Red Meat Trimming/Portioning System Reduces Labor, Improves Consistency, Increases Yield

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 06, 2007 Houston, Texas, November 06, 2007 -

Automated system reduces portioning cost via machine vision, waterjet cutting

The DSI™ Accura™ Portioning System from FMC FoodTech trims and portions red meats to achieve specific fat coverage, shape, weight or size specifications for today’s ever-changing market trends. From strict fat-controlled servings for health-conscious consumers to carefully controlled shapes for airline meals, the Accura system makes it possible to create special cuts of meat at a low cost and on a large scale. The portioning system allows meat processors to maximize the use of raw product, have the flexibility to produce the latest meat products and reduce overall costs.

The Accura system combines the industry’s best-in-class machine vision and vertical waterjet cutting solutions with productivity enhancing options like horizontal slicer control, infeed loading aids, computer-optimized belt speed and an integrated sorting and statistical process control system. With the ability to portion products to any custom shape at belt speeds as high as 80 feet per minute, the Accura system improves versatility, accuracy and ease of use. See a video demonstrating how the Accura system works by clicking here.

“Fat can be trimmed to a positional accuracy of about ± 1/16 inch (1.6 mm),” says Jon Hocker, business development manager for FMC FoodTech. “Plus, the Accura system can cut virtually any shape with its proven and durable two-axis cutters. A user can sketch a shape, scan it and start portioning in minutes. “

Superior precision is due to the Accura system’s industry-proven technology. Raw products are set on the infeed conveyor where machine vision technology evaluates each piece. Within a split second, the system’s waterjets optimally cut to the pre-programmed shape and size. Continuous feedback even lets operators know how they’re doing at all times.

In addition, the Accura system’s improved design allows part replacement in minutes and improves access for inspection and cleaning without the use of tools. The single-lane design reduces required reach, and the enhanced guarding improves access while increasing safety. With more cutters per lane, the Accura can produce more complex cuts without slowing down the line. It can cut portions, strips or chunks of red meat from the same input product — increasing raw product utilization and yield.

For more information about the Accura Portioning System, call 800-447-2630 or visit www.fmcfoodtech.com.

About FMC FoodTech

FMC FoodTech is a business of FMC Technologies, Inc. and is headquartered in Chicago, Ill., USA. A market leader in the supply of technology solutions for the global food industry, FMC FoodTech offers integrated solutions across the entire food processing continuum from meat, seafood and poultry, to fruits and vegetables, beverages, juice and milk and convenience foods.

Wherever food is cooked, frozen, packaged, portioned, preserved, processed, squeezed or sterilized, FMC FoodTech provides superior technologies and services to the world's food processors – small and large. The company represents more than 30 highly respected product brand names including Frigoscandia Equipment, Stein, DSI, Citrus Systems, Food Processing Systems and FranRica.
For more information on FMC FoodTech, visit the company’s Web site at www.fmcfoodtech.com.