AI/MACHINERY/AUTOMATION
Poetry in motion There’s a new machine on the market that takes bread de-nesting to the next level. PROBLEM SOLVING Millitec Food Systems Ltd, headquartered in Derby, specialises in designing and manufacturing food automation machinery. In a ground-breaking move, after conducting nearly 20 trials from April to September 2023, it has unveiled its latest innovation: the BDN400 bread de-nester.
This cutting-edge machinery is aimed at revolutionising sandwich production lines, introducing a unique motion mechanism that sets it apart. While bread de-nesters are not new, the BDN400 distinguishes itself by incorporating an entirely innovative motion mechanism. There are different ways to handle bread during production, such as sliding motions and stab-and-place methods – however, these come with their own set of challenges. Sliding can cause issues with sticky bread, disrupting the production process, while staband-place can also be problematic, as they may damage the bread due to its soft and pliable nature, making it impractical for use. Therefore, Millitec has opted for a revolutionary peeling
motion, offering a gentle and precise approach to handling during the de-nesting process. Julija Kazakeviciute, mechanical designer at Millitec, highlighted the importance of food appearance and the company’s commitment to sustainability: “When we noticed that de-nesters in the market have the potential to damage products and increase waste, we decided to develop a new method to solve this problem.” QUESTION OF SYNCHRONISATION The BDN400’s standout feature lies in its fundamentally different de-nesting motion. By utilising rollers to separate the top edge of the bread slice from the loaf, this ensures ultimate productivity and reduced wastage. “The biggest challenge during the design process was to synchronise the timing of the rollers’ rotation and conveyor speed to peel the bread slices accurately,” said Kazakeviciute.
But after several software adjustments, the de-nester can now effectively and efficiently feed 70 bread slices in each lane to the production line per minute. Unlike conventional methods, the BDN400 overcomes the inherent obstacles and establishes itself as a game-changer in terms of operational efficiency and quality. Millitec’s commitment to innovation is underscored by the BDN400’s advanced design, offering a solution that not only meets, but exceeds industry standards. With its gentle yet effective peeling motion, this machinery is designed to redefine the landscape of bread de-nesting, providing a reliable and high-quality solution for sandwich production.
46 I www.sandwichandfoodtogonews.co.uk
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25/01/2024 17:12