From Small-Scale to High-Volume: Upgrading Sausage Vacuum Filler Clipping Line with VERFOODSOLUTIONS in Cuba  

In 2024, we successfully established our first partnership with a prominent local distributor in Cuba, who was sourcing equipment for a client specializing in sausage processing. The initial order comprised a 300L vacuum meat mixer. At that time, the end-user operated on a relatively small scale, utilizing a pneumatic sausage stuffer in conjunction with a manual clipping machine—an arrangement capable of processing various casing types, including plastic, protein, and cellulose. The vacuum mixer performed reliably throughout its first year of operation, prompting the client to place a repeat order for an identical 300L unit in 2025. As the client’s production capacity expanded, their original, basic filling and clipping equipment could no longer meet increasing demand. Consequently, they decided to upgrade their system by investing in a vacuum filler and a compatible sausage clipping machine.

Following a month of detailed negotiations—during which specifications such as sausage diameter, casing types, and clipping requirements were finalized—we recommended our VF-3000 vacuum filler in conjunction with the SCM-500 sausage clipping machine. To facilitate the production of sausages with casings other than plastic, we also advised incorporating a linking device compatible with the vacuum stuffer. The sausage vacuum filling and clipping line is an integrated, high-efficiency system designed to optimize both sausage quality and production speed. The vacuum sausage filler, driven by a servo motor and operated via an intuitive touch screen and PLC, ensures precise filling and twisting of sausages under vacuum conditions. This process prevents fat oxidation and bacterial growth, thereby preserving product freshness. The system features double filling tubes for gentle ingredient transfer, maintaining ingredient integrity throughout the process. It seamlessly integrates with an automatic clipping machine that efficiently clips and knots the sausages, streamlining the entire production cycle. This versatile line accommodates various casing types, including natural, collagen, and fiber casings, and is capable of producing a diverse range of products such as dairy, fish, pet food, and cooked meals. In the following blog, we will explore how this advanced sausage filling clipping system has enabled our Cuban client to substantially increase their production capacity while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Vacuum Filler

-User-Friendly PLC Control Panel

VERFOODSOLUTIONS sausage filler is equipped with a custom PLC control panel, available with options from reputable brands such as Siemens or Schneider. The system supports multi-language customization, ensuring ease of use for operators of varying experience levels. The operation is intuitive and streamlined; the physical interface includes only essential controls—a dedicated emergency stop button and a power switch. To begin operation, users simply release the emergency stop, press the power button, and select their preferred language, facilitating quick and efficient setup even for first-time operators.

-Versatile Casing Compatibility

The VERFOODSOLUTIONS vacuum filler is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of casing types, including plastic, cellulose, collagen, and polyamide. This versatility allows customers to select the casing material that best aligns with their product requirements. The machine can be customized to support these various options. For applications involving collagen or cellulose casings, customers often incorporate a twisting device into the vacuum filler to facilitate sausage twisting; however, these casings—along with plastic ones—can also be linked to an automatic sausage clipping machine for clipping and cutting operations. We offer tailored solutions based on specific customer needs related to casing type and clipping requirements. Simply provide the casing’s flat width and material type, and we will customize the machine to meet your exact specifications.

-Convenient, Detachable Filling Tubes

Our Cuban client utilizes three types of sausage casings: plastic, collagen, and cellulose. Each casing type requires different filling tubes and, in some cases, a linking or twisting device to meet specific production needs. To accommodate a wide range of sausage diameters—from 20mm and 22mm up to 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, and 90mm—we supplied three dedicated filling tubes for the vacuum filler: a Φ12mm tube for 20–22mm sausages, a Φ25mm tube for 60–70mm sausages, and a Φ35mm tube for 80–90mm sausages. This configuration ensures precise filling accuracy, with tube sizes matched to specific sausage diameters and filling volumes controlled via the PLC system. The system supports sausage diameters up to 150mm and casing lay-flat widths up to 120mm, covering the majority of market requirements. The filling tubes are designed for quick and easy removal—simply loosening the connecting screws allows for swift detachment. An experienced operator can swap a tube in just 30 seconds, greatly enhancing efficiency when switching between different sausage sizes during production.

-Customized Twisting Device

This vacuum filler is engineered to twist cellulose casings for sausages with diameters of 20mm and 22mm, tailored specifically for the Cuban customer. The twisting aperture within the unit must be customized to match the precise sausage diameter; for significant diameter variations, two different aperture inserts are required. Both the number of twists and the twisting speed are adjustable via the control panel, providing flexibility to meet different production specifications. The twisting head is designed for straightforward removal and installation: it is connected to the coupling interface using a pin through aligned holes. To remove the head, simply pull out the pin; to install it, align the coupling interface with the internal connecting component, insert the pin, and ensure the twisting head’s gears are properly aligned with the filling tube outlet.

