At its essence, scoring refers to the deliberate slashing or cutting of the dough’s surface just before it enters the oven. This seemingly simple act serves multifaceted purposes, each deeply rooted in the science of bread making.

One of the primary objectives of scoring is to control the expansion of the dough during baking. By creating intentional weak points in the surface, bakers can guide the direction and extent of oven spring—the rapid rise of dough as it bakes—ensuring uniform expansion and preventing unsightly ruptures or uneven shaping.

Moreover, scoring plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic appeal of the final loaf. From the classic patterns of French baguettes to the intricate designs adorning artisanal sourdough loaves, the score marks not only distinguish one bread type from another but also serve as a visual signature of the baker’s expertise. In artisan-style production, where tradition meets innovation, bakers often utilize scoring as a means of creative expression, showcasing their skill and artistry through elaborate designs that range from classic to avant-garde.

In industrial-scale bakeries, where efficiency and consistency reign supreme, the scoring process undergoes meticulous optimization. Automated scoring machines equipped with razor-sharp blades ensure swift and precise incisions, capable of handling high volumes of dough with unparalleled accuracy. These machines are engineered to deliver consistent results, adhering to predefined patterns and depths to maintain uniformity across thousands of loaves.

While scoring may seem straightforward, it poses several challenges, particularly in industrial settings. Factors such as dough consistency, temperature, and hydration levels can affect the scoring process, necessitating precise adjustments to ensure optimal results. To address these challenges, equipment manufacturers are continually innovating, developing scoring solutions that offer greater flexibility, efficiency, and control.

Additionally, advancements in blade technology, such as laser or ultrasonic scoring, are revolutionizing the industry, offering unparalleled precision and consistency. By harnessing the power of automation and cutting-edge materials, these innovations empower bakers to elevate their craft and meet the evolving demands of the market.

KATANA-like Cutting Precision

Now more than ever, food manufacturers are facing multiple challenges. They must adapt to market demands for varied products of consistent quality while maintaining a high level of industrial performance and facing labor shortage challenges. ABI‘s experts introduced the KATANA Scoring System at last year’s IBA Trade Show, and it is a complete flexible robotic scoring solution that combines unique End of Arm Tools with a precise 3D vision system as well as optimized robotic programming for the robot’s movement, and an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI). All these combined create what the company calls ‘the most comprehensive scoring system available in the marketplace’. Thus, the KATANA Scoring System offers industrial bakers various scoring possibilities for a wide range of products with unrivaled precision and product consistency.

“With the KATANA scoring robot, scoring is becoming more than just the practical process of avoiding unsightly bursts that could occur during baking. Bakery manufacturers can make their creativity go further and use various product patterns to personalize products and bring unique offerings to the market,“ explains Felix PANG, Robotics Customer Solution Specialist at ABI.

The KATANA scoring solution offers several benefits: accurate scoring to improve productivity, the opportunity to score a wide range of products, and a user-friendly interface for easy use that doesn’t require any special prerequisites.

To get more information like above , stay tuned at baking show in Bakery China.

Bakery China, organized by China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry (CABCI) and Bakery China Exhibitions Co., Ltd. was launched since 1997. Bakery China is the Asia Pacific's leading event serving the entire value chain for the bakery and confectionery market. The event presents all range of ingredient, equipment, packaging and services, and enables global leading professionals and buyer delegates to meet and share the latest innovations and thinking on manufacturing & distribution, R&D, applications and related services for bakery industry.It is the first choice trade fair to enter China's bakery market.

The 26th Bakery China will be held on May 21-24,2024 at National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, covering 320,000 sqm show space. Over 2,200 exhibitors and 400,000 visits are expected.

(source:World Bakers)