Automated cutting solution for dough pieces in baked goods production

A machine manufacturer for the baking industry is developing highly automated lines for the production of dough pieces. These can later be baked as pretzels, bread rolls, ciabatta or pretzel sticks. The dough pieces are first portioned and then pass through a proofing section. They lie in several rows on a wide conveyor belt, which can be up to two meters wide depending on the proofing stage. In a further step, the dough pieces have to be cut so that they burst open in the desired places during the baking process. This is where the technical challenge begins: the dough pieces vary in position and height and move continuously on the belt.

We were chosen as the technology partner for this task. We contributed our experience in the fields of image processing and automation and showed how complex technology can be operated easily. Above the conveyor belt, up to four laser triangulation sensors detect the exact position and contour of each dough piece. They also detect their height. The recorded data is transferred to an image processing system. This then precisely calculates the cutting positions. Up to four 6-axis robots are installed above the belt. Equipped with knives, they cut the dough pieces exactly at the calculated positions – while the belt is moving.

The result is a highly precise yet easy-to-use process. With our aku.visionManager® software, new cutting shapes and patterns can be freely defined. This allows operators to implement their own pastry creations – without any programming knowledge. The intuitive user interface eliminates the need for time-consuming training. This provides the customer with a flexible, future-proof solution for modern bakery production.