Thesis with Planted: image based product characterization

The processing of plant-based proteins offers a huge potential to offer end-consumers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to meat products such as chicken. The production of planted-based food products is accomplished using the classical process of extrusion. The material is mixed and fed through an extruder and then cooled down in a water-cooled extrusion die to produce the textured material. Together with the ETH spin-off Planted Foods, we are enhancing the production process of meat alternatives. To draw conclusions about novel production processes, the product texture needs to be analyzed. So far different methods To date, various methods exist for analyzing different product characteristics.The goal of this project is to develop an image-based analysis method that enables timely evaluations. The acquired data can then be correlated with established analysis methods. This creates the basis for data-driven process development by evaluating operating and design parameters and closing feedback loops between product characteristics and process design.

The processing of plant-based proteins offers a huge potential to offer end-consumers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to meat products such as chicken. The production of planted-based food products is accomplished using the classical process of extrusion. The material is mixed and fed through an extruder and then cooled down in a water-cooled extrusion die to produce the textured material. Together with the ETH spin-off Planted Foods, we are enhancing the production process of meat alternatives. To draw conclusions about novel production processes, the product texture needs to be analyzed. So far different methods To date, various methods exist for analyzing different product characteristics.The goal of this project is to develop an image-based analysis method that enables timely evaluations. The acquired data can then be correlated with established analysis methods. This creates the basis for data-driven process development by evaluating operating and design parameters and closing feedback loops between product characteristics and process design.

The preliminary work packages include the following: - Get familiar with the extrusion process of plant-based proteins and the results from pre-study - Create CAD design for extrusion die elements as well as drawings for post-machining of dies - Plan and perform multiple experimental tests of extrusion dies onsite at the facilities of Planted in Kemptthal using a lab-scale extruder - Evaluate results from the tests and investigate performance of newly manufactured components - Support and supervise additive manufacturing of components using selective laser melting (SLM) inhouse at PDZ as well as externally with 3D printing service providers - Documentation of results (weekly & monthly meetings, midterm & final presentations)

The preliminary work packages include the following:
- Get familiar with the extrusion process of plant-based proteins and the results from pre-study
- Create CAD design for extrusion die elements as well as drawings for post-machining of dies
- Plan and perform multiple experimental tests of extrusion dies onsite at the facilities of Planted in Kemptthal using a lab-scale extruder
- Evaluate results from the tests and investigate performance of newly manufactured components
- Support and supervise additive manufacturing of components using selective laser melting (SLM) inhouse at PDZ as well as externally with 3D printing service providers
- Documentation of results (weekly & monthly meetings, midterm & final presentations)

- a high level of motivation, hands-on mentality, and passion for the topic
- Solid programming knowledge in a high-level programming language, ideally Python
- done prior projects with experimental testing, software development
- the desire to do your thesis with a young and dynamic team together with ETH startup Planted

pd|z Product Development Group Zurich (ETHZ) - https://pdz.ethz.ch/

pd|z Product Development Group Zurich (ETHZ) - https://pdz.ethz.ch/

~ 01.04.2025 (flexible!) / Duration: 4 months (Bachelor and semester thesis) or 6 months (Master thesis)
Lab: pd|z Product

Please send your CV, list of grades and short motivation letter together with a description of your skills, experience, and prior projects to Maximilian Reikat (mreikat@ethz.ch)

Please send your CV, list of grades and short motivation letter together with a description of your skills, experience, and prior projects to Maximilian Reikat (mreikat@ethz.ch)