An Australian insect farm transformed its mealworm processing by switching from manual sorting to an automatic mealworm sifter. What was once a labor-intensive bottleneck became a streamlined process that boosted efficiency by 400%. Here’s how Shuliy’s 5th-generation screening machine solved their production challenges.
Challenge: Manual Sorting Limitations
Before automated equipment, the farm relied entirely on manual labor for mealworm sorting. They faced these key challenges:
- Slow processing - Manual sorting produced just 20-40 kg per person per hour
- Inconsistent grading - Human sorting delivered rough, uneven size separation
- Fatigue-induced drops - Worker productivity declined sharply over extended shifts
- Scalability limits - Production capacity was constrained by available labor
These limitations created a bottleneck that prevented the farm from scaling to meet Australia’s growing demand for high-quality mealworms.
Solution: Shuliy 5th-Generation Mealworm Screening System
The farm invested in Shuliy’s complete mealworm sorting solution, consisting of two key machines:
1. 5th-Generation Mealworm Screening Machine
The 5th-generation mealworm screening machine is the core of the sorting system, handling multiple functions in one compact unit.
| Item | Specifications |
Mealworm Sifting Machine | Model: TZ-5 Sieve dung: 300kg-500kg/h Separate big/small worm: 150kg/h Select pupae/dead worm: 50-70kg/h Size(mm): 1690*810*1170 Power: 1.5kw Weight: 195kg Voltage: 220v 50hz single phase |
2. Pupa Sorting Machine
Working alongside the screening machine is the automatic pupa sorting machine, which efficiently separates pupae from larvae with minimal damage.
| Metric | Before (Manual) | After (Automatic) | Improvement |
| Size Grading Capacity | 20-40 kg/h per person | 150 kg/h | +400% |
| Dung Sifting Capacity | 20-40 kg/h per person | 300-500 kg/h | +1200% |
| Separation Purity | ~85-90% | 99% | +9-14% |
| Consistency | Variable | Consistent | Stable output |
| Fatigue Impact | Significant decline over time | None - 24/7 operation | Unlimited uptime |
With the automatic mealworm sifter, the farm achieved 99% separation purity — a level of quality impossible to consistently achieve manually. The machine runs continuously without fatigue, ensuring steady production around the clock.
Business Impact: Cost Savings & Revenue Growth
The automation investment delivered measurable financial benefits:
- Labor cost reduction - Reduced reliance on manual sorting staff cut labor expenses significantly
- Scaled production - Enabled the farm to process 3-5 times more mealworms daily
- Premium pricing - 99% purity allowed premium pricing for sorted mealworms
- Less waste - More accurate sorting minimized product loss
Why Shuliy’s Automatic Mealworm Sifter Works
What sets Shuliy’s 5th-generation mealworm screening machine apart for Australian insect farmers:
- Custom voltage - Configured for Australian 230V single-phase power
- Multi-function design - Sifts dung, grades sizes, and separates pupae/dead worms in one machine
- 99% separation accuracy - Ensures premium product quality
- Easy maintenance - Quick-change brushes and belts minimize downtime
For insect farms looking to scale, an automatic mealworm sifter is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. This Australian case study shows how the right equipment can transform production efficiency and profitability.
Contact Shuliy today to discuss how our mealworm screening machines can help your operation achieve similar results.
