Chocolate Machine: The Ultimate FAQs Guide

A chocolate machine refers to any equipment or machine you employ in the production of chocolate and related products.

You employ chocolate equipment in different processes in the chocolate production such as melting, refining, molding, hardening and packaging.

Some of the chocolate products you make include chocolate bars and tablets, Napolitains, chocolate blocks and chocolate coated wafers.

In this guide, you will learn about some of the different chocolate machines available. Furthermore, you will learn how the machine works, its uses, benefits and its major parts and components.

 Chocolate Production Line

Which Types of Chocolate Machines are there?

There are various chocolate machine types which include:

Chocolate Coating Machine

A chocolate coating machine allows you to apply a desired coating of chocolate over a product. You employ a chocolate coating over your product for reasons such as enhancing flavor and differentiating the product.

You find common employment of the chocolate coating machine in the food industry.

Here, you use the chocolate coating machine to coat products such as cookies, candy, cakes, nuts and dried fruits.

Benefits of Chocolate Coating Machine

Some of the benefits of employing a chocolate coating machine in your production process include:

• Coating products with chocolate allows you to overcome certain tastes and smells of your products. You can use a chocolate coating machine on medicinal product to mask their taste and/ or smell.
• When you apply a chocolate coat, you enhance the flavor of your products. You can, for instance, add a chocolate coating over a mint candy product.
• Using chocolate coating allows you to increase the palatability of some foods. Some food substances are plain as they are and having a chocolate coat enhances their delectableness.
• You can augment the durability of your food substance by using chocolate coating. A chocolate coating secures the flavor of a food substance while reducing the rate of deterioration.
• Chocolate coating enhances the product properties such as texture. Chocolate coated products have a different feel to the tongue such as when employed over biscuits and cakes.

Parts of a Chocolate Coating Machine

You observe the chocolate coating machine consists of different parts essential in its operation. You note that different factors such as the type, size and machine model influence the part count.

However, you expect to find the following parts on a chocolate coating machine:

Speed Control

The speed control is an electronic component you use in the coating optimization of various products. You have different approaches to the coating process requiring different execution speeds.

For instance, when wholly coating a product you can employ a chocolate bath where you dip the product. However, having chocolate say at the bottom part of the product only will require more precise speed control.

Thermoregulator

The thermoregulator is essential in helping you achieve temperature control during the chocolate coating process. Temperature is essential in maintaining the consistency of the chocolate and having excess or low temperature can be disastrous.

Control Panel

The control panel is a human machine interface you use to control functions during the chocolate coating process. You insert your desired parameter at the control panel upon which the information transfers to the PLCs for action.

Melting Tank

You use a melting tank to melt the chocolate you need for the coating process. The melting process involves heating using an electric or gas heat source such as heating rods.

Feed Tank

You hold the products you intend to coat in the feed tank from where you introduce them to the coating platform. In the feed tank, you keep the products at the desired conditions while also helping prevent their contamination.

Coating Pumps

The coating pumps are useful in conducting the flow of the chocolate for coating purpose through nozzles. Such pumps employ a pneumatic system to subject the chocolate concentrate to flow via the pipe system.

Conveyer Belt

When you employ the chocolate coating machine for large scale production, a conveyer belt is necessary to facilitate product movement. Gear drives power these conveyer belts by moving chains below them which hold these belts made from food grade material.

Cooling Tunnel

A chocolate coating machine can also entail a cooling tunnel for increased cooling efficiency of products coated with chocolate. Cooling tunnels employ forced convection currents to create an air flow that eliminates the hot air carrying heat away.

How a Chocolate Coating Machine Works

The chocolate coating process entails several steps starting from the preparation of the chocolate to the cooling of the coated product. You find the following steps in the chocolate making process:

Chocolate Coating Machine

Melting Process

The chocolate coating process involves the application of liquid chocolate over products and then cooling them. You convert chocolate into liquid by melting the chocolate in a melting tank.

Coating Process

The coating process entails covering the surfaces of products in the desired chocolate layer. You use a platform such as a meshwork rack on a feed band which implements the transport of the products.

In the coating area, you have coating pumps from which you dispense the molten chocolate. You release the chocolate in a continuous flow process that blankets the product.

The feed band vibrates the meshwork rack ensuring the coating process is even. Additionally, you have a series of blowers which ensures the chocolate coating doesn’t accumulate at a point.

Using a meshwork rack allows you to collect excess chocolate by draining in a container below. With this configuration you can reuse the chocolate in the coating process minimizing on wastage.

Cooling Process

In the cooling process, you move the products to a conveyer system that passes through a cooling tunnel. In the cooling tunnel, you cool the products as the chocolate coat solidifies.

A cooling tunnel is an extended tunnel with fans and extractors that eliminates heat through forced conduction. Consequently, you observe the temperatures in a cooling tunnel are reduced.

You can alternatively use a refrigeration system for your cooling needs in the absence of a cooling tunnel. However, using such a system is a manual process entailing the physical transfer of coated products to the refrigerator.

Chocolate Decorating Machine

A chocolate decorating machine allows you to make patterns on products using chocolate. Using a chocolate decorating machine, you can come up with different chocolate patterns on your product.

With a chocolate decorating machine, you can decorate chocolate products, cookies, cakes and even ice cream.

Benefits of a Chocolate Decorating Machine

When using the chocolate decorating machine, you find the following benefits:

• You can apply different desired shapes and designs to your products making them more appealing. Rather than having plain products, decorating them with chocolate enhance their appearance.
• When using a chocolate decorating machine, you have the ability to customize a product according to the customer’s needs. Customization is a flexibility aspect that is enticing to buyers increasing demand.
• When using a chocolate decorating machine, you can easily adjust the movement of the nozzle. Nozzle adjustment allows you to vary and differentiate your designs making each product unique.
• Furthermore, a chocolate decorating machine has an insulated spraying nozzle which you can easily replace. You may require a different nozzle to execute a design which makes easy replacement all the better.
• You find this machine has the capability of photoelectric control which allows you to accurately position your decoration. Increased accuracy during decorating efforts enhances the appeal of your product.
• The rotor pump in a decorating machine stabilizes the feeding process of the slurry ensuring a smooth process.
• You can execute multiple patterns using a chocolate decorating machine by employing a distance adjusting eccentric wheel.

