Ultrasonic cutting of cheese: Composition affects cutting work reduction and energy demand

Eight cheese varieties with different moisture (357–488 g kg−1), fat (183–335 g kg−1) and protein content (202–292 g kg−1) were subjected to ultrasonic cutting using a 40 kHz guillotine sonotrode. Cutting force curves were evaluated with respect to ultrasound-induced cutting work reduction and energy demand of the sonotrode. With cutting velocity and ultrasonic amplitude set to 2500 mm min−1 and 12 μm, respectively, composition had a significant effect on the response of the cheeses. Whereas cutting work reduction was mainly determined by fat-in-dry matter, the energy demanded by the sonotrode to maintain vibration was inversely interrelated to the ratio of moisture to solids-non-fat. Three selected cheeses were subjected to cutting experiments with systematically varied cutting velocity and amplitude. The results indicate that the cheeses respond differently to the cutting parameters, and that their careful adjustment is helpful for a target-orientated design of the process.