The Italian chocolate brand is part of Lindt & Sprüngli. The new belt buffer delivers a significant advance in automation. The design was tailored to Caffarel’s requirements.

Caffarel, part of the Lindt & Sprüngli Group since 1998, is setting new benchmarks in production technology with a state-of-the-art Inline Belt Buffer (IBB). The new lightweight belt buffer, developed by Rotzinger, ensures precise and efficient handling of products after the cooling tunnel and the flying knife. Individual products are cleanly transferred into rows and guided via an alignment rail, while a metal detector and an ejection system ensure the highest product quality.

The technological highlights of the IBB buffer include Bosch MI technology: Rotzinger’s first system with remote drives sets new standards in precision and control. Reversible buffer operation with a three-tier belt buffer also enables maximum flexibility in processing.

The IBB ensures seamless processing of products directly from the buffer infeed, thereby guaranteeing high efficiency and precision throughout the production chain. Discharge takes place simultaneously to two packaging lines, with the system featuring the innovative function of “shooting” the products onto a cross-discharge conveyor. This technology optimises downstream transport and enables fast, orderly transfer. In addition, handling has been specifically optimised for cubic products: these can be precisely dropped without requiring rotation, ensuring smooth processing and maximum flexibility. The IBB provides continuous product feed to the packaging lines, closes gaps precisely, and measures parameters such as product height, length and width. Semi-finished products are reliably rejected so that only perfect goods are processed further.

Operation is carried out via an HMI (Human Machine Interface) featuring a blue design and Italian language support, ensuring maximum user-friendliness for Caffarel employees. The electrical diagram is also fully documented in Italian.

The IBB is an example of how Caffarel maintains its tradition as a master of chocolate craftsmanship through advanced technology while simultaneously breaking new ground in production.