Our friends at Dewesoft recently released a blog titled “Data Acquisition and Automation of an Ice Cream Production Line”. Which is about boosting food production with Data Insights. The project aims to improve and automate the chocolate spraying process in making ice cream cones. In addition, the customer is a well-known international ice cream manufacturer. The project was undertaken by Dewesoft. Achieved by using an off-the-shelf solution involving infrared cameras and data analysis software. This ensured the consistent quality in the production process.
Key aspects of the project for boosting food production with data insights include:
- Client Background: An international ice cream manufacturer operating in over 20 countries. Known for a wide variety of ice cream products.
- Automation Process: The automation involved steps like mixing, freezing, moulding, shaping, spraying, quality control, and packaging. With a focus on automating the ice cream cone production to ensure consistent quality.
- Objective: To improve the quality of the chocolate spraying process, making it more efficient and reducing waste. The goal was not to reduce costs by laying off operators but to free them for higher-value tasks.
- Data Acquisition: Using an infrared (IR) thermal camera (Optris XI 400) connected to a laptop with DewesoftX software. Data collected with minimal intrusion to the production line.
- Analysis and Results: The project identified parameters for standard operation. As well as thresholds for conforming vs. non-conforming products based on the chocolate spray quality. In addition, statistical analyses of the thermal camera data helped in distinguishing between compliant and non-compliant units. Therefore, enhancing the production line’s efficiency.
- Integration with Production Line Automation: The solution involved deploying multiple thermal cameras. As well as, digital input and output signals for timing and automation purposes. Therefore, enabling the swift removal of non-compliant products, and implementing predictive maintenance actions.
The project successfully demonstrated how the integration of advanced sensors, software, and robotics can lead to significant improvements in manufacturing processes. Therefore, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. Resulting in enhanced efficiency, predictive maintenance, and process optimisation.
Finally, for a detailed explanation and comparison images, read the original Dewesoft data acquisition blog. Or contact our team to learn more about the Dewesoft product range.