Packaging | IDM Uwe Becker, ALPMA: Packing rooms for cheese have undergone some major changes over the last 15 years (photo: IDM) Special cases Uwe Becher also focused on special cases where fixed-weight portioning is not always easy. Feta loaves, for example, are cut using sheet metal or ultrasound knives, depending on the product consistency. Neither bar cutters nor inspection system are required here. The cheese slices are then transferred to a deep-drawing machine at a speed of 220 packages à 150 g per hour. Transfer is effected with a maximum of ten movements for the number of feta units required for loading of the deep-drawing machine and is thus particularly gentle. Individual suction cups with a controlled vacuum also allow auto matic processing of UF feta. State-of-the-art processing of blue cheese was described by Becher using the example of a recently installed line. Here, too, the portions are automatically and gently transferred to the deepdrawing machine. Round Gouda loaves, naturally-ripened or foil-ripened, can also be portioned fully auto matically. The shape and weight of each individual loaf is measured. Segments of different dimensions are produced to allow full exploitation of the loaf in combination with the centre cut-out. The individual segments are produced in a singlecut process. This can then also be followed by automatic loading onto a deep-drawing machine. The big advantage of this process is that the half-loaves are pre-cut in such a way that a full portion is produced at the end, and not two leftover pieces, as is the case with other processes. Less downtime As Becher also explained, ALPMA designs its machines to be easy-clean and maintenance friendly. Machines bearing the seal of efficiency have significantly lower cleaning and changeover times, and all work can be carried out by just one person and without the use of tools. Shorter cleaning and changeover times not only cut outlay for personnel and cleaning solutions, but also boost machine availability. Mr. Becher also mentioned that in spring 2016, after evaluating around 3,300 companies, the business magazine Wirtschafts Woche listed ALPMA in its ranking of the top 20 most innovative mid-sized German enterprises.
IDM_09_2016
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