FLAWIL – Provisur Technologies exhibited the company’s complete high-speed press-to-slice line at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne, Germany. The next generation module includes the Hoegger X3 Press, a Press-to-Slice module and the new Formax SX550 Slicer.

“The seamlessly coordinated modules increases yield and profitability,” said Gerd Stratenwerth, sales manager EAPMEA at Provisur. “But better yield also leads to a significant reduction in food waste. For us at Provisur, saving food and improving yield go hand in hand.”

Ideal for bacon production, the Hoegger X3 Press features servo hydraulic-controlled press technology that provides fast and accurate pressing, Provisur said. Through the controlled application of force, the Hoegger X3 enables precise and efficient pressing of natural shapes and even large belly deformations.

“This results in better shaped products which in turn leads to more homogenous portions while slicing that significantly improve the slicing yield,” the company said. “It reduces belly cracking and keeps deep wrinkles to a minimum.”

The press-to-slice module includes a 3D scanner that determines how to portion each log before the first slice is cut. Scales achieve high-precision evaluation of weight, shape, and density of the product. Data is transmitted to the slicer and enables the slicer to produce accurate portion weights, consistent slice thickness, and exact slice counts.

“There is a continuous feedback loop from the slicer to the press-to-slice module, enabling speedy adjustment of parameters to maximize yield and reduce waste,” according to Provisur.

Finally, Provisur’s brand new, high-capacity slicing system, the Formax SX550, works seamlessly with the press-to-slice module. The SX550 has a 550 mm wide throat to fit a maximum amount of product. The company said It provides better portion control and is ideal for high-speed bacon production while also slicing cold cuts, cheese, cured meats, and specialties.

The SX550 has two independent product drives and can slice two bacons at the same time, making it a high-yield system that maximizes throughput. For smaller products like salami, the SX550 can slice multiple products at the same time.

The press-to-slice module addresses two trends in the food processing industry, according to Stratenwerth.

“On the one hand there is a trend for very flexible line configurations that serve many different products, and on the other hand there is a need for high-performance lines optimized for only a few products,” he said. “With our press-to-slice integrated line, and our Formax slicers, we provide outstanding solutions for both of these trends.”