Eggshell Cutter Using Ultrasonic Vibration

Abstract

An eggshell cutting apparatus which utilizes ultrasonic vibration was developed, replacing the conventional apparatus which uses an air cutter, to cut eggshells at the blunt end of eggs. Two ultrasonic vibration sources were used: one with longitudinal vibration only and the other with torsional vibration plus longitudinal vibration. Eggshell cutting experiments using these vibration sources were conducted. The eggshell cutting time sharply decreased with increasing longitudinal vibration amplitude as well as increasing input power. When the source with torsional vibration plus longitudinal vibration was used and the amplitude of longitudinal vibration was 12 µm or less, the torsional vibration was effective for cutting eggshells. Furthermore, at the same input power, the eggshell cutting time by the source with longitudinal vibration only was shorter than that by the source with torsional vibration plus longitudinal vibration. When an egg was cut using the apparatus, there was essentially no cutting noise and the cut surface was smooth.