also be run as a simple rope extrusion using shaped nozzles, with no centre cream or secondary filling.
Reduced Rope-to-Rope Variability
Interchangeable Inner and Outer Nozzle Profiles
Fully Hygienic Design
Universal Equipment Compatibility
The patented Flow Normaliser within the Co-Ex head reduces variation between the product ropes leaving the die.
It provides a reliable and predictable way to equalise the flow across all ropes on both single- and twin-screw extruders.
This removes the need for individual throttle screws on every rope, simplifying set-up while maintaining consistent output across the die.
Interchangeable inner and outer nozzle profiles give a single extruder the flexibility to produce multiple treat types from the same Co-Ex head.
Products can be made with or without a cream-filled centre, allowing the same head to support both co-extruded and simple rope products.
Different nozzle combinations can produce small or large diameters and a variety of rope shapes, increasing product range without replacing the complete treat head.
The Co-Ex is manufactured from stainless steel and other fully food-grade materials throughout.
The die stack separates easily, allowing each individual product and cream flow path to be fully accessed for cleaning and inspection.
There are no hidden channels or voids where product can collect, supporting thorough cleaning and reliable hygiene control.
The Co-Ex is designed to be fully adaptable to any brand or type of extruder or energy-management device.
It can be configured for both single- and twin-screw extruders, allowing the same Co-Ex principle to be applied across different production platforms.
Connection details are engineered around the existing line, with integration available either directly or through a Frazer-Nash Bayonet.
How it Works
The Co-Ex is a treat head specifically designed to bring an extruded outer product and a centre filling together. The die profiles and internal flow paths are calculated around the product to minimise residence time and eliminate stationary areas where material could burn and later affect product quality.
A patented Flow Normaliser cone is built into the Co-Ex head to equalise flow across the complete die, regardless of the extruder type. Set-up is quick and straightforward: a die typically requires only one adjustment of approximately 10 to 15 degrees to balance the product ropes.
The centre-filling nozzles are supplied through connections positioned around the outside diameter of the die. Cream or another internal filling is delivered through these nozzles into the centre of each extruded product tube, filling the internal void and creating the finished centre-filled treat.
Applications
- Installation on a new extrusion line to produce a range of cream-filled ropes or cream-filled pocket products.
- Upgrade of an existing extrusion line to add cream-filled product capability.
- Upgrade of an existing kibble manufacturing line to produce cream-filled rope treats using the same extrusion equipment.
Related Products
SEV
The Sanitary Extruder Valve is an energy-management valve installed at the end of the extruder.
SEH
The Sanitary Extruder Hood (SEH) is used in the manufacture of dry, cereal based foods produced continuously on a cooker extruder, commonly known as kibble.
BCB
The Bi-Colour Barrel (BCB) is an upgrade for an existing twin-screw extruder that allows two distinct products to be produced continuously and simultaneously from the same machine.
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