Multi-axis servo drives from Lenze are used to trim salmon fillets at high speed and to a precise profile, saving on waste and costs. Salmon is currently highly popular, being highly nutritious and rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids. The ITM fish trimming machine made by Marel hf of Reykjavik automatically trims salmon fillets into pre-defined shapes using an advanced vision system linked to servo drives in a process that is efficient and productive.
The advanced colour vision system evaluates each fillet as it passes by on a conveyor prior to trimming. The most economic cut configuration is calculated based on the weight, shape and colour of the fillet. Circular trimming knives are servo driven in two axes. A number of knives trim the side and ends of the fillet according to customer requirements. The ITM fish trimming machine can operate up to 40 fillets per minute and is proven to give better yields than manual trimming.
Up to 12 axes of Lenze ECS servo position the knives. This multi-axis system features a central power supply and dc bus connection to the axes drives. Not only is this an economic solution when 3 or more axes are needed, but also the drives are compact reducing the size of the control panel. Motion control is done in a Lenze ETC controller which takes the fillet shape signals from the main computer and turns them into individual drive profiles. The servo motors are also from Lenze, MCS synchronous models able to deliver smooth torque with almost negligible cogging – an important feature for positioning the knives.
A team of operators pack the fillets at the end of the ITM machine for transport and sale. The result is a perfectly filleted, kitchen ready piece of fish without unwanted bones or torn edges. The Lenze servo system makes possible the high production speeds with accurate cuts and therefore minimum waste.