APEC Blog

Welcome to the APEC Blog! Your resource for finding insights and equipment solutions for process automation, ingredient handling, weighing and batching, and more. Whether you’re an animal or pet food manufacturer, working in the food production industry, or another manufacturing industry, we cover a wide range of topics to help improve efficiencies, maintain quality, and solve your production challenges.

With a variety of different blog types, we have the resources to support manufacturers looking to streamline operations, reduce downtime, and stay ahead of industry trends. Check out our latest articles below.

How to Improve Process Equipment Integration & Training

April 1, 2026 Food Processing
Before you make a large capital investment in processing equipment, it’s important to understand the entire process of equipment integration, calibration and testing.  In this guide, we explain: What process equipment integration involves Why calibration is important How operator training improves performance What testing should…
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How Material Properties Impact Ingredient Feeding Systems

March 25, 2026 Powder & Bulk Solid
Ingredient handling systems are often designed around a set of expected material characteristics and assumed material flow properties. Engineers assume a certain bulk density, flow behavior or moisture range when selecting feeders and designing hoppers.  In practice, ingredient properties rarely remain perfectly consistent. Changes in suppliers, seasonal raw material…
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4 Factors for Choosing a Powder Handling Equipment Manufacturer

March 20, 2026 Dry Mix Guide
Working with powders presents unique challenges across industries. The right powder handling equipment can improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce operating expenses and extend system life. Choosing the right powder handling equipment manufacturer is a critical first step. Not all manufacturers have the same level of expertise,…
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Keeping Your Batching System Running Through Cold Weather

January 26, 2026 Food Processing
When cold weather hits, your batching system feels the effects. Dropping temperatures can create a host of performance challenges that can lead to unplanned downtime, diminished product quality and material waste. The checklist below outlines the steps you can take to keep your batching system…
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Pilot Testing and Prototyping: Reducing Risk in Capital Equipment Investments

January 23, 2026 Food Processing
Investing in custom automated processing equipment can be a risk. There is uncertainty about potential problems, errors, or bugs that may emerge. When you partner with APEC, you can implement automated processing equipment with confidence thanks to our pilot testing and prototyping capabilities. With pilot…
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Why R&D Matters in Processing Equipment: From Concept to Plant Floor

December 23, 2025 Food Processing
The processing equipment industry is constantly evolving, and it is important to look for new innovations for improvement. At APEC, we believe in the value of research and development (R&D). Instead of being content with the way a process has always been done, R&D dives…
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New Pet Food Industry Trends for 2026: What Manufacturers Should Know

December 2, 2025 Pet Food
Pet Food Industry Trends 2026 There are some strong trends emerging in the pet food industry for 2026. More emphasis is being put on ingredient transparency as owners want to know precisely what they are feeding their pets. Process automation and sustainable practices are also…
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6 Lot Traceability Issues and Solutions in Food Processing

November 20, 2025 Food Processing
It’s essential to resolve lot traceability issues to protect consumer safety. While it’s impossible to prevent food safety hazards 100% of the time, lot traceability allows manufacturers and distributors to stop the spread of contamination when it occurs, and prevent more customers from accessing the…
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11 Questions To Ask Before Buying Process Equipment

November 10, 2025 Sales
Investing in process equipment is a big decision that can affect product consistency and efficiency to long-term scalability. If you’re upgrading a system or building a new production line, it’s important to choose a manufacturer who understands your materials, your industry, and your goals. At…
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Pneumatic Conveying Equipment Design and Materials

October 17, 2025 Engineer's Guide
Pneumatic conveying equipment use air to create propulsion that moves materials from one place to another. Though other types of mechanical motion, like belt conveyors or screw conveyors, can be more efficient, pneumatic conveyors offer a number of advantages. When working with particular materials, pneumatic…
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