Mitutoyo's measuring instruments are the key to the taste of pasta

Pasta, an iconic Italian delicacy adored worldwide, relies on stringent quality control measures to preserve its irresistible flavor and ensure culinary perfection. This article will focus on Mitutoyo's role in pasta production and explore its importance and impact.

Dies to determine the shape of pasta

Strict quality control required for dies

Pasta has been eaten in Japan since the Edo period. As you know, it is now available in a variety of shapes, with over 500 varieties. The key part that determines the shape of pasta is the mold of a special pasta making machine (extrusion type) called a "die".

There are two types of dies: bronze and Teflon, the former giving the pasta a rough finish, and the latter giving it a smooth, silky finish. Texture is a key factor in the flavor of pasta, so manufacturers subject it to strict quality control.

Pasta dough being pushed out of the die to form noodles

Does the deterioration of the dice affect the taste?

The crucial part, the dice, is at risk of wear and deformation after prolonged use, so they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Bronze dies are particularly prone to deterioration over time.

Pasta production requires precision, as even slight changes in the diameter or shape of the die holes can diminish the inherent flavor and taste of the wheat.

This is where Mitutoyo's "measuring microscopes" come in handy.

Measuring microscopes are also used for die maintenance

Consistency in pasta production

Mitutoyo measuring instruments are widely used in manufacturing industries around the world due to their precision and durability. However, what is less known is that Mitutoyo, which has established itself as a leading company in the field of measuring instruments for over 90 years, is also used in the food industry.

The greatest feature of the measuring microscopes used in die maintenance is their ability to measure minute surface characteristics and shapes with a high degree of precision, which makes it possible to accurately grasp changes caused by aging and maintain product quality.

In other words, Mitutoyo measuring instruments can be called important tools for producing consistent products.

More About Measuring Microscopes

A small surface roughness measuring instrument used in final inspection

Mitutoyo products for final inspection

Pasta extruded through a die generally undergoes a drying, cooling, and cutting process before a final inspection, and here too a Mitutoyo product is used - a measuring device called a "surface roughness measuring instrument".

Food manufacturers measure various items before weighing and packaging the finished pasta to determine whether it meets the standards set by the company, and the roughness of the pasta surface is one of them.

Mitutoyo's surface roughness measuring instruments are easy to handle due to their handy design and excellent operability, so many major manufacturers use them. Undoubtedly, they play a major role in pasta manufacturing, along with measuring microscopes.

View surface roughness measuring instruments

Rice and Chocolate too!

Mitutoyo's measuring instruments are useful not only in pasta manufacturing sites. That steaming bowl of freshly cooked rice and that chocolate snack you bought may just also be made using Mitutoyo measuring equipment! Mitutoyo's measuring instruments help ensure the deliciousness of the food we eat every day.