EN 12331:2003

1.1This European Standard specifies requirements for the design and manufacture of mincing machines (see Figures 1 and 2) used in a stationary position.

The machines covered by this standard are used for size reduction of fresh or frozen meat, meat products and fish by cutting in a set of cutting tools.

Mincing machines for domestic uses are not included in this standard. Filling mincers are covered by prEN 12463 "Food processing machinery - Filling machines and auxiliary machines - Safety and hygiene requirements".

This standard applies only to machines that are manufactured after the date of issue of this standard.

Mincing machines in connection with using a hold to run foot switch are not covered by this standard.

1.2This standard covers the following types:

- Mincing machine with tray, feed intake and pusher, diameter < 52 mm on feed intake (see Figure 5)

- Mincing machine with tray, feed intake, restrictor plate and pusher, diameter > 52 mm on feed intake

(see Figure 6)

- Mincing machine with feed intake hopper and cover, screw conveyor, with1) or without mixing screw in feed intake hopper (see Figure 7)

- Mincing machine with feed intake hopper, with or without cover, screw conveyor, with ) or without mixing screw in feed intake hopper, with loading device (continuously or discontinuously)

Mincing machines comprise a machine base, a worm casing with a worm, a feed intake tray or hopper, a screw conveyor (and sometimes an additional mixing screw in the feed intake hopper), a set of cutting tools, a lock nut, a loading device, a drive motor and, depending on machine type, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic components. They will also have various safeguarding devices as examples in clause 5.

Mincing machines may be equipped e.g. with

- an extraction claw,

- an ejector or extractor,

- a protective hood over the discharge outlet,

- a cover over the inlet opening of the feed intake hopper,

- a transport carriage for the lock nut, the set