Parts of a Chocolate Decorating Machine

The major parts of a chocolate decorating machine are:

Storage Tank

You keep the chocolate product for use in the decorating process in the storage tank. In the storage tank, you employ mechanisms to jeep the taste, consistency and temperature of the chocolate as desired.

Delivery Pump

A delivery pump allows you to transfer the chocolate from the storage tank to the nozzles for dispensing. You can have multiple pumps depending on your machine size and the scale of operations.

Nozzles

You dispense the chocolate during decoration through the nozzles. You carry out dispensing in the desired pattern by employing a PLC to guide the nozzle movement.

How a Chocolate Decorating Machine Works

The working of a chocolate decorating machine involves distribution of chocolate over product surfaces such as chocolate, cookies, and cakes. You store the chocolate in a storage tank from where you pump it via delivery pumps.

You then dispense the chocolate over the products via nozzles in the desired patterns. You can employ different patterns for your products depending on the decorating machine settings.

There are different patterns you can apply using a chocolate decorating machine. Some of these patterns include: circular patterns, short-line pattern, serrated pattern and double loop pattern.

Chocolate Depositor Machine

A chocolate depositor machine is useful in the filling process of chocolates into moulds in various shapes and designs.

The chocolate depositor machine releases chocolate in the desired amount through a nozzle and into the mold cavity.

You find many chocolate depositor machines are automated allowing you to easily operate them.

However, you can still employ manual chocolate depositors in your chocolate production process.

You find many different chocolate depositing machines whose use is dependent on the purpose. Common chocolate depositor types include:

CNC Chocolate Depositing Machine

The CNC chocolate depositing machine is programmable allowing you to customize your machine for various chocolate depositions. You can use this machine to fill products such as biscuit sandwiches and to make complex chocolate products design.

One Shot Chocolate Depositor

You note this depositor type releases a combination of a filling and shell into the mold cavity. You have different configurations of this chocolate depositor with 2D or 3D functionality and programmable logic control.

One Shot Chocolate Depositor

Manual Chocolate Depositing Machine

You manually operate this chocolate depositor type since it has no programmable capabilities and functions. Consequently, you find use of this machine limited to small scale productions.

Table Top Chocolate Depositor

A table top chocolate depositor is small allowing you to easily transfer it from one place to another.

You can position this depositor on a table and manually perform depositing operations which is suitable for small volume operations.

Horizontal Chocolate Depositor Machine

The horizontal chocolate depositor machine alludes to its horizontal configuration which minimizes material wastage while enhancing stability. You have the option of employing a manual or automated machine depending on your production requirements.

Decorative Chocolate Depositor Machine

The decorative chocolate depositor machine allows you to simultaneously decorate your product in chocolate while depositing. You find this machine is PLC controlled with a conveyer system with auto correction property.

You find several uses of the chocolate depositor machine including:

• You use the chocolate depositor machine to discharge into molds fillings of chocolate and even shells.
• You can execute direct deposition of chocolate to the cooling conveyer using a chocolate depositor machine.
• The chocolate depositor machine is useful in making different chocolate products such as chip cookies pralines, chocolate drops and blocks.
• You can decorate your chocolate moulds with diverse designs using a chocolate depositor machine.
• A chocolate depositor machine allows you to refine the taste of your product.
• The chocolate depositor machine is capable of heating chocolate to a certain temperature.

Benefits of a Chocolate Depositing Machine

The chocolate depositing machine offers you the following benefits:

Increased Depositing Accuracy

When using a chocolate depositor machine, you benefit from enhanced accuracy and precision during the deposition process. High accuracy and precision ensure you have minimal wastage resulting in high returns.

Enhanced Flexibility

Using a chocolate depositor machine enhances the flexibility of the deposition process as you can employ different nozzle sizes. Furthermore, a chocolate depositor machine can allow you to deposit chocolate with different fluidity.

Increased Production due to Automation

While you have manual chocolate depositor machines, you benefit from increased production when using an automated machine. Automation allows you to execute multiple functions simultaneously and also increase the speed of operation.

Compact Design

The design of a chocolate depositor machine is such that you can easily integrate it with other machines in chocolate production line. Therefore, when using a chocolate depositor machine, you don’t need to undertake expensive fitting procedures to align with other equipment.

Parts of a Chocolate Depositing Machine

A good chocolate depositing machine consist of the following parts:

Heating and Cooling System

The heating system is necessary to ensure the chocolate remains in a molten state and at the desired temperature figure. Contrarily, cooling is necessary after deposition to ensure the chocolate affirms to the mould shape.

Conveyer System

A conveyer belt system is essential for movement of the mold plates during chocolate deposition ensuring a continuous process. You have conveyer belts of varying widths depending on your production scale.

Nozzles

The nozzles are necessary to release and dispense the chocolate into the mold cavities. You can have nozzles with different designs allowing the deposition of different chocolate quantities.

Servo Motor Control

You require the servo motor control for the successful execution of movement of mechanical parts. The servo motor control is behind the gear and belt movement.

Pneumatic System

The pneumatic system is behind the working of the delivery pump which ensures the transfer of chocolate to the filling nozzle.

A pneumatic system employs compressed air in providing the driving force for the pump.

PLC

When using an automatic chocolate depositing machine, the PLC is at the heart of every automated function. You configure the PLC by keying in the desired functions in the HMI control panel.

