The new line uses an independently-controlled horizontal cutter to slice the ice cream as it emerges from the extruder.
This patented technology, said the company, means the cutting speed stays consistently fast, irrespective of line speed, ensuring a precise, clean cut even at low rates of production.
By programming the cutter to operate at different speeds and movements, ice cream producers can also switch between multiple products on the same line, be they sticks, sandwiches, cones, wafer cups, candy bars or cakes.
Surge in competition
With a capacity range of 5,000 to 18,000 products per hour, the line offers volume flexibility to medium-sized producers, allowing them to increase or decrease output.
Elsebeth Baungaard, product manager, Tetra Pak, said there has been a surge in competition in the global ice cream market, which has increased pressure on medium-sized producers.
“They must be more agile in responding to consumer needs, producing greater varieties of products at smaller volumes, while maintaining a high-quality standard and low production costs,” Baungaard said, adding the new line has been designed specifically to meet these requirements.
Customers of the new medium capacity extrusion line will also have access to the company’s Product Development Centre in Denmark, she said.
“They can experiment with recipes, seek advice from food technician experts and access training. They will also receive 24/7 technical support to ensure any issues are resolved with minimal downtime,” she added.