"UFO" Wafer-Based Semi-Finished Products Decoration

Spain, 2017. While Xlogic was completing the installation of a printer for ice cream wafers at a long-time customer’s facility, an unexpected opportunity emerged. The satisfied client proposed showcasing the machine to a nearby partner company with which they had been collaborating for years.

The owner of the other company visited the site, observed the machine in action, and posed an interesting challenge: testing the possibility of decorating one of their products, a small, “flying saucer”- shaped treat that is concave, delicate, and difficult to handle.

The Print Test: Surprising Results

The test was immediate. The product was brought to the lab and printed:

• Print quality was excellent, with sharp definition and instant drying.

• The wafer surface proved ideal for the application of edible ink.

The challenge now was engineering: designing a custom printer for a fragile, concave product with non-printable areas.

Customizing the Technology

Xlogic developed a solution featuring:

• 8 perfectly aligned printheads covering a 450 mm x 280 mm printable area (not continuous)

• A setup that manages a non-printable central zone, requiring specific head configuration

• Gentle product handling for items made of wafer, 50 cm long, 40 cm wide, and extremely fragile

  
  

Due to the complexity, Xlogic also offered to manage product transport and guidance, fully aware that precision in movement was more critical than the print process itself.

The Final Solution: A Fully Customized, Turnkey Station

A completely tailored station was delivered, composed of:

• Custom-made printer

• Dual electric lifting system

• Dedicated food-grade conveyor belt

• Lateral and upper containment guides

  
  

The machine was installed off the main production line to allow decoration in a protected, controlled environment.The client still uses it successfully today.

Custom-Engineered Innovation

This case demonstrates Xlogic’s ability to tackle even the most complex challenges. Where others see design constraints, Xlogic develops fully customized mechanical and software solutions ensuring long-term quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction. A concrete example of how industrial food decoration can break out of the standard and become true custom engineering.