Dough thickness control in rolling machines

Challenge

In dough machines, height control determines the quality of the end product. Automatic controls are often implemented with mechanical potentiometers, but these are more susceptible to water, flour dust and cleaning agents due to their design. They wear out faster than non-contact measuring systems and lead to inaccurate height control, resulting in quality problems and production downtime. A reliable, precise and machine-cleanable solution is required.

Solution

The LI inductive linear position sensor from TURCK enables precise, contactless height measurement in dough machines. Unlike mechanical potentiometers, the sensor operates without wear and offers consistently high measurement accuracy. Continuous measurement of dough thickness ensures that the product meets the desired specifications without the need for regular maintenance or adjustment. Thanks to its IP67 rating, the sensor is insensitive to moisture, temperature fluctuations and typical cleaning agents commonly used in the food industry. This makes it ideal for long-term use in demanding production environments. 

The LI sensor precisely detects the height position of the rolling mill and transmits the values as an analog or digital signal. This enables machine controls to precisely regulate the thickness of the dough and adjust it at any time. Reliable measurement not only optimizes product quality, but also reduces waste and increases production efficiency.