Common Older RHEON Models: How to Tell the N208, CN100, CN120, CN500, and KN400 Apart

First, Identify Your Machine

It is not unusual to find RHEON encrusting machines that have been in use in factories for twenty or thirty years. To repair one or find parts, the first step is to work out which model and which generation it is. The most reliable way is to check the nameplate on the machine: the model, serial number, and year of manufacture are usually on it.

Major Models by Era

According to RHEON's official company history:

N series (1960s–1980s)

• N101 (1963): The first commercial encrusting machine.
• Model 105 (1966): A general-purpose machine that sold 1,838 units in eight years and was recognized as Mechanical Engineering Heritage in 2015; see The First Automatic Encrusting Machine.
• Model 200 (1968): Extended encrusting to bread dough.
• N208 (1986): A universal automatic encrusting machine that could be fitted with a non-stick encrusting cutting mechanism, making flour-free products such as ohagi and hamburger patties possible.

KASEIJIN (火星人) CN series (from 1987)

• CN100 (1987): The first-generation KASEIJIN, with an onboard computer and a product memory unit (P.M.U.); its encrusting function was limited to a non-stick mechanism.
• CN120 (1994): Low-bed type, 30 cm lower than before, nicknamed KASEIJIN Junior, which the company describes as a long-selling model; first in the series that could be fitted with an option to automatically feed solids such as strawberries and chestnuts.
• CN500 (2000): Universal type with a newly developed feeding mechanism and encrusting cutting mechanism.
• CN580 (2011): Evolved universal type; feed ratio and encrusting timing can be fine-tuned for each food.
• CN700 (2020): Current universal type, with cycloid feeding.

Overseas KN models
KN models such as the CORNUCOPIA KN400 are common on the overseas used equipment market, and listings show machines with manufacturing years such as 1997. The full chronology of KN models is not published on the website, so rely on the nameplate to identify them; see CORNUCOPIA (KN Series).

How Long Can Older Models Keep Running?

Encrusting machines have no fixed "service life." How long one lasts depends on:

• Maintenance: Whether wear parts such as the shutter, feed screws, vane pump, and shaft seals are regularly inspected and replaced.
• Usage intensity: Running 2 hours a day versus 16 hours a day makes a big difference in wear.
• Ingredients: High-sugar, particle-containing, or firmer materials cause more wear on the feeding mechanism.
• Cleaning practices: Thoroughly disassembling, washing, and drying after every use reduces corrosion and material buildup.

RHEON's own service offerings include a paid "overhaul": a machine used for many years is disassembled down to the parts level, cleaned, inspected, repaired or replaced, and reassembled to near-new condition. There are also periodic inspections designed to catch problems before a breakdown. This shows that machines used for many years can still have room for continued use with proper maintenance and overhaul.

Are Parts for Older Machines Easy to Find?

It depends on the model. Generally speaking:

• The older the model and the fewer units shipped, the more likely original parts have been discontinued, requiring stock, parts from dismantled machines, or remanufacturing.
• Consumables such as shutter blades, seals, and belts are easier to handle than electrical control boards or dedicated motors.
• The electrical control system is often the biggest hurdle with older machines: if early control boards or memory units have been discontinued, a retrofit may need to be considered.

When looking for parts, please prepare the model, serial number, year of manufacture, and photos and the location of the faulty part. The more complete the information, the faster it goes.

Daily Maintenance for Older Machines

1. After each production run, thoroughly disassemble, wash, and dry the machine; do not leave material inside the feeding mechanism.
2. Regularly check that the shutter opens and closes smoothly and that the seals are neat.
3. Watch for unusual noises, vibration, or temperatures, and deal with them early.
4. Manage lubrication separately from cleaning of food-contact surfaces, and use lubricants suitable for food machinery.
5. For any disassembly, cleaning, or servicing, stop the machine, cut the power, and apply lockout/tagout.

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: Which generation is my older machine?
A: The model number and year of manufacture on the nameplate are the most reliable. Models starting with N are mostly from the 1960s–1980s, those starting with CN are the KASEIJIN series from 1987 onward, and those starting with KN are mostly overseas market models.

Q: How long can older models keep running?
A: There is no fixed lifespan; it depends on maintenance, usage intensity, and ingredients. The manufacturer also offers paid overhauls that restore long-used machines to near-new condition.

Q: Are parts for older machines easy to find?
A: It depends on the model and type of part. Consumables are usually easier to handle, while discontinued electrical control parts are harder. When inquiring, please provide the model, serial number, and photos of the part.

Q: How is the CN120 different from the CN100?
A: The CN120 is a low-bed model from 1994, 30 cm lower than before, and the first that could be fitted with an option to feed solids such as strawberries and chestnuts.