" Modular equipment gives bakers options in their production line, " Magistrelli said. After the dough sheet is the appropriate width and thickness, it can be proofed before being cut into the appropriate shape for the product being made. Cutting be done by using a die cutter or a guillotine. " A die cutter is a roller with different shapes on it that cuts the shape out of the dough sheet, " Zimmerman explained. " Scrap and trim then get conveyed back to the dough extruder so there's minimal waste. " Moving from a guillotine to a die or rotary cutter can happen instantaneously, Moline said, as it's simply a matter of enabling and disabling different machines on the line. Rotary or die cutters can come in a variety of shapes and changing the shape or size of the finished product is as simple as changing out the cutter. " The makeup section is where it gets fun because there is so much you can do, " Moline said. " Belt-driven rotary cutting, it is so easy to switch out the cutter. For stickier doughs you might need power rotary cutting. For a rectangular shape you'll want to look at a servo-driven guillotine. We lotine offer an ultrasonic guilfor sticky doughs. You have to look at the whole array of product and the versatility that you need and the fast changeovers you need for makeup. " Working within the limits While flexible lines enable bakers to make a plethora of products and meet their customers' needs, they aren't withhigh-hydration Product characteristics, throughput and downstream equipment will all determine how a divider is configured to deliver the desired final product. Reiser www.bakingbusiness.com / April 2024 Baking & Snack 69https://www.buhlergroup.com/global/en/services/environmental-impact-services.html?cid=Trade-Media_Print_Sustainability-0224_NAM_Sos-B&S