FoodJet

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions food producers ask us most about FoodJet depositing: what it does, which products and materials it handles, how it fits into your line, and what support you can expect. Cannot find your answer? Contact us and we will help you.

What does FoodJet do?

FoodJet is a software-driven precision depositing company for the food industry.
We help industrial food producers control, optimise, and future-proof their depositing processes for sauces, creams, oils, and other food components.

Our precision dosing systems reduce labour, waste, and giveaway at high production speeds. Thanks to a software-based approach, FoodJet solutions are flexible, configurable and ready for future products and process changes.

Read more about FoodJet.

Why should I choose a FoodJet precision depositor?

FoodJet depositors are designed for the bakery and convenience food industries, to reduce waste and place each deposit accurately. Vision technology detects each product, so the material lands where it is needed, also when products are not perfectly aligned. The result is less giveaway, less cleaning and a better-looking product.

Which markets does FoodJet serve?

FoodJet serves the global bakery and convenience food markets, depositing a wide range of liquid foods: decorating cakes, topping pizzas, glazing pies, depositing into waffle pockets and more. We work for producers who want more control and efficiency in their depositing process.

Can the FoodJet depositor handle chunky foodstuff?

Absolutely, our depositors are engineered to precisely handle chunky foodstuffs, accommodating a wide range of food applications and ensuring versatility in your production line. From a wide range of nozzle diameters, we select the right size for your application. If you are interested in a full list of our material requirements, please contact us directly.

How does FoodJet ensure the safety and hygiene of food products during the depositing process?

FoodJet reduces manual handling by automating material application and designing product-contact areas to support hygienic operation and predictable cleaning routines. Our depositors are engineered to minimise operator involvement during cleaning. The exact hygiene performance depends on your product, line layout, and cleaning concept. For each configuration, we provide the relevant food-contact material documentation and support validation during commissioning.

How do FoodJet machines ensure precision in food depositing?

FoodJet uses depositing heads with a dense array of individually controlled nozzles. Combined with vision tracking, the system places each deposit where it is needed on the product. This enables detailed deposit patterns and portioning set per recipe, even when products are not perfectly aligned.

Can FoodJet's technology reduce food waste during production?

Yes. FoodJet depositing helps limit product giveaway, because the deposit weight is set at the level of the individual nozzle. The nozzles close between deposits, which limits material loss and cleaning. And with vision, no product means no deposit, so less material ends up on the belt.

How can FoodJet's solutions boost the efficiency of mass food production?

Our solutions enhance mass food production efficiency by delivering precise depositing of products, adapting quickly to different shapes and sizes, which speeds up production and reduces waste.

Are FoodJet's depositing machines suitable for producing graphical decorations on food products?

Yes. Depending on the product and required accuracy, FoodJet can apply controlled graphical decorations to create images and patterns. Designs and portion control are managed via the software, and vision tracking can be used to align the pattern to each product when positioning varies (application-dependent).

What capabilities does FoodJet's cavity depositing technology offer?

With cavity depositing, the nozzles deposit a set amount into each cavity of a product or tray, including small cavities. The amount and pattern are set per product in the recipe, so one line can run several products.

How does FoodJet ensure accurate surface filling in food production?

Vision technology detects the shape, position and size of each product, and the system adjusts the deposit pattern to match. The material is applied where it is needed on every product, with less waste on the belt.

Does FoodJet offer training for operating and maintaining their depositing machines?

Yes. We train your team to operate and maintain the machine. All customers are invited to our demo centre before shipment for an extensive training, and we offer on-site assistance when the integration begins. If you are looking for extra training, please contact our service team.

What are the maintenance requirements for FoodJet machines?

Regular maintenance includes routine cleaning, inspections, part replacements and software updates, tailored to the machine type and usage. Our machines are relatively easy to maintain because they have no moving parts. This helps you reduce maintenance and parts replacement costs. The software also helps you reduce cleaning time and schedule maintenance.

How does FoodJet accommodate instant changeovers in production processes?

FoodJet depositors do not require any tooling. All your depositing settings are stored in our smart software, so you can instantly switch between products without losing time. Our machines are designed for flexibility, enabling quick, easy changeovers to meet diverse production demands, enhancing productivity, and enabling rapid market response.

Are there environmental benefits to using FoodJet's depositing machines?

Yes. Our depositors are designed to reduce material waste and cleaning, which lowers the environmental footprint of your production. They are also built without any moving parts, which means the machines do not need to be in a secured area to operate safely.

