Transforming a concept into an industrial product

JAC came up with a totally innovative concept of vertical bread slicing that allows for varying thicknesses. It commissioned Symbio to design the new machine.

Working closely with the R&D department of Jac Machines, Symbio was responsible for the formal aspects and the development of additional functions, such as the door opening, the bread gripper, and the bagging rack.

The challenges

In accepting this assignment, Symbio was taking on five challenges. First there were the handling steps: this new machine requires the user to adopt new automatic procedures. Second, there was safety: opening the door must not endanger the baker or their fingers. Then there was the image: it had to be innovative, but fit in with the JAC range that all bakers are familiar with. Finally, the volume had to take into account the footprint of a bread slicer, and offer sufficient space for easy maintenance.

The results

For this assignment, Symbio was involved at the functional-prototype stage. Indeed, JAC had already produced a first design that focused solely on the function of the product. To meet each challenge successfully, then, the following actions were required:

• Analyse the use of, and the movements of the operator related to, the object
• Optimise the positioning and shape of the ancillary functions (bread bagging, the door mechanism, an LCD screen, status and usage lighting, placement shelf, crumb collection, and so on.)
• Create a proposed design for the machine, combining tight curves and straight lines, for innovative positioning on the market, while fitting into the JAC range
• Propose new technical solutions in terms of implementation and choice of materials
• Carry out a comprehensive study, in partnership with JAC, to produce a prototype.

Proposed design

The prototype was produced and assembled in the JAC machine workshops. This allowed for further development and fine-tuning of the new cutting mechanism.

Prototype for the bread cutter

The first prototypes were then installed in bakeries in order to test them in the field and gather user feedback.

Final product

JAC

JAC is a Belgian company that manufactures bakery machines with a focus on innovation, quality, and robustness. Specialising in the mechanisation of dough and in bread slicing, it develops innovative equipment that enables bakers to work more efficiently.