–Knee-Operated Switch

The vacuum filler is equipped with a standard knee-operated switch, providing significant convenience during operation—especially when twisting sausages. During initial engagement of the twisting attachment, misalignments such as improper casing positioning, excessive tightness against the head, or looseness around the sealing ring can lead to product backflow, resulting in uneven sausage sizes or linked links. The knee-operated switch enables the operator to instantly halt the machine without returning to the main control panel, thereby saving time and reducing material waste caused by operational errors.

-Vacuum Pump

The vacuum filler is equipped with a high-efficiency vacuum pump system designed to swiftly evacuate air from the hopper and metering chamber during the filling process, facilitating vacuum-assisted filling. This creates an oxygen-free environment that prevents oxidation, helping to preserve the meat’s natural color and flavor, thereby ensuring product freshness and extending shelf life. The vacuum environment also eliminates air bubbles within the sausage, preventing voids and porosity, which results in a firm, uniform texture. A consistent vacuum level, combined with a volumetric metering system featuring large and small rotors, ensures precise filling weights while reducing the risk of spoilage caused by air entrapment.

Rotor-Based Operating System

VERFOODSOLUTIONS vacuum filler employs a volumetric metering mechanism that combines large and small rotors with movable vanes to achieve precise product dosing. The interaction between the rotors and vanes forms fixed, independent metering chambers that capture exact quantities of product, ensuring a filling weight accuracy of within ±1g. During operation, the large and small rotors rotate synchronously, while the movable vanes maintain close contact with the inner chamber walls. With each rotation, the volume of the chamber remains constant, drawing product into the metering chamber under vacuum. As the rotors continue turning, the measured product is pushed toward the discharge outlet. The carefully maintained clearances between the rotors and vanes minimize backflow during rotation, ensuring a stable discharge volume per cycle and achieving high-precision filling with a weight tolerance of ±1g.

Sausage Clipping Machine

-User-Friendly PLC Panel

The PLC control panel on the clipping machine is designed for intuitive operation. It features a minimalistic interface with four essential physical controls: a manual handwheel, a button for continuous clipping, and an emergency stop button. The PLC screen can be customized with reputable brands such as Schneider or Siemens, and the interface language can be set to the customer’s preferred language, aligning seamlessly with the language used on the vacuum filler for integrated operation.

-Customizable Clipping Diameter Configuration

The clipping machine offers customizable configurations to accommodate various sausage diameters, supporting flexible production requirements. For the Cuban client, producing sausages with diameters of 20mm, 22mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, and 90mm, we supplied three sets of tailored punches and mold assemblies: Clipping Mold 1 for 20–22mm sausages, Clipping Mold 2 for 60–70mm, and Clipping Mold 3 for 80–90mm. These molds can be quickly interchanged by swapping the corresponding punches and assemblies, allowing for rapid adjustments to meet diverse product specifications and streamline the clipping and forming process.

-Removable Clipping Machine Head

This sausage clipping machine features a detachable clipping head assembly equipped with an integrated operating handle, which allows it to be securely locked in place during operation. The head can be easily removed for cleaning or maintenance, and once detached, it can be directly connected to a vacuum stuffer for casing operations, greatly enhancing operational flexibility. The removable design also provides full access to the internal cavity, eliminating hard-to-clean areas and facilitating thorough sanitation in accordance with food hygiene standards. When reinstalled, the head is locked securely, ensuring stable and reliable clipping and forming performance.

-Manual Rotation Mode

The sausage clipping machine includes a manual rotation feature designed for precise fixture adjustment. To activate this mode, access the manual rotation interface and click the small lock icon on the left to unlock it. Once unlocked, you can manually rotate the clipping head to adjust the fixture position. When the lock is engaged, the handwheel is disabled, ensuring operational safety. After completing manual adjustments, it is essential to re-engage the lock to prevent unintended movement of the clipping head during operation. If the fixture is not at the home position, press the system’s “Reset” button to automatically return it to the starting point, preparing the machine for normal production. Additionally, during initial processing of plastic casings, this manual mode allows for a test clip to be applied. Once the test is successful, continuous sausage production can commence.

-Versatile Clipping Operation Modes

VERFOODSOLUTIONS sausage clipping machine supports multiple operational modes, providing flexibility to meet various production requirements. It is equipped with two primary programs: single-cycle clipping and continuous clipping. In single-cycle mode, the system performs one filling and one clipping action per cycle, ideal for precise, single-shot quantitative filling. In continuous mode, users can configure the system to cut and clip segments of two, three, or four sausages simultaneously. This versatility allows operators to select the most suitable mode based on product specifications and production volume, accommodating a wide range of sausage manufacturing processes.

Vacuum Filler & Clipping Machine Data Connection

A data cable facilitates seamless communication between the vacuum filler and the sausage clipping machine. Connecting the two units is straightforward: simply align the connectors with their respective interface slots and tighten the outer locking nuts to establish a secure signal link. Many customers initially purchase only the vacuum filler, either due to limited immediate production needs or because they begin with protein-cased sausages. They may later add a clipping machine when switching to cellulose or plastic casings or expanding their production capacity. For customers with existing equipment from European or North American manufacturers, we can supply compatible data cables by understanding their current signal transmission specifications, ensuring smooth integration and reliable communication between their equipment and our clipping machine.

