Requirement
Manual portioning of meat products is time-consuming, labour-intensive and can result in inconsistent portion weights. Our customer's objective was to automate a predominantly manual process, improve process reliability and significantly increase production efficiency.
The solution
To meet these requirements, Höfelmeyer developed an automatic portioning system for diced meat that integrates seamlessly into existing production lines. The system performs precise weight-based portioning of loose, unpackaged meat and ensures a continuous, automated product flow through to the packaging stage.
How the Portioning System Works
The diced meat is fed into the system via a mobile conveyor. A downstream conveyor system ensures a smooth and continuous product flow throughout the process. Using integrated weighing technology, each portion is weighed with high accuracy to ensure that the specified target weights are consistently achieved.
The weighed portions are then transferred in a controlled sequence via a retracting conveyor directly into the prepared thermoforming packs. An integrated tamping unit gently compacts each portion, optimising pack utilisation while creating a clean, consistent product presentation.
Seamless Integration into Existing Production Lines
The system was installed by our commissioning team directly downstream of the customer's cutting and dicing machine and fully integrated into the existing production process. This enabled a largely manual operation to be transformed into an automated process without requiring extensive modifications to the existing production line.
The advantages are:
- Automatic portioning of diced meat
- High-precision weight portioning using integrated weighing technology
- Continuous product flow via a coordinated conveyor system
- Gentle filling of thermoforming packs using a retracting conveyor
- Integrated tamping unit for consistent product presentation
- Reduced manual handling and labour requirements
- Improved process reliability and repeatable portion weights
- Custom integration into existing production lines
- Ideal for automated meat processing applications in the food industry
Tailor-Made Solutions for Your Production
Every production line has its own specific requirements. As a manufacturer of weighing and inspection systems, Höfelmeyer develops customised solutions for the food industry – from weight portioning systems and inspection technology through to complete production and quality assurance lines.