Title
Intelligent dividing machine for bakeries
Microprocessor replaces electromechanical control
Technologies used

Microcontroller

Industrial sector (PRODCOM code)
    29 Machinery for food, Beverage & Tobacco Processing
Abstract

Industrias Torrents (established 25 years ago) is an SME located in Barcelona which manufactures bakery machinery. The Company had a turnover of 2 MECU in 1997, with 19 employees of which 2 are electronics/electrical engineers. Prior to this project, the company had no "in house" electronic design experience, simple bought-in control boards were used.

The Dough dividing machine, which is the subject of this Fuse Experiment, accounts for 26-30% of Company turnover. The dividing process breaks a flour dough block into units of specified size to be turned into loaves.

The project, which is a microcontroller-based design, will likely provide product benefits to reverse the trend of the sales figures decline of the dividing machine.

The microcontroller application manages the motor speed control and the motor movements, controls operation sequences and protection, provides a user friendly interface through a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a key board and, finally, generates alarm signals whenever something does not run well. In addition the changes provide better control of the dough dividing process, improve accuracy of the dough weight and save energy.

The project has been developed over 9,5 months with a total investment of app. 130 K€, of which 46 K€ was for prototype development. The payback period is expected to occur within the first 20 months with an ROI of 200% over three years, equivalent to a yearly average of 26%. The innovated dividing machine is considered a key product to reach the next years sales forecasts. The company expects to apply the skills developed to other products. The TTN involvement in the selection of a suitable subcontractor contributed to the success of this project

Company
INDUSTRIAS TORRENTS
Anoia, 33 Polígono Plá de la Bruguera
CASTELLAR DEL VALLES
08211 - Barcelona
Detailed information
You can also benefit from microelectronics

Microcontroller technology provided INDUSTRIAS TORRENTS with the means of improving its products and enhancing its market position. You can also achieve significant benefits by acquiring the right microelectronics technology and utilising it in your product or manufacturing process. You can get help from FUSE to realise this.

FUSE is a technology transfer programme, funded by the European Commission to stimulate the wider use of microelectronics technologies by European enterprises to increase their competitiveness and enhance their economic growth. The demonstrator described here is one of many examples in the public FUSE portfolio covering the whole spectrum of microelectronics technologies and spanning a wide range of applications and industry sectors.

FUSE provides you with:

  • Best practice in acquiring specific microelectronics technologies and conducting full development projects through the FUSE portfolio of real life demonstrator documents.
  • Local training and expert support to plan your innovation realistically and help you conduct your project successfully.

Further information and support relating to this and other demonstrators can be obtained from the addresses below.
Further information   Guiding Technology Transfer Node
For further information and support regarding this case study, please contact a Technology Transfer Node (TTN) in your region.
Homepage: http://www.fuse-network.com
COTEC
C/Marques De Urquijo 26, 1 C, Izq.
E-28008 Madrid
Spain