Storage Tank

The storage tank holds chocolate in molten state before dissemination via the delivery pumps and filling nozzles.

You keep the chocolate at desired temperature in the storage tank appropriate for the molding process.

Depositing Head

You observe the filling nozzles are held by the depositing head which also regulates the flow of molten chocolate. The depositing head employs PLC control to determine the quantity of chocolate release by the nozzles.

Moulds Plates

The mould plates hold the cavities in which you deposit the liquid chocolate and filling. You use temperature tolerant food grade material to make the mould plates.

 Parts of Chocolate Depositing Machine

How a Chocolate Depositor Machine Works

There are various ways in which you can employ a chocolate depositor machine. You can use the following techniques with your chocolate depositor:

Numerical Control Technique

When employing the numerical control technique with your chocolate depositor, you achieve accurate chocolate deposition.

A machine with numerical control can execute continuous deposits for a once-fixed depositor with various functions of nozzle lifting.

Precise Depositing Technique

In this chocolate depositing machine, you observe highly accurate and precise deposits with a minimum flow restriction.

You can also execute variable depositions with an elaborate piston design that prevents leakage.

Modula Depositing Technique

In modular deposition, you are not limited in your deposition approach with the capacity to employ different functions. You find this possible due to the machine’s high flexibility whose length you can adjust to suit your space.

Chocolate Moulding Machine

A chocolate moulding machine is a production line you employ to continuously make solid chocolate pieces.

You can employ a chocolate moulding machine to prepare chocolate sandwiches with singular and multiple colours and tastes.

You can have an automatic or manual chocolate moulding machine with the former having automated baking and pouring processes.

Using an automatic chocolate moulding machine requires reduced labour while offering you convenience and maintenance reliability.

A chocolate mould is a rigid build with cavities in desired shape within which you pour molten chocolate.

The chocolate mould allows you to obtain chocolate in a desired shape after the cooling process and solidification.

You employ different materials in making moulds for your chocolate moulding machine including plastic and polycarbonate materials.

The material you employ for your mould in this machine speaks to the resultant chocolate quality.

Some of the considerations when selecting moulds for your chocolate moulding machine are:

Mould Size

Chocolate moulds are available in different sizes allowing you to make varying chocolate pieces. You can have mould cavities with the capacity to hold between seven and twenty grams of chocolate.

Mould Shape

The shape of the mould influences how the chocolate appears upon solidification and cooling. You can use different shapes for your chocolate moulds including regular shapes such as spheres and cubes.

Benefits of a Chocolate Moulding Machine

When using a chocolate moulding machine, you realize the following benefits:

Increased Production

Using a chocolate moulding machine allows you to achieve higher production due to its highly automated features. With such a machine, you can have several mould plates on a conveyer allowing you continuous moulding process.

Increased Efficiency

The high accuracy and precision levels you experience with a chocolate moulding machine allow you to benefit from increased efficiency. Using the conveyer system for transport and PLCs, you find the moulding process is faster and efficient.

Easy to Use

Using the chocolate moulding machine is simple and uncomplicated with a continuous conveyer system allowing you to interchange moulds easily. Furthermore, the low labour requirements allows you to let the machine self-operate.

Energy Efficient

The configuration of the chocolate moulding machine is such that it combines functions into a continuous process.

Such an arrangement considerably decreases the energy implications of individual processes.

Parts of a Chocolate Moulding Machine

The chocolate moulding machine consists of many parts and components essential for its operation. Some of these parts you can customize to extract specific function while others are standardized.

You find the chocolate moulding machine with the following parts:

Tampering Section

In this section of the chocolate moulding machine, you prepare the chocolate by pre-crystallizing and mixing under heat. You do this to a desired temperature where you achieve a defined consistency for your chocolate.

Mould Section

In this section, you have the mould loader and heater with the former allowing you to load the mould plates. The mould heater allows you to attain a desired temperature for your moulding process.

Depositors

You use the depositors to dispense the liquid chocolate into the mould cavities. There are several depositors you can use including using water when working on products that are fluid-based.

You also have special depositors where you need to dispense chocolate granules or fillings such as nuts and raisins.

Vibrating Table

The vibrating table serves to detangle the chocolate from the moulds after the cooling and solidification process.

The vibration of the table occurs at a certain frequency to ensure the chocolate does not deform in the process.

Control Unit

The control unit of a chocolate moulding machine entails a HMI control panel alongside programmable logic controllers.

You feed instructions for your machine through the control panel were you also have power controls.

Granule Dousing Unit

The granule dousing unit is especially important for dispensing granules into the molten chocolate in the moulds.

You find this unit consists of spreaders which use pneumatic control to facilitate the release mechanism.

Chocolate Pump

The flow of chocolate in the chocolate moulding machine depends on the work of the chocolate pumps. These pumps power the molten chocolate through the conduits for release via the depositors.

Cooling Tunnel

The cooling tunnel is an essential feature of the chocolate moulding machine.

You find this feature necessary for the cooling and solidification of the chocolate in the moulds.

Mould Unloader

The mould unloader succeeds the cooling process and involves the removal of the solid chocolate from the mould plates.

After removing chocolate from the moulds, you transfer them back to the mould control unit.

 Automatic Chocolate Molding Machine

How a Chocolate Moulding Machine works

You can have a manual chocolate moulding machine or one with some level of automation. With this machine, the moulds compose the central unit of function with the process involving their preparation to emptying.

While you can customize the operations of your chocolate moulding machine, there is inevitably a standard approach to the process.

You can classify the chocolate moulding process into two ultimate creations: that of shell products and moulds.

Generally, the following processes are essential to the chocolate moulding process:

Loading of Moulds

Loading of moulds involves positioning the established moulds into the machine’s loader.

The mould loader succeeds a basic initiation process that ensures all the other functional aspects are okay.