Linking Machine Mode

The “linking machine mode” enables synchronized operation of the vacuum filler and sausage clipping machine. By accessing the linked operation menu, users can select from up to 19 preset programs, each with fully adjustable parameters. For example, users can set a filling volume of 200 ml and a filling speed at 30% (adjustable from 0% to 100%), with higher speeds increasing production efficiency for specific sausage diameters and lengths. Once configured, the program can be downloaded to the system for continuous operation. In the case of the Cuban client, whose vacuum filler is equipped with a twisting device, the system allows for adjustment of twisting speed and the number of twists during linked operation. After setting the program, the operator returns to the main mode, activates the vacuum pump, and the system begins automated filling and clipping based on the preset parameters. This mode is ideal for high-volume, automated sausage production.

304 Stainless Steel Construction

The entire sausage production line—including the vacuum filler and clipping machine—features a brushed 304 stainless steel body for all parts that come into contact with the product, ensuring compliance with stringent food hygiene standards. 304 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion and rust resistance, capable of withstanding exposure to meat mixtures and seasonings. It does not leach harmful substances during continuous operation or repeated cleaning, safeguarding product safety. The brushed finish minimizes material adhesion, simplifying residue removal and reducing bacterial growth risk. From the vacuum filler’s hopper, rotor chamber, and filling lines to the clipping machine’s forming and clipping stations, every component in contact with the sausage mixture is constructed of 304 stainless steel. This design provides a balance of structural strength and hygienic integrity, facilitating frequent disassembly and cleaning, maintaining consistent sanitary conditions, and preserving the freshness and quality of the finished sausage products.

Convenient Machine Cleaning

Cleaning the vacuum filler is a straightforward process. Begin by tilting the machine and pushing the hopper aside to rinse out any residual material from inside the hopper. Simultaneously, clean the filling head connection, the filling tube outlet, and the detached twisting head to remove any remaining debris. After thoroughly rinsing the hopper, rotor, and filling tube outlet, use two wrenches to gently pry open the internal rotor assembly for deep cleaning. Carefully dismantle the rotor and vanes, then rinse all internal crevices, including the filling tube outlet, vacuum chamber, and suction intake, to ensure no residue remains in hard-to-reach areas. For the sausage clipping machine, cleaning is equally simple: open the machine head, wipe down external surfaces with a damp cloth, and allow all components to air-dry completely—ensuring no moisture is left inside before the next production run. The entire cleaning process is efficient; a skilled operator can complete it within approximately 30 minutes.

Comprehensive Accessory Kits

Both the vacuum filler and sausage clipping machine are supplied with practical accessory kits to assist with initial setup, routine maintenance, and quick troubleshooting. The vacuum filler includes a relay, push-button switch, two discharge outlet seals, and an emergency stop switch. The clipping machine comes with a relay, push-button switch, and emergency stop switch. Additionally, the Cuban client purchased a comprehensive set of spare parts to ensure long-term, stable operation. Spare parts for the vacuum filler include: 20 discharge outlet seals, 20 hopper seals, 20 vacuum chamber seals, 3 proximity switches, 5 vanes, 10 intermediate relays, 3 AC contactors, 3 push-button switches, and 3 emergency stop switches. For the clipping machine, spare parts comprise: 3 travel copper bushings, 5 reset tension springs, 5 travel proximity switches, 10 intermediate relays, 3 AC contactors, 3 push-button switches, and 3 emergency stop switches. Maintaining an ample inventory of spare parts minimizes equipment downtime caused by component shortages, thereby enhancing overall productivity.

Optimized Packaging and Operational Videos

The entire sausage vacuum filling and clipping line is securely packed in export-grade plywood crates that comply with international maritime shipping standards. Once loaded into containers, the crates are firmly nailed to the floor, and straps are tensioned and anchored to the container ceiling to prevent shifting or damage during transit. Product manuals and circuit diagrams are included within the packaging for easy reference. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive set of operational videos covering system integration, installation procedures, standard operating protocols, and disassembly and cleaning instructions. These resources enable customers to efficiently handle on-site installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring smooth and reliable operation of the equipment.

This upgraded sausage production line offers customizable design, multi-mode operation, high-precision metering, hygienic 304 stainless steel, and full after-sales support. It perfectly meets the Cuban client’s diverse needs—featuring adjustable molds, twisting systems, user-friendly controls, and thorough sanitation—ensuring consistent, high-quality sausages and optimal efficiency. Packaged to export standards with detailed documentation, it guarantees reliable delivery, smooth setup, and long-term stability. If you’re seeking to upgrade your sausage line or need tailored meat processing solutions, contact VERFOODSOLUTIONS for a professional consultation and quote.