Automatic Cutting and Spacing Machines for Confectionery Enrobing

From the Extruder to the Enrobing Line

SODEVA can integrate the cutting process directly at the outlet of an extruder or rolling line. After each cut, the bars are taken over, individually separated and spaced at the required pitch before being transferred to the enrober and then to the packaging equipment.

This separation is essential to ensure that the coating correctly reaches the sides of every product and to prevent the bars from touching or sticking together.

A waterjet system performs the cutting operation, but it does not mechanically create the required space between the products. On its own, it therefore cannot take over, individually separate and accurately space sticky bars before enrobing.

The SODEVA solution controls the complete inline process: cutting, product take-over, individual separation, controlled spacing, feeding of the enrober and transfer towards the flow-pack machines.

From Demoulded Slabs to Enrobing and Packaging

SODEVA designs automated lines that transform demoulded slabs of chocolate, nougat, caramel, fruit paste, marshmallow and other confectionery products into individually separated and correctly spaced pieces.

The line can integrate slab trimming, longitudinal and transverse cutting, automatic removal of edge trims, product separation and transfer towards an enrober, decorating station or packaging line.

Depending on the production layout, cutting can be performed on removable trays, mobile trolleys fitted with trays, discharge conveyors or a fully automated continuous conveyor line.

Fine edge trims and cutting waste are removed automatically. The slabs therefore do not require manual handling between the different operations.

After cutting, the products are separated and evenly spaced to ensure stable feeding of the downstream equipment.

Compact Machines for Small and High-Volume Production

SODEVA offers compact machines for artisan production as well as complete industrial lines for higher output requirements.

The same installation can cut different formats of chocolate, nougat, caramel, fruit paste, marshmallow and other confectionery products, then automatically adjust the spacing between each piece according to the requirements of the enrober or packaging equipment.

Format changes are controlled by recipes and do not require complex tooling replacement.

Different products can therefore be processed successively on the same machine within a limited floor space, with repeatable settings and short changeover times.

The products are cut, individually separated, realigned and evenly spaced before being transferred to the next production stage.

Adjustable Spacing for Enrobing and Packaging

After cutting, each product is automatically separated and positioned on the conveyor with regular and controlled spacing.

The distance between products is adjusted by recipe according to the speed and operating requirements of the enrober, decorating station or packaging line.

Nougat, chocolate, caramel, fruit paste, marshmallow and other confectionery products can therefore be transferred without any prior manual separation.

Controlling the orientation, alignment and pitch between each product facilitates the feeding of downstream equipment and reduces the risk of pieces touching or sticking together.

The discharge system can be configured to feed an enrober, several conveyors, flow-pack machines or other automatic packaging equipment directly.

Applications for Automatic Cutting and Spacing

SODEVA solutions are suitable for many confectionery applications requiring precise cutting and individual product separation.

Typical applications include:

■ chocolate and praline centres before enrobing;

■ nougat in bars, cubes, domino shapes or sectors;

■ soft caramel and salted butter caramel;

■ fruit paste before sugaring or enrobing;

■ cut and individually separated marshmallow;

■ chocolate products containing hazelnuts, almonds or other inclusions;

■ products intended for confectionery assortments;

■ custom formats produced from moulded slabs.

The geometry, orientation and spacing of the products are adapted to each recipe to facilitate transfer towards enrobing, decoration or packaging equipment.

A Line Designed for Your Product and Enrobing Equipment

Each SODEVA line is configured according to the product characteristics, required finished formats, spacing between pieces and production output.

For the technical study, please send us:

■ the slab dimensions before cutting;

■ the dimensions and shape of the finished products;

■ the product texture and temperature;

■ the required production rate;

■ the spacing required between each piece;

■ the specifications of the enrober, decorating station or packaging line to be supplied.

Our team will define the most suitable cutting technology, number of stations, conveyor arrangement and product separation system.

Product trials can be carried out in our showroom using your own products, either in person or remotely by live video conference.

Final assembly, customer demonstrations and FAT can also be performed at SODEVA USA in Connecticut.

Contact SODEVA for a technical study of your automatic cutting and spacing project before enrobing or packaging.