Heating the Moulds

Heating of the moulds occurs in a channel with temperatures set at the desired level via the control panel. Heating the moulds allows you to dispense the chocolate into the cavities with minimal sticking.

Filling Moulds

When filling the moulds with chocolate, you use depositors to dispense the molten chocolate or granules. While you can use different depositing techniques, the one-shot depositing techniques finds common application.

The operation of the one-shot depositor utilizes a pumping system powered by servo motors. You can achieve precise and accurate filling when using an automatic moulding machine and also apply customization.

Dosing Moulds with Granules

Sometimes you have chocolate fillings with granules in them to enhance flavor and create different products.

You employ a granule dosing unit to facilitate the dispensing of the granules via spreaders.

Flipping of the Moulds

Usually a process that flips the mould follows making it easier for the cooling and demolding process.

You use actuators with pneumatic servo controllers to flip the mould into an upside down positon.

Cooling of the Moulds

You cool the moulds in a cooling tunnel where you maintain the temperature at a desired low level.

The cooling process needs to occur uniformly and you can employ forced cooling by employing a series of fans.

Passing the Moulds on a Vibrating Table

Upon traversing the cooling tunnel, the moulds land on a conveyer system encompassing a vibrating table.

The vibration weakens the attachment of the chocolate product to the walls of the mould allowing for simple unloading.

Flipping of the Moulds

Another mould flipping follows which return the moulds to the original upright position. A pneumatic-controlled system initiates the flipping process by use if servo motor controllers.

Unloading of the Moulds

The mould unloading process entails separating the solidified chocolate product from the mould plates.

The chocolate proceeds to packaging or other post-production process where applicable while the empty moulds return to the control unit.

Chocolate Foil Wrapping Machine

A chocolate wrapping machine is an equipment you use to package chocolate products. With this machine type, you employ foil paper as the packaging medium.

Using foil in the wrapping process ensures you preserve freshness and thus keep quality high. You can use the chocolate foil wrapping machine to wrap various products of chocolates including blocks and wafers.

Benefits of a Chocolate Foil Wrapping Machine

You attribute the following advantages to the chocolate foil wrapping machine:

• The chocolate foil wrapping machine employs a frequency converter in its operation allowing you to adjust wrapping dimensions.
• Using a chocolate foil wrapping machine with automated functionality is simple to operate thanks to the PLCs.
• The quality of the wrap when using a chocolate foil wrapping machine is impressive given the speed of the process.
• You need reduced labour requirements to monitor the chocolate foil wrapping machine due to automation.
• You can execute many wraps per given time ensuring you can maintain a high output.
• The chocolates foil wrapping machine is highly accurate in the wrapping process making it highly efficient.
• When using the chocolate foil wrapping machine, you observe the process occurs within the machine reducing product contamination.

Parts of a Chocolate Foil Wrapping Machine

You find the following common parts of a chocolate foil wrapping machine:

Food Grade Plastic

The chocolate foil material encompasses food grade plastic material for parts which interact with the chocolates.

Cam System

The chocolate foil wrapping machine depends on a cam mechanism to function. This cam system utilizes a synchronous motor with 3-phase features for power.

Pistons

The chocolate foil wrapping machine has a disk with pistons that generate drive. You can find multiple pistons on a foil wrapping machine which is dependent on the automation of the machine.

Paper Supply Wheel

The paper supply wheel of the chocolate foil wrapping machine delivers the foil paper you use for wrapping chocolates.

Lubrication System

The lubrication system is necessary to reduce friction at the moving parts of the chocolates foil wrapping machine.

You find oil as the common lubricant in the machine where application is by an automatic shower.

Chocolate Foil Wrapping Machine

How a Chocolate Foil Wrapping Machine Works

The working of a chocolate foil wrapping machine consists of different stages commonly influenced by the chocolate type.

When using the chocolate foil wrapping machine, you undertake two wrapping processes namely primary wrapping and secondary wrapping.

The primary wrapping process can either be a single stage or two-stage process.

A single stage wrapping process involves securing the chocolates in a package in a single operation.

In a two-stage wrapping process, you undertake two operations to wrap the chocolate in foil. During this process you can have a mono pack or multipack for both the operations.

A secondary wrapping process adds an extra wrapping over the primary wrap. You can use foil paper of different kinds in this process including cellophane and OPP film.

Chocolate Fold Wrapping Machine

The chocolate fold wrapping machine allows you to automatically envelop chocolates especially those in tablet form such as Napolitains.

When using the chocolate fold wrapping machine, you can employ a single film cover or two films simultaneously.

When using the chocolate fold wrapper machine, you employ aluminium films with terminations that provide perfect seals.

Benefits of a Chocolate Fold Wrapping Machine

You extract the following benefits from using a chocolate fold wrapping machine:

• You can set up a chocolates fold wrapping machine differently to allow increased output. You can use this machine for horizontal layouts or random layout to suit your overall design.
• The fold wrapping machine is highly flexible and capable of wrapping different sizes of chocolate while employing different materials.
• When using this machine, you experience increased efficiency from the use of a tracing system using the color mark. The colour mark allows the sensors on the cutting machine to identify where to separate individual wrapped candy.
• Many chocolate fold wrapping machines are automatic reducing labor costs and improving accuracy and reliability. While acquiring an automatic machine can be costly, the benefit you derive from it makes it all the worth.
• The wrapping process of the fold wrapping machine ensures hermetic sealing preventing product contamination. Contamination of food products intended for human consumption can result in health problems with adverse reputation damage.
• You can easily clean and maintain a chocolate fold wrapping machine maintaining high hygiene standards in your production.

Parts of a Chocolate Fold Wrapping Machine

There are different parts of a chocolate fold wrapping machine as follows:

Gear Bearing Holders

The chocolate fold wrapping machine has holders fitted with gears that regulate folder transfer speed. PLCs control these holders ensuring their performance is in accordance to the production speed.

