Efficient Dough Chunking for Automated Production
Tri-Blade style chunkers divide large dough masses into uniform, smaller pieces for easy transport and further processing. This cutting system performs particularly well with medium and firm dough types.
TOPOS manufactures Tri-Blade style chunkers from stainless steel and offers them with a hygienic design and a Teflon-coated nonstick surface. The coating helps operators handle sticky dough more easily while reducing cleaning time. Flexible installation options allow bakeries to configure the system according to their production needs.
Manufacturers can install Tri-Blade style chunkers in a stainless steel overhead gantry above dividers on forming lines. When paired with a Bowl Hoist or Trough Hoist, the system creates an efficient dough handling workstation. The chunker automatically feeds dough portions into a divider or directly into the extruder of a forming line.
Companies can also install Tri-Blade style chunkers at floor level. In this configuration, dough discharge conveyors transport individual dough pieces to the next processing stage. Available conveyor options include:
• Single-belt inclined conveyors
• Straight conveyors with smooth belts
• Straight conveyors with pocket belts
• Multi-belt vertical conveyors
TOPOS commonly integrates this setup with its Automatic Mixing Centers and Horizontal Mixers to create a fully automated dough handling system.
The Mixing Center or Horizontal Mixer tilts the mixing bowl automatically and deposits the dough into the low-profile Tri-Blade style chunker. The chunker divides the dough into consistent portions and sends them through the conveyor system to the divider or extruder.
Engineers select the conveyor type and layout based on the facility configuration, dough characteristics, and production requirements. They can also design the system to provide a specific dough resting time before further processing.
The Tri-Blade style chunker and conveyor system do more than transport dough. Together, they control the required resting time before the dough enters the divider or extruder.
Integrated sensors continuously monitor the dough level in the divider or extruder. Based on this information, the system automatically adjusts operation and maintains a steady product flow without operator intervention.
TOPOS equips all low-profile Tri-Blade style chunkers and conveyor systems with heavy-duty locking casters. Operators can easily reposition the equipment for production, cleaning, or maintenance while maintaining safe and stable operation.
The hopper can also be fabricated with a "swirl finish" stainless steel or Teflon-coated surface for easy dough release.
Depending on your production layout, we offer a range of flexible options including two-belt vertical elevators, single-belt inclined conveyors, and fully custom dough handling systems designed to meet your specific needs.
You can install these chunkers in a tall stainless steel overhead gantry above dividers on forming lines. The hopper's frame structure can be equipped with a service platform for better access and sanitation.
In addition to handling the dough itself, hoppers—when used in combination with certain types of conveyors—can also be used to extend the dough's resting and rising time.
Optional oil spray bars can be mounted on the dough chute/hoppers.