How quickly can FoodJet's depositing machines be integrated into an existing production line?

Many systems can be integrated into an existing production line within a morning, provided the line is prepared in advance. Typical prerequisites are: space and access are available, utilities are ready (power/air/product supply if applicable), guarding and H&S requirements are agreed, and the control interface (I/O or fieldbus) is defined.
The exact timing depends on line layout and any required customisation. For the best estimate, we recommend direct consultation with our team.

What types of material can FoodJet's depositing machines handle?

FoodJet machines handle a wide range of liquid and semi-liquid materials, from sauces and jams to creams and chocolates. The technology is designed for both thin liquids and thick, viscous materials, ensuring precise application across diverse food production environments.

How do FoodJet's depositing machines improve line speed in mass food production?

Our machines enhance line speed by ensuring rapid, accurate material deposition through real-time adjustments without manual intervention, thereby increasing throughput and maintaining product quality. The precision of our depositors also helps reduce the cleanup time you may currently be facing. 

When is a FoodJet depositor beneficial for my production process?

A FoodJet depositor fits your process when a traditional depositing solution cannot do the job. We often see manual depositing that a FoodJet depositor can replace. It can also be that your current solution is not accurate enough, too messy or too slow.

How long does it take to receive my FoodJet depositor?

Delivery times vary with the model and the customisation required. Contact our sales team for a delivery timeline for your order.

How does the FoodJet depositor integrate into existing production lines?

FoodJet depositors are designed to fit into existing production lines. Their compact size and flexible configuration keep the integration short and the disruption to your line limited.

What customisation options are available for FoodJet's food depositors?

We configure each depositor for your production: food types, patterns and volumes, and the integration with your line. We release software updates regularly, so existing depositors gain new functions over time.

What support does FoodJet offer for integrating their machines into existing production lines?

At FoodJet, we work with you on the integration of the machine into your production line. Our commissioning engineers have extensive experience in making that process run smoothly.
Integration typically includes: confirming product presentation on the conveyor (lanes, spacing, orientation), selecting the dosing concept and deposit pattern for each SKU, and aligning control signals (start/stop, recipe selection) as required. During commissioning, we validate the placement and coverage of the deposit against the agreed target.

What can I expect from a FoodJet depositor?

Accurate deposits and less waste. FoodJet depositors integrate with your existing setup and handle a broad range of liquid food applications. Because a changeover is a recipe upload, the same machine keeps up as your products change. In many lines, a FoodJet depositor also allows a higher line speed.

How fast is a FoodJet depositor?

The speed of our depositors depends on the required level of detail, the material used, and the type of application. Conveyor speeds of more than 20 metres per minute are common for us.

What is "sensor technology" and how does it work?

We use our sensor technology for all products with similar shapes and sizes. These sensors work their very best when all products are aligned. We use this technology to know when the depositing of your materials can start.

What makes FoodJet's food depositors different?

FoodJet depositors combine per-nozzle control with vision tracking and sensor support. The pattern and dose are set per product in a recipe, and the deposit follows the product when its position or size varies on the conveyor. Changing product or pattern is a recipe upload rather than a mechanical change-over.

What is “vision technology” and how does it work?

Vision technology uses sophisticated cameras and software to detect each product’s position and orientation. The system then adjusts the deposit trigger and location so the material is applied in the intended area, even when products are not perfectly aligned. The operator can make real-time adjustments if needed.

Which technologies does FoodJet use?

FoodJet uses depositing heads with a large array of small, individually controlled nozzles. Each nozzle deposits a set amount of material, so volume and pattern are set per product. Combined with vision and sensor technology, this gives precise and flexible depositing. The product sheets describe the depositing heads and software in detail.

Why do manufacturers choose FoodJet over traditional depositors?

Compared with traditional solutions, FoodJet systems can use vision and sensor input, depending on configuration, to compensate for product variation and reduce the need for strict mechanical alignment. The depositing head concept supports targeted application and pattern control, depending on the required resolution and material properties.

How much does a FoodJet depositor cost?

The price of a machine is often dependent on the amount of dosing nozzles needed in your production process. This in its turn is dependent on the width of your conveyor belt and the desired resolution for your products. For more information please reach out to our sales team as they can provide you with detailed pricing information based on your requirements.

Every FoodJet system is configured and quoted to fit your line and your requirements.