Adhesive Group

You find the adhesive group in this machine essential for scale reinforcement particularly when utilizing the horizontal design.

PLCs

The programmable logic controllers on a fold wrapping machine increases the accuracy of operations and overall efficiency. You feed instructions to the PLCs via a HMI control panel.

Sensors

You have sensors fitted on a fold wrapping machine which help in detecting anomalies. Upon detection of such, the sensors stop the machine to prevent damage.

Electrical Power Unit

The electrical power unit in a fold wrapping machine for chocolates supplies the necessary electrical power to support functions.

Pneumatic System

The pneumatic system utilizes compressed air to drive the pistons the fold wrapping machine employs in servo control.

How a Chocolate Fold Wrapping Machine Works

The working principle of a chocolate fold wrapping machine involves the enveloping of chocolate products that are typically tablet shaped.

When wrapping these chocolates, you employ film or foil paper with aluminium-backed paper more commonly used.

When using the chocolate fold wrapping machine, you have two options.

You can undertake either a primary wrapping process only or with an extra secondary wrapping.

When you undertake a primary wrapping process alone, you wrap the chocolate tablet in an aluminium backed paper.

A colour mark tracing system allows you to provide a perfect hermetic seal preserving freshness and preventing contamination.

Chocolate Coin Wrapping Machine

A chocolate coin wrapping machine is an equipment type you employ in chocolate wrapping that takes coin form.

When using a coin wrapping machine, you can employ chromo or bristol paper with the former common for modern machines.

Benefits of a Chocolate Coin Wrapping Machine

When using the chocolate fold wrapping machine, you identify the following pros:

• Operation of a chocolate fold wrapping machine is easy given its employment of a servo control system.
• You experience low noise production with the coin wrapping machine.
• The chocolate coin wrapping machine is automatic and capable of direct integration with the main production line.
• HMI control panel makes the coin wrapping machine easy to use with a centralized location control parameters.
• The coin wrapping machine constitutes sensors which detect and responds appropriately to anomalies.

Parts of a Chocolate Coin Wrapping Machine

For a chocolate coin wrapping machine, you find the following features:

 Automatic Chocolate Coin Foil Wrapper

Control Panel

You use the control panel to provide system settings for the execution of the coin wrapping process.

The control panel has different settings that influence the machine’s operation whose instructions you feed via a keypad.

PLC

The programmable logic controllers interpret system settings you input at the control panel to actuate operations.

PLCs execute the instructions with high precision and accuracy levels enhancing the production efficiency.

Die Mould System

A die mould system in a chocolate coin wrapping machine ensures the chocolates are in coin form.

The die system is flexible allowing you to use various sizes.

How a Chocolate Coin Wrapping Machine works

When using a chocolate coin wrapping machine, the chocolate package is typically in coin form to facilitate wrapping.

A feeder releases a wrapping foil or film for every chocolate piece depending on the size.

A PLC shrink wraps the film over the chocolate piece forming a termination twist at the top. Coin wrapping usually employs a single stage wrapping process with one or two films.

Movement of chocolate pieces is via a conveyer system that transfers the wrapped chocolate pieces to another section.

You can thereafter secondary-package the chocolate pieces according to weight or piece count.

Chocolate Enrobing Machine

A chocolate enrober machine is a finishing equipment you employ for your products to highlight them with chocolate layers.

Using a chocolate enrober allows you to positively influence your production capacity.

You can use a chocolate enrober machine on different products such as cookies, pralines and dried fruits.

When enrobing products with chocolate you can use different thicknesses according to your production desire.

Benefits of a Chocolate Enrobing Machine

There are many advantages you derive from using a chocolate enrobing machine. Some of these advantages are as follows:

• Using a chocolate enrober ensures you positively enhance your production capacity and ensure a uniform appearance of your product.
• You can employ the chocolate enrobing machine for a variety of products including cookies, pralines and cakes.
• Furthermore, when using a chocolate enrobing machine, you can employ either a hollow or solid moulding for your products.
• You can achieve different levels of enrobing be it top only, bottom only, part or complete enrobing.
• When using the chocolate enrobing machine, you can vary the air pressure and speed of operation.

Parts of a Chocolate Enrobing Machine

Common parts of the chocolate enrobing machine include:

Melting Tank

The melting tank allows you to melt your chocolate at a desired temperature achieving a given consistency for enrobing. Melting chocolate is essential since you cannot enrobe products using solid chocolate or powder.

Filing Module for Moulds

The filling module for moulds is essential in ensuring you enrobe only the required part of a product.

You can enrobe products partly, along a single surface or entirely depending on your intended production outcome.

Vibrating Table

A vibrating table is necessary in determining a uniform enrobing process by evenly distributing the chocolate preventing accumulation.

Take-Off Blades

Take-off blades serve to even the chocolate enrobing surface which ensures the enrobing has a uniform thickness across the product.

Cooling Tunnels

The chocolate enrobing process entails the use of molten chocolate. Therefore, you need the cooling tunnels to cool and solidify the chocolate after the enrobing process.

How a Chocolate Enrobing Machine Works

The chocolate enrobing process is pretty straightforward involving a few steps.

You place the product for enrobing on the infeed platform before transfer via a mesh wire belt.

Depending on the nature of enrobing, you carry the product via a chocolate waterfall or a chocolate basin.

For instance, a chocolate basin suits a bottom-only enrobing process whereas a waterfall can wholly enrobe a product.

After covering the product with chocolate, you transfer it to a blower section which evens out the chocolate. Furthermore, you reduce the chance of having thick spots by employing a vibrating table.

Thereafter, you pass the enrobed products to a finishing station which inspects the product for imperfections. Finally, you deliver the product to the platform with take-off blades for a final check for uniformity.

Chocolate Conching Machine

You make use of a chocolate conching machine in grinding chocolate into very fine particles. When you use a conching machine, you achieve a fine grinding outcome which adheres easily in mixtures.

