Abstract: In this study, the mechanical properties of apricot shell were investigated in order to improve the shell breaking quality of apricot kernel. Considering the effects of the raised ribs on the surface of apricot kernel and the differences of shell thickness in different regions on the mechanical properties, the 1/2 Saimaiti apricot kernel shell was scanned by Wiiboox 3D Reeyee Scanner, and the model was repaired by SpaceClaim software to obtain a 3D analysis model of the apricot shell. ANSYS Workbench was used to load cloud image analysis of 1/2 apricot shell in three ways,and the best shell breaking method was determined, then the accuracy of model analysis was verified by experiments.The results showed that there were significant differences in crushing force required by the pressure in different directions. The crushing force required along the Y axis was the largest（856 N）, the deformation was 2.48 mm, and the crushing rate of almonds was 0. Along the X=Z axis, the required crushing force was 398 N, the deformation was 0.41 mm,and the crushing rate of almonds was 21.8%. The crushing force required by pressing along the X axis was 426 N, the deformation was 1.08 mm, and the crushing rate of almonds was 0, which was consistent with the results of model analysis. Therefore, the surface characteristics of the apricot shell can be more accurately reflected by the modeling of the scanner, and the pressure along the X axis would be more appropriate than that along Y and X=Z axis. These results can provide references for the design of the apricot kernel shell breaking machine.