Marel FleXicut water-jet trimming robot for whitefish processing

The Marel FleXicut is a trimming robot for high-precision bone detection and removal in whitefish processing. According to the company, automating the boning process reduces the need for skilled labour and improves product handling and yields.

The machine incorporates two processing steps: locating the pinbones and cutting/trimming to remove the bones. The equipment consists of high-resolution X-ray detection, image control and a water-jet cutting mechanism for removing pinbones.

By using water-jets for the bone removal process, the machine can perform a variety of cutting patterns, and the angle cutting option allows it to follow the curved lines of the bone frame closely, further reducing pinbone material. The company says this allows for yield gains in the loin.

The automated process enables processors to produce bone-free products with little manual handling and introduce products such as skin-on loins and baby fillets.

The X-ray scanning and water-jet cutting are performed on the same belt. This means that there is no risk of movement between the bone-detection and cutting processes, improving accuracy.

An optional built-in blade cutter is available to cut the tail piece.