The conching process is time intensive taking up to over twenty hours to achieve.

Furthermore, when you execute an impressive conching process, you can achieve very fine particles measuring about 20 um.

You can also undertake the chocolate conching process with other materials to enhance flavor. Some of these materials include butter, sugar and cocoa which form a fine paste for the production process.

Chocolate Conche Machine

Benefits of a Chocolate Conching Machine

The chocolate conching machine allows you to finely grind and mix raw components of chocolate.

Other than refining your chocolate product, the conching machine also deodorizes and dehydrates your product mix.

In the execution of its core mandate, you find the following advantages of using the chocolate conching machine:

• The maintenance of a chocolate conching machine is uncomplicated.
• Using a chocolate conching machine is safe and efficient in the processing of chocolate.
• You achieve high performance stability and enhanced durability when using this machine.
• When using a chocolate conching machine, you realize no leakage with a constant grinding process.
• The chocolate conching machine is energy efficient in its execution of the refining, deodorizing and dehydrating process during fine grinding.

Parts of a Chocolate Conching Machine

The chocolate conching machine features the following parts:

Motor

A motor in a chocolate conching machine is useful in the automatic securing of the blade. You employ the blade in the fine grinding process during chocolate refining.

Blade

The blade receives rotary power from the motor and its movement enables the grinding process. The blade employs a spring steel that strengthens its grip extending its useful life.

Temperature Control System

During operation of the chocolate conching machine, you rapidly heat and cool water in the jacket.

You use the temperature control system to regulate the temperature of water in the jacket.

Cylinder

The cylinder of the chocolate conching machine is where you have the fine grinding process of the raw materials.

The cylinder is stainless steel joined to the seat by a set of screws allowing for separation during maintenance.

PLC Control

You have a PLC control with the chocolate conching machine that allows you to control parameters such as temperature.

How a Chocolate Conching Machine works

The chocolate conching machine is a construction that employs a scraper and agitator within a controlled chamber to process chocolate. It is this configuration known as a conche that gives the machine and process its conching name.

The scraper and agitator combination through blade motion uniformly distribute the chocolate raw materials. The grinding process occurs under heat treatment with the frictional process and oxidation creating a unique flavor and consistency.

The fine grinding process can take several hours to ensure you come up with the desired texture. A basic conching process can take about six hours while a more elaborate one can take over sixty hours.

Different manufacturers have different approaches to the conching process with various set ups for their machines. You attribute this to the proprietary nature of employing the chocolate conching machine which makes it company-specific.

Chocolate Melting Machines

The chocolate melting machine is an important equipment in chocolate production that you use to melt chocolate raw materials.

Usually in chocolate production, you employ raw materials in solid form when at room temperature.

Some of the common raw substances you melt in the chocolate melting machine include cocoa, butter, sugar and milk powder.

Melting allows you to prepare your chocolate for further processing such as refining and deodorizing.

Industrial Chocolate Melting Machine

Benefits of a Chocolate Melting Machine

When using a chocolate melting machine, you identify the following benefits:

• Melting chocolate makes it easier for you to undertake other processes such as refining and moulding.
• The chocolate melting machine is highly efficient in its operation with the capacity to support high volume production.
• You can easily distribute melted chocolate from the chocolate melting machine to other sections of a chocolate production line. You employ melted chocolate in sections such as the enrobing and coating machine using a pipe system powered by pumps.
• Chocolate melting machines employing heated water jackets are energy efficient requiring low power consumption.
• When you slowly melt chocolate using the chocolate making machine, you ensure its proper treatment for tempering.

Parts of a Chocolate Melting Machine

There are different manufacturers producing chocolate melting machines while providing different configurations and set-ups. However, you can expect to find the following parts in many chocolate melting machines:

Melting Chamber

The melting chamber is a container, usually cylindrical, where the melting process of the chocolate raw materials takes place.

Water Jacket

Melting chocolate in a chocolate melting machine requires a heat source which you provide via a water jacket.

Using a water jacket reduces heat loss while providing a slow melting process that ensures enhanced curing.

Heating Rods

The heating rods supply heat to the water in the jacket for melting the chocolate substances. You can control the amount of heat generated according to your production needs.

HMI Control Panel

The operations of a chocolate melting machine are under the control of instructions you input via a control panel.

You dictate the values of different parameters such as water jacket temperature by inputting in the control panel.

PLCs

PLCs are the enablers of automation in modern machines. Controllers execute the instructions logged into the control panel for the chocolate melting machine.

How a Chocolate Melting Machine Works

When using a chocolate melting machine, you load the raw materials into the melting chamber. You indirectly supply heat for use in the melting process via a water jacket ensuring a gentle melting process.

You employ heating rods in the water jacket which supply heat energy you can regulate via the control panel.

After you melt the chocolate you employ a pump and pipe system to redistribute the melted chocolate.

Chocolate Tempering Machine

A chocolate tempering machine is an equipment similar to the melting machine but with a more controlled process.

You undertake alternate heating and cooling process in a tempering machine to develop a stable coco-butter crystalline structure.

When melting chocolate, you destabilize and disintegrate the fat and solid molecules upon attaining a certain temperature.

Using a chocolate tempering machine instead ensures you maintain the stability and consistency of the fats and solid content.

When using a chocolate tempering machine, you may employ different temperatures depending on the chocolate type. You note that the tempering temperature of a substance is typically lower than the melting temperature.

Benefits of a Chocolate Tempering Machine

There are several benefits attached to using a chocolate tempering machine as follows:

• When you employ a chocolate tempering machine, the controlled process ensures you extend the product shelf life.
• The tempering process greatly influences the flavor and consistency of your chocolate product making it smooth, shiny and crunchy. Otherwise, it will be dull and unappealing with a coarse feel in taste.
• Tempered chocolate is easy to remove from the moulds compared to that prepared without tempering.
• You can keep your tempered chocolate for hours when using an automatic machine without affecting the chocolate properties.

