Bakon: The key is knowledge

The key is knowledge!

+When manufacturing pastries, every aspect that contributes to the final outcome is important for product differentiation and ultimately plays a role in consumer choice. A good understanding of the production steps and a continuous assessment of new innovations and opportunities will always be the foundation to perfecting the process to the exact requirements of present and future pastry specialties.

Step by step

In the automated production of pastries, the output is consistent in terms of quality, volume and composition. This gives the manufacturer a clear image of the total cost per product and consequently the cost of ownership. Daily quotas will always be equal since the machine(s) is working at the same pace for the set amount of time. An additional advantage is that the customer can use their skilled craftsmen for product development.

The science and technology in spraying

BAKON’s trademark knowledge, built since its founding in 1986, revolves around understanding the behavior of products such as release agents, egg wash, and glaze but also fat coatings like chocolate and fondant with the objective to accurately control them to perfect the automated spraying process. Developing glaze spraying machines was the first step. Building on this expertise, BAKON then developed solutions for all types of products, with the in-depth understanding that each type of liquid requires a different way of handling, to best suit its properties and desired utilization. The demand from the market and the cooperation with raw materials suppliers provided BAKON with the knowledge to translate specific needs into the right solution.

BAKON has developed different solutions, not only for the industrial production of pastries but also for operations. Moreover, these solutions can handle any type of products, from release agents

Bakon

Stanleyweg 1 4462 GN Goes, Netherlands Phone: ++31 113 244 330 E-mail: info@bakon.com Website: www.bakon.com

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to fat coatings including chocolate or fondant. BAKON will find the best solution for your product and help increase your production efficiency, not only in the spraying process but also in the depositing and cutting processes.

Ultrasonic cutting makes perfect

Manually cutting delicate products such as cakes will often negatively impact the surface of the slices. This is the result of an unsteady hand and cutting technique, which is even more visible when cutting with a serrated knife or saw. The resulting product will most likely end up crooked. BAKON acknowledges the value of having the perfect products – and this is not only reflected in, but even highlighted by a perfect cut. To achieve this, BAKON uses ultrasonic cutting technology that cuts the product layer by layer, driven by 20,000 Hz. The results are clean-cut products, each identical in size.

A dedicated cutting line translates into output in the same quality, volume and consistency with immediate, visible benefits. Moreover, the manufacturer can use their skilled craftsmen and bakers on matters that require their expertise such as quality controls and creating recipes, instead of repetitive tasks such as cutting. It is simply more rewarding to leave the cutting to the BAKON machine since cutting by hand takes a lot of time, effort and burdens manpower. Moreover, by learning and trying new techniques, BAKON is able to shorten the cutting process to approximately one second per cut.

In addition to rectangular cuts, several patterns can be programmed in the machine and the dimensions can be saved and retrieved via a touch screen, including triangle or diamond shapes, and round products – a must-have for cakes. Recipes can easily be selected and swapped as needed, with several patterns and pre-set dimensions to choose from.

Safety is inherently considered in the cutting process. One of the unique features of BAKON’s Ultrasonic cutting machines is the Safety Light Curtain System. A safety light curtain is a reliable protection system that prevents access to the cutting area when the machine is in operation. It enables you to work fast and safely without having to open security doors. As soon as movement is detected in the ‘curtain’, the machine(s) stop working. Furthermore, the crash detection feature prevents the titanium blade from cutting into the tray or plate. Metal residues will not be created to contaminate the product and the expensive titanium blade will not be damaged either. The blade cleaning system is another feature included in the cutting line that is designed with hygiene and ease of maintenance in mind. It works with a stainless-steel container with spray nozzles inside. As the cleaning cycle is activated, the blade will move in the container where the spray nozzles will be opened. At the end of the wash cycle, an air pulse blows of the water drops. The timing, duration and sequence of the cleaning cycle are free programmable per product cutting recipe.

It takes a thorough comprehension of the process, the ingredients, the mechanisms and the sequence of reactions involved to reach the right solution that will bring measurable benefits efficiency-wise and a fast return of investment. +++