Our project at Belcolade is in full swing. The preparatory work has been completed, and most of the machines are now in place. Time for an update on the automatic filling line!
Precision in Every Detail
As with all our projects, nothing is left to chance. Every component is meticulously aligned, materials are carefully selected, and systems are purposefully integrated. A solid foundation has been laid for the filling line, including.
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- A sprinkler system for safety
- The lighting and electricity have been installed. Each device has its own dedicated power source, and the data cabling has also been completed. This enables communication between the devices. The cabling enters from below into the electrical cabinets, which is part of the hygienic design. This also gives the line a very sleek appearance.
- De epoxy floors These are carried out in phases to avoid damage from additional load during the construction works. The application of a primer and fiberglass mats is part of this multi-layer flooring system.
Thoroughly tested machines
Each supplier tests all machines in their own factory. Belcolade provides the necessary chocolate for this — and that involves quite a bit of transport, considering there are manufacturers in countries such as the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal. We also travel on-site ourselves for a ‘Factory Acceptance Test’. This is done to ensure that all equipment meets our requirements before being transported to our site. After any final adjustments, the machines are shipped to Belgium and installed in the production hall.
The installation is always an exciting moment. A surveyor determines the exact position of each machine, as the various components of the installation often need to be aligned with millimeter precision. All machines and parts are brought into the building through gates or lifting hatches. It’s often a real feat, considering there are sometimes only a few centimeters of clearance.
What’s already installed?
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- Chocolate tanks: The chocolate is pumped into the tanks whenever chocolate drops need to be produced. In short, this is where the filling line begins.
- Cooling tunnel: The liquid chocolate drops cool and solidify in this tunnel. It was built in segments and equipped with the necessary roof, wall, and floor insulation to minimize energy loss. The floor was also finished with epoxy, making it easy to clean at all times.
- Bagging machine: The drops are finally guided into bags via a vibrating chute.
- Palletizing machine: This machine arranges the bags on a pallet according to a specific pattern. Once the pallet is full, the automatic wrapper wraps it in film and moves it to the warehouse.
The next steps
At the moment, each supplier is testing their machine as a stand-alone unit. In a later phase, we will link everything together, enable communication between the devices, and thoroughly test the entire process. We’re already looking forward to it!
Want to learn more about automation possibilities in your factory? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re curious to hear about your challenges.
