Bühler Launched New Oilseed Flaker System
Oilseed processors can now utilize a high-capacity flaker designed to reduce vibration and extend roll service life.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Agriculture
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Bühler has introduced the OLFC flaker system, a new processing unit for oilseeds capable of handling up to 500 metric tons per day. Designed to improve operational efficiency, the equipment features integrated sensor technology and an auxiliary drive to streamline maintenance.
Why it matters
The system aims to minimize production disruptions by doubling the service life of rolls and decreasing machine vibration by 25%. For processors, these gains in uptime represent a direct improvement in daily throughput and long-term maintenance overhead.
The OLFC flaker system offers a 150% increase in roll service life compared to prior models and reduces energy consumption by 4%. The equipment maintains a daily processing capacity of 500 metric tons using rolls with an 820 mm diameter.
The players
Bühler
A 166-year-old Switzerland-based manufacturer providing processing solutions and equipment to the global food and agriculture industries.
The details
To maximize uptime, the engineering team reinforced key components including the base frame, bearing unit, and motor fixation. An upgraded hydraulic system provides protection against pressure spikes, while an auxiliary drive allows for low-speed rotation during service intervals. These physical upgrades are complemented by integrated sensor technology that supports automated digital monitoring.
Timeline
A prototype unit began operation in a U.S. soybean processing plant in October 2023.
Bühler officially launched the OLFC flaker system on September 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
The new unit surpasses the industry standard 800 mm flaker roll diameter by implementing an 820 mm design. This move follows a broader trend among large-scale processors to integrate digital monitoring with physical hardware to compress maintenance windows.
Processors should evaluate whether current downtime costs justify an upgrade to the OLFC system's high-capacity hardware. Maintenance managers should factor in the reduced vibration and longer roll service life when calculating the equipment's long-term depreciation and repair budget.
The takeaway
The transition to larger roll diameters and reinforced frame designs illustrates the value of minimizing mechanical failure points in high-volume production. Operators should monitor the performance of this 820 mm roll configuration against their existing equipment's output data over the coming quarter.
Further reading
For more information on the latest equipment innovations, visit Agriculture.
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