Nowadays, moulding of preserved durian paste, bean paste, and taro paste still use tradition method to shape up every piece by hand, which causes them problems of labour shortage and hygiene.

    Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) via the Food Technology Department has designed and developed the food - paste moulding machine , which produces cylindrical - shape food paste with both ends sealed. This machine enables faster production of food-paste with consistent size and hygienic, which increase business potential in bigger market both locally and abroad.

    Colour-coated steel provides framework for the moulding machine, which houses 3 stainless steel rollers. These rollers are driven by a 1/3 horsepower motor and the distance between rollers can be adjusted to mould cylindrical pieces with diameter between 20-60 mm. And length between 25-300 mm. The machine produces 100-500 pieces per hour. It is also easy to use, maintain, and clean.

    The process of the machine is, firstly, putting the paste in the space between the lower pair of rollers and control diameter of the pieces by pulling the lever. Push down the top roller until touch the surface of the paste and then switch on the machine. All three rollers will roll with the same speed to shape cylindrical pieces in 50 seconds. The dimaeter-controlling lever is released before the cutting blade cuts a long piece into smaller pieces with specified size. When the cutting blade is released , the product falls into the receiving tray waiting for final wrap up step.

    As the result of efficiency test, this shaping machine enhances productivity. The finished products come in regular shape and size with high quality in food hygiene. Therefore, this machine is another innovation which responds to the need of community business to produce food paste for both local and foreign market.