Maximizing Efficiency and Quality with AMF Flex Extrusion Dividers: A Q&A Blog

In commercial baking, balancing gentle dough handling with high-speed production is essential for meeting evolving consumer demands. For high-output bakeries, choosing the right equipment—especially between volumetric and extrusion dividers—can directly impact dough quality, operational efficiency, and long-term costs.

AMF Flex’s advanced extrusion divider systems are known as the industry standard for high-speed bun production. They offer a proven solution for other premium baked products where preserving dough integrity is just as important as managing the scale and speed required in commercial bun and roll production. We spoke with Bruce Campbell, VP of Dough Processing Technologies who brings over 30 years of experience managing high-speed bakery solutions, to explore the benefits further.

Why Choose AMF Flex Extrusion Dividers?

Q: What makes AMF Flex’s extrusion systems more efficient than volumetric dividers?

A: AMF Flex features a simplified design with fewer moving parts, reducing mechanical failure risks and maintenance downtime. Unlike many volumetric systems that depend on expensive, hard-to-source components, parts are affordable and readily available. Check Out AMF Customer Care. 

Cost Savings and Cleaner Operations

Q: How does eliminating mineral/divider oil reduce costs and improve operations?   

A: One key benefit of Flex’s divider technology is that it does not require mineral or divider oil. This results in significant cost savings, as bakeries no longer need to purchase and maintain ample oil supplies. Moreover, eliminating oil leads to a cleaner, more sanitary production line, reducing cleaning time and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, divider oil can sometimes lead to holes in the bread, negatively impacting product quality. Because our extrusion technology does not require divider oil, AMF Flex technology ensures better consistency and quality in the finished product, meeting high standards for both appearance and texture.  

Precision and Reliability

Q: How does AMF Flex maintain long-term accuracy?

A: The dual-pump system ensures consistent dough weight precision, reducing product waste and maintaining high quality, even after prolonged use.

Sanitation Simplified

Q: How does AMF Flex’s open-frame design improve sanitation and maintenance?   

A: AMF Flex dividers have an open-frame design that allows easy access to all parts of the machine for thorough cleaning. Top-loading sanitary seals, a tilting hopper, stainless steel components, and a washdown vacuum system simplify maintaining a sanitary environment. This design helps maximize operational efficiency by reducing downtime and speeding up time between changeovers.   

Handling a Variety of Doughs

Q: Why is AMF Flex ideal for soft and sticky doughs?

A: The gentle extrusion technology preserves dough texture and structure—ideal for artisan-style breads and premium baked goods where dough integrity is crucial.

Long-Term Value

Q: What is the long-term cost advantage of switching from volumetric to AMF Flex extrusion dividers?   

A: AMF Flex dividers reduce initial operational costs by eliminating the need for mineral oil and provide long-term savings through improved maintenance and scaling accuracy. With fewer moving parts, the system experiences less wear and tear, and the use of durable components contributes to a longer machine lifespan. Additionally, AMF Flex’s low-maintenance design minimizes the costly repairs and replacements often necessary with volumetric systems. 

The spare parts for AMF Flex dividers are more durable, affordable, and accessible compared to those for other equipment. AMF’s customer care team is always available to assist with spare parts and troubleshooting, ensuring smooth operations, minimizing disruptions, and offering peace of mind. 

Automation and Labor Efficiency

Q: Can AMF Flex reduce manual labor needs?

A: Yes. With sensor-driven scaling, automated changeovers, and precision controls, AMF Flex systems lower labor dependency while boosting throughput.

Enhanced Product Quality

Q: How does AMF Flex improve bread and dough-based product quality?

A: With AMF Flex’s precision-engineered technology, bakers can achieve consistent product quality at every production scale. Flex’s ability to handle a wide range of doughs, from soft bread to stiff dough, ensures that bakers can expand their product offerings while maintaining high-quality standards. The extrusion process also helps keep the dough’s consistency, extending product shelf life and texture, a key benefit that volumetric systems cannot consistently deliver.  

Spare Parts Accessibility

Q: How do Flex spare parts compare with those from competitors?

A: AMF Flex parts are more durable, cost-effective, and readily available—minimizing delays and keeping production lines running smoothly.

Long-Term Benefits at a Glance

Q: What are the overall benefits of upgrading to AMF Flex?

A: Switching to AMF Flex dividers offers a range of long-term benefits:

• Lower maintenance and operational costs
• Improved product consistency
• Better sanitation and automation readiness
• Faster product changeovers
• Greater dough variety capabilities

This leads to a lower total cost of ownership and a competitive advantage in the market.  Furthermore, we see opportunities in the market for flexible product offerings and equipment that enable seamless product changeovers.  AMF Flex solutions allow bakeries to transition between products effortlessly with just the push of a button. Despite the preconceived notion, extrusion technology can handle stiff doughs easily, allowing bakeries to produce a broader range of products without manual adjustments or downtime.  

Comprehensive Training & Support

Q: What support does AMF offer with Flex dividers?

A: AMF provides expert-led training, installation assistance, and ongoing support. Access how-to manuals, video guides, and more via AMFMethod™ to get the most from your system. Check Out AMFMethod™.  

Real World Improvements

Bakeries that switch to AMF Flex extrusion dividers report immediate operational improvements:

• Fewer mechanical breakdowns
• Reduced cleaning and maintenance time
• Improved dough accuracy
• Seamless automation integration

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for bakeries aiming to optimize their operations and produce high-quality products. AMF Flex Divider systems provide numerous advantages over traditional volumetric dividers, including lower maintenance and operational costs and improved sanitation. As Bruce Campbell has pointed out, selecting the right dough divider system can significantly impact your bakery’s efficiency and product quality. Rely on his decades of experience alongside the cutting-edge technology of AMF Flex Divider systems to elevate your baking operations to new heights.  

Ready to Elevate Your Baking Operations?   

Are you considering the future of your bakery operations? AMF Flex dividers provide clear advantages in efficiency, sanitation, and product quality. To schedule a demonstration or to learn more about how AMF Flex can optimize your production, contact AMF Bakery Systems today and experience the difference firsthand.