A method and system are provided for automatically portioning workpieces, such as food products, into both shape and other user-defined specification(s). Workpieces are portioned both to shape and weight, such as to a weight-specific uniform shape, by adjusting (e.g., scaling up and down or slightly modifying) a desired template shape until the desired weight is achieved depending on the varying thickness of each workpiece. For example, from a thicker workpiece, a smaller-sized piece having a predefined shape and weight is portioned, while from a thinner workpiece, a larger-sized piece having the same predefined shape and weight is portioned. The system permits a user to scan in and edit a desired (reference) shape to be used as a template in the portioning process.

A high speed food article slicing machine with a slicing station, a moveable frame supporting a food article feed mechanism frame, a food article gate, and a safety guard system for detecting an intrusion into the machine. Food articles are loaded onto a lift tray and raised to a staging position where food articles are in contact with a food article gate. The lift tray is located inline with the food article feed paths such that lateral shifting of food articles into the feed paths is not needed. Food article grippers, individually driven along feed paths by an overhead conveyor, move food articles over the food article gate towards the slicing station. The food article gate functions to assist in removal of food article end portions. The slicing machines utilizes a horizontally radiating laser intrusion detector to shut down systems when an unwanted intrusion is sensed.

A food article slicing machine includes a food article loading apparatus with a lift tray assembly for moving food articles from a staging position to an elevated position at a beginning of a food article feed path, a food article feed apparatus disposed over the food article loading apparatus having an upper conveyor assembly with an independently driven endless conveyor belt used in cooperation with a food article gripper for moving the food articles along the food article feed path, a food article stop gate that forms part of the food article feed path and opens to drop food article end portions, and a slicing station at an end of the food article feed path with a knife for slicing the food articles.