RHEON's KASEIJIN Series: From the CN100 to the CN700
What Is the KASEIJIN?
"KASEIJIN" (火星人, Japanese for "Martian") is the series name for Japanese RHEON's single-row encrusting machines. According to the official company history, the first unit, the CN100 released in 1987, got this nickname because the founder thought it looked like a Martian, and it later became the name of the entire series. According to the company, the KASEIJIN is the best-selling series among all of RHEON's food forming machines.
The CN100 was positioned as "an encrusting machine with an onboard computer." Its encrusting function was limited to a non-stick cutting mechanism, and it was equipped with a product memory unit (P.M.U.), an entirely new concept at the time; see Dusting Flour and Anti-Stick Measures and Control Systems.
Are KASEIJIN and CORNUCOPIA the Same Series?
They are names for the same series in different language markets. The English company history on RHEON's U.S. website refers to the 1987 CN100 as the "CN100 CORNUCOPIA," the 1994 CN120 as the "CORNUCOPIA CN120" (nicknamed CORNUCOPIA Junior), and also attaches CORNUCOPIA to the CN500 of 2000 and the CN700 of 2020. The Japanese website consistently calls them "KASEIJIN."
Overseas markets also have CORNUCOPIA models starting with KN and AN; see CORNUCOPIA (KN Series). What the Taiwanese industry calls these machines in everyday speech is not very consistent; when asking for quotes or parts, the model number on the machine's nameplate is the most reliable.
Major Models Over the Years
According to RHEON's official company history:
| Year | Model | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | CN100 | First-generation KASEIJIN; computerized, product memory unit |
| 1994 | CN120 | Low-bed type, 30 cm lower than before, nicknamed KASEIJIN Junior; first in the series that could be fitted with an option to automatically feed solids such as strawberries and chestnuts |
| 2000 | CN500 | Universal type with a newly developed feeding mechanism and encrusting cutting mechanism |
| 2011 | CN580 | Evolved universal type; feed ratio and encrusting timing can be fine-tuned for each food, with more options |
| 2020 | CN700 | Cycloid feeding that feeds even dough containing particles steadily; up to 5,100 pieces/hour with the two-stage conveyor version; automatic setup just by entering weights |
What KASEIJIN Models Are Currently Available?
The single-row KASEIJIN models currently listed on the Japanese website:
- CN700 (universal type): Up to 3,600 pieces/hour, or up to 5,100 pieces/hour with the two-stage conveyor version; weight 10–250 g; ratio 1:0–0:1; can make ball, tawara, and bar shapes; stores 100 products.
- CN050 (compact, for confectionery): Up to 3,600 pieces/hour, weight 10–140 g; stainless steel hopper cylinder, water-washable body; intermittent filling function as standard, suited to thin-skinned or large manju.
- CN601 (for fermented dough): Designed for highly elastic doughs such as Chinese-style steamed buns and xiaolongbao; up to 3,600 pieces/hour, weight 10–300 g; the feed ratio of the hopper cylinder and flow regulator can be adjusted according to physical properties.
- CN511 (for bread dough): Bread-dough-specific feeding mechanism, suited to filled sweet buns and doughnuts; up to 3,600 pieces/hour, weight 10–250 g.
There are also the two-row KASEIJIN WN155 and WN156; see Multi-Row Encrusting Machines. For the ultra-compact "Chibi Robo" (チビロボ) CN001, see Tabletop and Compact Machines.
Common Features of the KASEIJIN
- Separate feeding of dough and filling, co-extrusion through a concentric nozzle, and shutter sealing; for the principle, see Co-Extrusion Principle.
- Adjustable ratio: Most current models list 1:0–0:1 on the website.
- A wide range of options: triple encrusting, solid-ingredient feeding, ultrasonic cutters, bun pleating machines, and more; see Options and Peripherals.
- Hygienic design: stainless steel hopper cylinders, screw drives that do not come into direct contact with food, and water-washable bodies (depending on model).
Dong-Yih's Machines
Dong-Yih Machinery manufactures models in Tainan including the DY-201 Automatic Steamed Bun and Mantou Machine and the DY-528MS/DY-528M dividing machines. To find out whether they suit your product, call us at 06-257-4644 or leave a message on our Contact page.
FAQ
Q: What is the KASEIJIN?
A: Japanese RHEON's series of single-row encrusting machines. The first generation, the CN100, was released in 1987, and the name comes from the founder thinking it looked like a Martian.
Q: What models are in the KASEIJIN series?
A: Past models include the CN100, CN120, CN500, CN580, and CN700; current Japanese models are the CN700, CN050, CN601, and CN511, plus the two-row WN155 and WN156.
Q: Are KASEIJIN and CORNUCOPIA the same series?
A: Yes. RHEON's English company history calls the CN100, CN120, CN500, and CN700 CORNUCOPIA, while in Japanese they are called KASEIJIN.
Q: How can I tell which model my machine is?
A: The model number on the machine's nameplate is the most reliable. When asking about parts or repairs, provide both the model number and the year of manufacture.