Innovation and Safety in Cheese Processing: Enhancing Productivity with ReeR Solutions
In today’s fast-evolving food industry, regulatory compliance and technological innovation go hand in hand.
Manufacturers are increasingly challenged to implement advanced safety systems that not only protect operators but also improve production efficiency.
This case study explores how an Italian manufacturer of cheese processing machinery, in collaboration with a seasoned system integrator, leveraged ReeR Safety’s technologies to build a high-performance and regulation-compliant portioning machine.
Smart Automation for Cheese Portioning
The system in focus is a fully automated cheese cutting and portioning machine, designed to deliver high productivity – up to 50 portions per minute – while maintaining flexibility and precision.
It offers three selectable cutting modes:
- By number of slices
- By average weight
- By fixed weight
The machine features a user-friendly interface where the operator can weigh the cheese, select the cutting mode, and safely initiate the cycle.
The process is centered around a rotating table where the product is automatically aligned and sliced through synchronized table movement and controlled blade action, ensuring consistency in every cut.
Given the presence of moving parts and the level of automation involved, compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and ISO 13849 standards was essential. The system is equipped with fixed and movable guards,
a safety interlock for access protection, & an emergency stop button to ensure immediate interruption of the cycle when necessary.
To manage the most critical safety aspects – including the product loading area and the integration of electrical and pneumatic safety devices – the manufacturer turned to ReeR Safety to implement a tailored and centralized solution that would ensure full regulatory compliance while optimizing uptime and maintainability.
ReeR Safety Solutions: Smart Protection at the Core of Automation
EOS4 453 X Safety Light Curtains
To secure the product loading area, the machine incorporates the EOS4 453 X safety light curtain from ReeR:
Type 4, SIL 3, PL e, Cat. 4 certified
Controlled height: 450 mm
23 detection beams
This barrier continuously monitors the hazardous area, triggering an immediate stop mode if a hand or object crosses the beam field.
The automatic reset function ensures quick resumption of operations, minimizing downtime without compromising safety.
MOSAIC M1 Safety Controller
At the center of the safety system is the MOSAIC M1 configurable controller, which offers:
8 digital safety inputs and 2 OSSD output pairs
Full integration with light curtains, interlocks, and emergency stops
Programming via MSD (Mosaic Safety Designer) software
Housed within the machine’s electrical cabinet, the M1 controller centralizes all safety logic, reducing wiring complexity and enabling modular design.
Its adaptability allows it to be deployed across various machine types with different levels of complexity and safety requirements.
MOSAIC MR4 Expansion Relay Module
To manage pneumatic actuators – such as those operating the cutting blades – an MR4 expansion module was added to the safety network.
This module provides four high-capacity relay outputs, allowing:
Direct control of pneumatic valves
Feedback verification before actuation
Safe pressure validation to avoid unintended operations
This configuration guarantees that pneumatic systems operate only when all safety parameters are met, protecting both the equipment and the operator.
A Unified Platform for Control and Safety
By integrating MOSAIC M1, MR4, and MSD configuration software, the entire safety and control architecture is unified on a single, compact platform.
This approach ensures:
Centralized management of both electrical and pneumatic safety
Fast and flexible reconfiguration for different production needs
Clean, efficient panel design with reduced installation time
Such an integrated solution is particularly beneficial in the food industry, where machine adaptability and hygiene compliance are crucial.
Results: Safety and Efficiency in Perfect Balance
The implementation of ReeR’s safety systems provided a number of tangible benefits:
Certified Safety: Full compliance with European directives and functional safety standards
Improved Productivity: Reduced downtime thanks to automatic reset and robust logic design
Customizability: Modular components and software tailored to specific process needs
Integrated Control: Unified safety and operational logic in a single, scalable system
Conclusion: ReeR at the Heart of Safer Automation
This application demonstrates how advanced safety technology can serve as a strategic enabler for production excellence. By relying on ReeR Safety’s state-of-the-art solutions,
the manufacturer was able to build a machine that meets the highest safety requirements without compromising on performance.
ReeR’s technologies prove that safety is not just a regulatory obligation, but a key to improving quality, uptime, and operational confidence.
ReeR Safety: Protecting People, Empowering Industry
ReeR Safety continues to develop innovative solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in industrial environments.
Our partnerships across sectors, including the food industry, reflect our commitment to providing reliable, future-ready safety systems.
For more information,
www.reersafety.com/en