Parts of a Chocolate Tempering Machine

You will find a chocolate tempering machine with the following features:

Tempering Chamber

The heating and cooling process takes place in the tempering chamber of the machine. You control the conditions in this chamber via entering the desired parameters in the HMI control panel.

Heat Source

You need a heat source to heat the chocolate during the tempering process. You can employ electric heating or gas heating for your chocolate tempering machine.

Thermostat

Tempering differs from melting given the close control of the heating and cooling processes to achieve crystalline stability.

A thermostat is handy in regulating the temperature in the tempering chamber between hot and cold intervals.

Control System

Many chocolate tempering machines are automated employing a PLC enabled control system. You input the parameters for your control system via the HMI control panel.

How a Chocolate Tempering Machine works

Preparing chocolate using a chocolate tempering machine involves subjecting it under controlled heating and cooling to achieve crystalline stability.

In the tempering process, you melt the chocolate before following up with a cooling procedure.

You thereafter, subject the cooled chocolate batch to another heating process until you attain a stable crystalline structure.

You determine the temperatures for heating and cooling depending on your ingredients and production formula.

When using an automatic chocolate tempering machine, the tempering process follows the set parameters.

On completion of the tempering process, you can let the chocolate rest for several hours.

Commercial Chocolate Tempering Machine

Chocolate Storage Tank

You employ the chocolate storage tank to preserve the properties of refined chocolate after the tempering process.

Consequently, you can employ this chocolate in further production without losing any acquired property.

You typically employ the chocolate storage tank after the tempering process and before moulding.

Therefore, you need to maintain the temperature and consistency of the tempered chocolate to achieve the desired chocolate taste.

You employ a water jacket around your storage tank to preserve the heat of the chocolate for the tempering process.

You maintain the consistency of the chocolate, by employing a continuous agitator in the tank.

Benefits of a Chocolate Storage Tank

A chocolate storage tank is useful in various ways which include:

1. Using a chocolate storage tank allows you to maintain the developed properties of tempered chocolate such as consistency and temperature. You find the use of an agitator and water jacket useful in these aspects respectively.
2. With a chocolate storage tank, you can store your tempered chocolate for many hours before subjecting it to further production.

• A chocolate storage tank ensures your chocolate production process is highly efficient with a quality outcome. By using a storage tank, you ensure your chocolate products are smooth, shiny and crunchy.

1. You benefit from the performance stability of a chocolate storage tank enhanced by the use of stainless steel in its construction.
2. The chocolate storage tank has automated controls with flexible temperature settings. Consequently, the temperature of the storage tank can adjust accordingly with the environmental conditions.

Parts of a Chocolate Storage Tank

You find the following important parts on a chocolate storage tank:

The Storage Chamber

The storage chamber constitutes the largest part of the chocolate storage tank in which you hold the tempered chocolate.

You can have either a vertical or horizontal configuration for your tank depending on your taste and needs.

Stirring Paddle

The stirring paddle allows you to maintain the consistency of the chocolate by gently stirring and keeping it in motion.

The agitating device derives its power from a motor driver whose speed you can set at the control panel.

Geared Motor Drive

The geared motor drive is useful in powering the stirring paddle to keep it in motion.

The motor drive employs electrical power input and you can adjust its speed automatically via a HMI panel.

The Control Panel

The control panel of a chocolate storage tank is a human machine interface for setting relevant tank parameters. Common parameters you set include temperature and agitator speed which are pivotal in maintaining the developed chocolate properties.

Water Jacket System

The water jacket system is essential in maintaining the temperature of the chocolate and thereby preserving the heat.

The water jacket system is an ingenious solution to provide indirect heat for the storage tank enhancing quality.

Thermostat Control

The thermostat control ensures the temperature of the chocolate storage tank is at the desired level.

External factors such as environmental conditions can influence the temperature of the tank and a thermostat works to respond appropriately.

 Chocolate Storage Tank

How a Chocolate Storage Tank works

The chocolate storage machine works to keep the tempered chocolate at the desired temperature and consistency for further production process.

You guide the chocolate from the tempering section through a pipe system into the storage tank.

At the storage tank, you determine the temperature at which you want the chocolate maintained at the control panel.

The PLC apply this information to the water jacket’s heat source and thermostat for regulation.

The geared motor driver powers the stirring paddle at the set speed ensuring the chocolate agitation is as intended.

When external temperatures fluctuate affecting that of the chocolate storage tank, the thermostat intervenes.

What Factors Influence the Chocolate Machine Cost?

When purchasing a chocolate machine, you find different factors affect the pronounced cost of the machine.

Accordingly, you make your purchase decision depending on your budget, production needs and machine availability.

A chocolate machine can cost anywhere between a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Some of the factors that affect the cost of a chocolate machine are discussed below:

Type of Chocolate Machine

There are many different types of chocolate machines available with different functions.

You have chocolate melting machine, chocolate moulding machines, and chocolate depositing machines to mention a few.

Each of these machines come with different builds and configuration and thus attract different costs.

You therefore have to identify which chocolate machine you need at purchase to get its cost.

Machine’s Production Capacity

Chocolate machines have different production capacities regardless of the type. For instance, you have machines with low production capacity, medium capacity and large capacity.

Chocolate machines with large production capacities cost more than those with low production capacities.

You need to determine which machine capacity suits your production needs to make such a purchase.

Level of Technology

Different chocolate machines employ different technologies in their operations and thus have a notable price variance.

A common technological aspect of chocolate machines is the level of automation.

You find chocolate machines that are fully automatic, semi-automatic and manual.

Fully automatic machines require less human supervision and perform with higher efficiency levels.

