The Intelligent Trimming Machine (ITM)

Overview

Designed to trim salmon fillets automatically, the Marel ITM Intelligent Trimming Machine is the ideal solution for high-value trimming of fillets into pre-defined shapes. The ITM uses an advanced vision system that ensures a high precision cut, making the entire process - from measuring to trimming – efficient and productive.

Total Processing Solution
Using the latest in colour and vision technology, the ITM automatically evaluates each fillet before trimming, and then calculates the most economic cut configuration based on weight, shape, and colour grade parameters. This optimises production value and ensures correct production mix according to orders.

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The unit’s M3000 graphical colour controller makes it easy for the operator to define trimming patterns and monitor the process. The ITM machine is capable of detecting melanin spots and other colour defects. The machine trims up to 40 fillets per minute, delivering better yields than manual trimming.

The ITM is designed as a part of a Marel salmon fillet processing solution as shown on the layout below. The ITM is not only a trimming machine but a colour and weight grader as well. The ITM gives each fillet a grading signal according to weight, colour grade, and trim category. The grade signal is then used for grading the fillets into different processes later in the solution. All fillets are processed according to specifications and the information can be used for grading the fillets into packing stations to ensure uniform quality of product in each box. By using this information, together with weight and overall colour grade, the ITM maximizes production value and ensure processing according to orders by using the specifications given by the production manager.

Features

Main features

• Automatic fillet trimming and grading
• Increases yield, throughput and quality
• Colour, weight and shape trim pattern selection
• Multiple trimming definitions simultaneously
• Incorporates automatic circular trimmer
• Trims up to 40 fillets per minute

Ensures correct trimming for each weight and colour grade 

Colour Vision
The ITM detects colour, volume, as well as cutting mistakes from filleting machines. The colour analysis is used to determine the colour category of the fillet according to a standard industrial scale.

Automatic Evaluation
The ITM automatically evaluates each fillet and then calculates the optimal trim configuration. As an intelligent cut decision is made for each individual fillet, the product value is maximised. The ITM minimises trimming mistakes and delivers more products into higher value categories.  

Intelligent Trimming
Fillets are trimmed with precision using automatic servo knives and a Whizard Circular Trimmer. The M3000 controller assigns specialized cutting tasks to each knife that follows set curves, securing uniform cut and increased yield. The ITM ensures that fillets of the right colour grade and weight are delivered into each category. 

Grading
The ITM assigns a grading signal to each fillet according to trim definition, size, and colour grade. This grade signal is used later in the system to grade the fillets into different processes. This information is also used to collect statistics on accumulated quantity in each individual process. 

Software

MPS Software Control

MPS Production Software is used to collect trimming data. The software works with any number of machines and stores summarized long-term information about the colour, weight, length, and type of pieces and portions. Statistical reports on colour grading, trim patterns, incoming weight, outgoing weight, and cut-off are available.

The MPS software uses vision-based data to monitor performance in trimming. The software provides time based production data as well as data broken down to individual trim patterns or different colour grade. The software calculates key indicators of performance such as throughput, trim yield, production value and other variables. Production managers can utilize the data to optimise the production process and receive the best value possible.

Specifications

Trimming Patterns

Trim A

• Weight and colour range given by production manager

Trim B/C

• Weight and colour range given by production manager
• Back fins off
• Collar bone off
• Belly fat, fins off

Trim D/E

• Weight and colour range given
• by production manager
• Back fins off
• Collar bone off
• All belly, fins off
• Tail trimmed

User defined

• Weight and color range assigned by production manager
• Cutting curve designed by production manager

Versions

Accessories