Carl Fritz

The vertical uncapper works both sides of a frame

On the CFM 5130000, a carriage moves the frame between two blade assemblies and returns it to the loading position, uncapping both sides in one cycle. The manufacturer states around 200 frames per hour with practice, an adjustment range of 22–45 mm and a factory setting for 24 mm combs. Adjust supports and blades when changing frame format; the factory setting is not the only comb thickness accepted.

Cappings fall into a tray with a mesh bottom and honey drains into a tank below. The machine therefore needs an available honey outlet as well as room to load and remove frames. Mechanising the cut does not remove the need to handle its output.

Creaming machines for different batch sizes

The 50 kg and 100 kg models in this selection work without built-in heating; the range also includes a heated 300 kg unit. Size each batch around the honey you will process at one time. The manufacturer specifies a minimum of 100 kg in the 300 kg unit and recommends filling at least one third of the 50 kg vessel for even mixing.

Creaming works on honey texture. Excess moisture must first be addressed using the appropriate process: stirring or filtering does not remove that water.

Extractors and wax recovery

The 12- and 16-frame reversible extractors have a Ø 125 cm drum and bottom-mounted motor. The special 12-position version, 5534034-ESP, takes 12 full-depth Langstroth, Dadant or Layens frames, or 24 shallow frames, in 36 × 46 cm baskets. The 16-position model takes Langstroth or Dadant frames, or 32 shallow frames. Check the complete reference: the special version does not have the same baskets as the standard 12-position model.

The Carl Fritz honey-wax separator receives honey directly from the extractor outlet and separates the wax by centrifugal force, with a stated throughput of around 300 kg/h. This is a different operation from uncapping 200 frames/h. The wax melter has a 19 litre water reservoir separate from the wax. Plan each stage by the material it receives and releases.