Consequently, you find these fully automatic machines attract higher costs than the others. However, you need to consider the cost versus benefit when making the purchase of such a machine.

Manufacturer

There are very many manufactures employing different approaches to developing chocolate machines.

Accordingly, you can find the same type of chocolate machine but with inherently dissimilar constructions and technologies attached.

These manufactures therefore individually cost their machines depending on their technologic input and knowhow.

Furthermore, the location of the manufacturer influences the cost of these machines considering aspects such as taxation and duty.

Which Features should you look for in Chocolate Machine?

When purchasing a chocolate machine, you consider various features that suit your needs. However, these features affect the cost of machines and consequently you need to select one within your budget.

Some of the common features you consider in a chocolate machine include:

Automation Level

Automation refers to the extent in which processes in your chocolate machine self-regulate. You can have a fully automatic machine or a semi-automatic machine with the latter having some manual aspects.

Chocolate Capacity

The capacity of a chocolate refers to the output in kilograms a chocolate machine can master in unit time.

The choice of a chocolate machine’s capacity depends on your production needs.

Machine Size

The size of a chocolate machine determines the workshop space requirement. When selecting a chocolate machine, you need to consider the size of your production area to ensure your machine fits.

Warranty

When purchasing new chocolate machines, you find such products have warranties provided by the manufacturers. You need to examine the terms of the warranty to ensure you get the best deal from your purchase.

Efficiency

You find different essential efficiency aspects of a chocolate machine such as production efficiency and energy efficiency. Production efficiency alludes to the capacity to produce chocolate with minimal wastage.

Energy efficiency refers to the chocolate machines use of low power and application of energy saving methods in its operations.

Which Accessories do you need alongside Chocolate Machine?

When using a chocolate machine, you utilize smaller and independent equipment alongside these machines. These accessories allow you to execute certain processes essential to the overall chocolate production process.

Some of the accessories you employ alongside a chocolate machine are:

Sugar Grinding Equipment

Sugar is a major ingredient in the chocolate production process enhancing taste and consistency. You employ this sugar in your production process by grinding into fine powder using sugar grinding equipment.

Chocolate Cooling Tunnel

The chocolate cooling tunnel is useful in eliminating heat from your chocolate moulds and allowing solidification. The cooling tunnel features a series of fans which remove hot air and force in cool air in a convectional cycle.

Conveyer Belts

Conveyer belts allow you to transfer chocolate in different forms from one section to another during the production process.

The conveyer belts are part of a gear and belt drive system and encompass food grade plastic such as polyurethane.

 Chocolate Cooling Tunnel

Feed Hoppers

Feed hoppers are essential in the chocolate production process allowing you to gently enter products into a processing section.

When you use feed hoppers, you minimize wastage through spillage of chocolate raw material and syrup.

Why is Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) Important when Buying Chocolate Machine?

The Factory Acceptance Test is a procedure you conduct to determine the safety of an equipment and its design elements.

You typically carry out a FAT test upon conclusion of the design process and before you ship out the product.

When conducting a FAT test, you determine the correctness of the equipment’s operation while subjecting it to different test cases.

The mechanical and electrical aspects of a chocolate machine are all under scrutiny when carrying out a FAT test.

Conducting a FAT test after purchasing a chocolate machine is important for the following reasons:

• You get to acclimatize with the working of the machine and its maneuvers before you have it shipped. Consequently, when you have the machine at your production site, it is not entirely new to you.
• Carrying out a FAT allows the manufacturer to deliver in person machine training and handling to a buyer. Accordingly, when you purchase the machine, you have primary knowledge in its handling and operation upon installation.
• During a FAT, you have parties from the manufacturer and the buyer. This is a fine platform to consider other issues such as the bill of materials, maintenance issues and troubleshooting approaches.
• Furthermore, when conducting a FAT, you get to identify machine vulnerabilities and how you can address them. You also determine a schedule for spare parts, how to acquire them and replace such parts in the machine.
• You can use FAT documentation as a blueprint for Installation Qualification upon shipping during set up at the production site.
• After conducting a FAT, parties can discuss and iron out any other pressing issues relating to the chocolate machine before shipping.

How do you Maintain Chocolate Machine?

The maintenance process of a chocolate machine is essential in ensuring the machine serves you for a long period. Additionally, you find chocolate machines sensitive since you use them to produce goods for human consumption.

Consequently, maintaining proper cleaning and maintenance procedures averts contamination of the chocolate products thus preventing adverse health effects. Maintaining a chocolate machine involves instituting proper cleaning procedures and examination of parts and components.

When carrying out cleaning and maintenance procedures you have to gear up appropriately with personal safety equipment. Furthermore, you need to have the correct tools and devices for executing the cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Water is an essential agent for your cleaning process especially during dousing and rinsing. You also need non-reactive detergents for stain and dirt removal.

When cleaning your machine, you can have to disassemble some parts to reach internal hidden areas requiring attention. Most importantly, you need to take extra care when working on electrical parts since water can cause electrical shock.

Ensure the chocolate machine is shut down during the cleaning and maintenance process to prevent personal harm and/or machine damage. Follow up the cleaning process by using a dry cloth to wipe off water traces and oil to prevent rust.

Other approaches to maintaining a chocolate machine include:

• Using a blower to eliminate chocolate and sugar dust hidden alongside the conveyer base or on the moulding platforms. You can remove hard and sticky chocolate by using a hard brush to scrub off from surfaces.
• Lubrication and oiling of mechanical parts such as gears and motor drivers reduces machine wear due to friction. Allowing the adverse effects of friction causes parts to wear and cease performing at the expected efficiency level.
• Parts of the chocolate machine should be well secured by fastening screws and nuts preventing movement during operation.
• Loose parts pose a danger to operators and the machine during operation as they can bolt out causing damage.

At SaintyCo, we will help you get the best chocolate machine for your business.

Contact us today for all your chocolate machine needs.