Laboratory Flake Ice Machine Selection Part Five: Cost-effectiveness
Release Date:
2025-05-20 09:20
Hardware
The main hardware components of a flake ice machine include the compressor, motor, motherboard, etc.
Currently, the best brand for compressors is Danfoss (known as Secop in China) [e.g., Xiamen Guoyi Ice Machine]. Other brands include American Copeland, French Tecumseh, Sanyo, etc. [e.g., Sanyo Ice Machine], and some use other brands like Zanussi [e.g., Changshu Xueke Ice Machine]. Danfoss quality is widely recognized in the industry, and its price is generally 3-5 times that of other brands.
Motor: Flake ice machines require a motor to drive the ice blade to crush the ice after it forms in the freezing chamber. Therefore, the quality of the motor significantly impacts the quality, lifespan, and stability of the flake ice machine. Among the motors used in flake ice machines currently on the market, one must first consider the type of motor, such as right-angle hollow shaft or worm gear reducer. Generally, right-angle hollow shaft reducer motors are preferred (e.g., JSCC). Precision motor products are mainly from German brands, as Germany is known for its precision industry. A considerable number of domestic flake ice machine brands also use Haitec, Ningbo Zhongda Motor, or Korean motors, which tend to have lower recognition.
Motherboard: Most ice machine brands on the market currently use off-the-shelf control boards, which are almost identical to those used in catering, typically displaying status via indicator lights and lacking in safety control and design. Better ones should use a dedicated main control board suitable for laboratory environments, such as those with voice broadcast or LCD display capabilities, and designed programs to avoid common issues like ice blade jams. Xiamen Guoyi has done well in this regard.
Performance
The ice produced by a flake ice machine should be relatively crushed, which significantly increases the contact area of sample tubes and enhances the effect of ice baths. Additionally, it should have a certain water content to improve insulation capacity.
Given a certain ice production capacity, theoretically, the larger the ice storage bin capacity, the better. Therefore, this factor should be considered when evaluating performance.
The operation of flake ice machines is highly automated, with minimal manual intervention. Users often encounter certain situations during use, at which point the machine itself needs to provide a good alarm or prompt method. For example, most ice machines use indicator lights, or buzzers, or employ voice prompts to timely and effectively notify users of abnormal states such as full ice, water shortage, standby, or fault shutdown. Some related products are even equipped with LCD screens to display various states during the ice machine's operation, giving users a clear understanding.
Based on various hardware components, the overall operational stability of the ice machine is paramount. Program control and various error-prevention programs and sensors are crucial for ensuring operation. For instance, ice blade jamming is a common fault in flake ice machines, and settings to prevent ice blade jamming at both shutdown and startup times are critical.
Pricing
Regarding pricing, opinions vary. A fact that most people are unwilling to face is: you get what you pay for. Even with the widespread internet-driven thinking and numerous free products available, providers often gain their profits in ways you cannot perceive, or related third parties bear the cost. However, in the traditional instrument manufacturing industry, hardware cost investment remains rigid, and no manufacturer can claim to provide products for free.
Summarizing current market conditions, imported flake ice machine brands are generally priced 2-5 times higher, or even more, than domestic products. Among domestic brands, Xiamen Guoyi (Premium Edition), Shanghai Bilang, Ningbo Xinzhi, Beijing Changliu, etc., are priced higher, while Xiamen Guoyi (Standard Edition) and Changshu Xueke are priced lower. Pricing is related to the supplier's production method, product positioning, material selection, warranty, etc. For example, if OEM is used for contract manufacturing, the relative selling price will certainly be higher, otherwise reasonable profit cannot be guaranteed.
Overall, when comparing prices, one should fully consider factors such as each supplier's production method, product positioning, material selection, and warranty, and choose an appropriate price and product based on one's actual circumstances.
Considering the brands currently on the market, a domestic brand with its own production capacity, focus on quality, and attention to after-sales service is a good choice.
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