Raw Cashew Grading Machine | Cashew Sorting Machine

In the early stage of cashew processing, raw cashew nuts are usually mixed in size, which can directly affect the efficiency and stability of the following processes. The raw cashew grading machine is designed to address this issue by separating raw cashews into uniform size categories. By doing so, it helps improve processing consistency, reduce kernel damage, and make the entire production line more controllable.

What Is a Raw Cashew Grading Machine?

A cashew sorting machine is a drum-type sorting equipment used to classify raw cashew nuts according to their size. It is widely applied in cashew processing plants as a pre-treatment machine.

The machine separates cashews into different size ranges such as:

• 8–10 mm
• 10–12 mm
• 12–14 mm
• Above 14 mm

Depending on production needs, the grading levels can be customized from 3 to 6 grades. This flexibility allows the machine to adapt to different raw material conditions and processing requirements.

In addition to size classification, the grading process can also help remove light impurities and dust, improving the cleanliness of the raw material before further processing.

Why Is Grading Important?

Grading is not just a sorting step—it plays a practical role in improving the overall performance of the cashew processing line.

Improve Shelling Efficiency

Cashew shelling machines usually perform better when processing nuts of similar size. Grading ensures that each batch fed into the shelling machine is uniform, which helps achieve more stable operation.

Reduce Kernel Breakage

Mixed-size cashews can lead to improper cutting or cracking during shelling. By separating them into consistent sizes, the risk of kernel damage can be reduced.

Ensure Consistent Product Quality

Uniform raw materials contribute to more predictable processing results, which is important for maintaining consistent product standards.

Facilitate Process Control

Different sizes of cashews may require slightly different processing conditions. Grading makes it easier to adjust parameters for each category if needed.

Working Principle of Raw Cashew Grading Machine

The cashew sorting machine mainly works through a rotating drum with multiple sections of perforated screens.

• Raw cashew nuts are fed into the inlet
• The drum rotates continuously, moving the material forward
• Each section of the drum has different mesh hole sizes
• Smaller cashews fall through the earlier (smaller) holes
• Larger cashew nuts continue moving forward until they are discharged from the corresponding outlet.
• The nuts are separated into different size grades

Customization and Technical Details

One of the practical advantages of this cashew grading machine is its adaptability to different production requirements.

• Grading levels: 3-6 grades (customizable)
• Mesh sizes: can be designed according to customer requirements
• Capacity: about 400–500 kg/h
• Structure: drum-type design with stable operation
• Applicable materials: raw cashew nuts and a variety of nuts, including hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, walnuts, chestnuts, etc.

Features of Cashew Sorting Machine

1. When working the cashew sorting machine will separate materials without staying and very fast.
2. Easy operation and working stable, long service life.
3. Energy saving, low noise, and little dust.
4. Wide application, suitable for all kinds of round-shape fruit.

Position in the Cashew Processing Line

The raw cashew grading machine is typically installed at the beginning of the production line, serving as a preparation step for subsequent processes.

Typical processing flow: Raw material → Grading → Steaming → Shelling → Shell-kernel separation → Drying → Kernel peeling → Kernel grading → Vacuum packing

Below is a detailed description of the equipment involved in each step and its function:

1. Raw Material

The raw material is raw cashew nuts in shell, usually mixed in different sizes and may contain small amounts of impurities.

2. Grading (Raw Cashew Grading Machine)

A cashew nut grading machine (drum-type grader) is used to separate cashews into 3–6 size grades through screens with different mesh sizes.

Function:

• Standardize raw material size
• Improve shelling efficiency
• Reduce kernel breakage
• Remove part of dust and light impurities

3. Steaming (Cashew Steaming Machine)

Graded cashews are fed into a steaming machine, where steam is used to heat the nuts.

Function:

• Soften the shell
• Change the bonding condition between shell and kernel
• Prepare for the shelling process

4. Shelling (Cashew Shelling Machine)

Steamed cashews enter the shelling machine, where the shells are cracked according to their size.

Function:

• Break the hard shell
• Maximize kernel integrity

5. Shell-Kernel Separation (Shell-Kernel Separator)

After shelling, the material is a mixture of shells and kernels, which needs to be separated.

Function:

• Separate shells from kernels
• Improve sorting efficiency
• Reduce manual labor

6. Drying (Drying Machine)

Separated kernels usually contain some moisture and need to be dried.

Function:

• Reduce moisture content
• Facilitate the peeling process
• Improve storage stability

7. Kernel Peeling (Cashew Peeling Machine)

After drying, a thin skin remains on the surface of the cashew kernels, which needs to be removed by a cashew peeling machine.

Function:

• Remove the outer testa (thin skin)
• Improve product appearance and quality

8. Kernel Grading (Kernel Grading Machine)

After peeling, the cashew kernels enter the kernel grading machine for further classification, usually based on integrity and size.

Function:

• Classify different product grades (whole kernels, broken kernels, etc.)
• Meet different market requirements

9. Vacuum Packing (Vacuum Packing Machine)

The final product is packed using a vacuum packaging machine.

Function:

• Moisture-proof and oxidation-resistant
• Extend shelf life
• Facilitate storage and transportation

Details Parameters

Model	Capacity	Power	Size	Weight
SLG-800	400~500kg/h	2.2kw	2.6*1*1.8m	800kg
SLG-2000	1000-2000kg/h	3kw	8*1.9*3.2m	2000kg

Conclusion

The Raw Cashew Grading Machine is an important pre-processing equipment in cashew production. By classifying raw cashew nuts into uniform sizes and removing part of the impurities, it helps improve shelling performance, reduce breakage, and support consistent product quality. Contact us to choose the right grading solution and improve the efficiency of your cashew processing line.