Before you can brew the perfect beer, you need the right brewery equipment. And as the craft beer scene begins to become crowded, the more you use customized solutions and new technologies, the more you can ensure your beers and brand stand out from the competition.

So, let’s take a look at some of the current customization trends that you might like to follow.

Using CNC Machining for the Customization of Brewery Equipment

Computer numerical control machines can be programmed to create almost any design, from an array of materials. You simply create a CAD design, translate the design into g-code, and then let the machinery do the rest.

For precision and consistency in manufacturing, you simply cannot beat CNC machines. The process of CNC machining is ideal for making customized equipment – so, brewers are now making full use of it.

For example, many brewing companies are using steel CNC machining to customize conical fermenters. Others use the process for making specialized fittings and connections on fermenting tanks.

Also, because heat exchangers and wort-chillers require specific sizing, depending on the volume of beer that needs to be produced and cooled, the CNC process is great for doing things like making accurate grooves for efficient heat transfer and consistent temperatures.

CNC machining can also be used to create personalized brewing vessels and unique aesthetic designs that can help distinguish a brand from its competitors.

So, CNC machining enables a wide variety of customization possibilities for breweries.

Adopting Water Conservation Technologies

Customization trends in brewery equipment also include using specific technologies, such as water-saving technologies that help breweries reduce water wastage.

By customizing production methods, breweries can positively impact the environment. In turn, that can enable them to grow a customer base that is primarily interested in sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Water conservation equipment like water-efficient cleaning systems, flow meters, and water recycling systems have started to become popular among some brewers.

Molson Coors’ heat recovery systems and SABMiller’s ozone-based water cleaning technologies are two particularly popular choices for brewers who want to customize their production methods to be eco-friendlier.

Utilizing Energy-Efficient Brewing Equipment

Many brewers are now also using customized energy-efficient brewing equipment, such as insulated mash tuns and kettles, heat exchangers, and energy-efficient motors and pumps.

In turn, breweries can use less energy to heat water and boil wort. That is beneficial for both the environment and the pockets of brewers.

Implementing Automated Brewing Systems

Automated brewing systems help breweries to increase production levels, reduce the use of resources, and lower production costs.

With customizable brewing systems, you can monitor pressure, temperature, and lots of other variables in an incredibly accurate way, which ultimately means you can create higher-quality beers.

Data that is collected through sensor-connected equipment can also help to optimize brewing processes. By using predictive analytics to anticipate future needs, you can better plan things like inventory levels.

Customizing Energy Usage

Returning to environmentally friendly practices, some brewers are now customizing their energy usage to reduce their emissions by using renewable energy sources to power their brewery equipment.

Biomass fuels, solar power, and wind power are now being utilized to power equipment like steam condensers and heat exchangers. Furthermore, energy recovery systems can be utilized to capture and reuse the waste heat that is generated during the process of brewing.

Summing Up

By using modern machining methods like CNC technology, customizing energy and water usage, and adopting technologies like automated brewing systems, you can stay on trend while also reducing costs, helping the environment, and creating a brewery that grows and stands out.