Small Scale Candy Making Equipment: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Here is a list of questions and answers that will help you learn more about small scale candy making machine.

You will know the features, parts, benefits, working principle, troubleshooting process, quality standards, maintenance procedures, and many more.

Also, we also compare the small scale candy machine with gummy bear equipment.

Let’s get started:

What is a Small-Scale Candy Making Equipment?

Small scale candy making equipment is an electromechanical device that you will use to make candy in small scale.

Implying that you will use the machine to produce a limited number of hard and soft candy for limited supply chain.

Small scale candy production line

What are the Features of Small-Scale Candy Making Machine?

You will note that the small-scale candy making machine have smaller or miniature parts for making candy.

Here are the main features of the small-scale candy making machine.

• Sanitary construction with the main materials for making the machine being stainless steel
• It features a high-speed electric stir blade heating resource for proper mixing of ingredients.
• Electric or steam heating source
• Production capacity is between 30 to 100 kg of candy within a particular period
• It is small in size with a smaller weight capable of handling small scale production of candy.
• Varying electrical and power requirements depending on the type of machine.
• PLC control system complete with a touch screen for automatic small-scale candy making machine.
• Ability to make different shapes and colors due to quick changeover of the parts.

Why Do You Need a Small-Scale Candy Making Machine?

Candy

You should consider investing in the small-scale candy making equipment to carter for small chain supply.

Here are the reasons that should compel you to invest in the small-scale candy making machine.

· Increase in Reliability

Small-scale candy making machines are reliable, accurate and specific in the production of hard and soft candy.

It will strictly follow the candy making configurations to the letter as it makes candy on a small scale.

· Automatic Nature

You should opt for the automatic small-scale candy making machine due to the ease of operation.

All you have to do is configure the machine and allow it to process and manufacture the candy accordingly.

It increases the accuracy and speed of production with very minimal help from human labor thus saving cost.

· Better Safety Features

You can rest assured of the safety of the small-scale candy making machine and the personnel operating the machine.

The machine has sensors that can warn you or automatically shut down the machine in case of any malfunctions.

· Easy Maintenance Procedures

Small-scale candy making machines are also easy to clean and maintain due to its miniature nature.

It has parts that you can easily remove and replace as you clean the interior of the machine.

This will also reduce the cost of maintenance as you will not need to hire extra personnel to maintain the equipment.

What are the Benefits of Small-Scale Candy Making Machine?

As a small-scale candy producer, you will experience numerous benefits using the small-scale candy making machine.

Here are the main benefits that you will note when using the small-scale candy making machine.

· Low Cost of Investment

You will spend very little in the process of purchasing the small-scale candy making machine as it less costly.

Apart from that, you will need very limited human labor to assist you in the process of making candy on a small scale.

In a nut shell, you will spend less in purchasing, installation, operation and maintenance of candy making machine.

· Limited Production Time

The time it takes to produce candy on a small scale is less in comparison to that of the large-scale production line.

This is because you will be producing limited amounts of candy which will take a very short time to process.

· Ease of Operation

Due to the small-scale nature of production, the process of operating the machine is less involving.

It comes complete with a human machine interface that allows you to easily understand and operate the machine.

Apart from that, the machine has PLC control system with a touch screen for proper configuration and monitoring of the operations.

· Less Contamination

The main material for making small-scale candy making machines is stainless steel which id resistant to corrosion.

It is also very easy to clean and sterilize thus reducing the chances of contamination to a very great extent.

· Increased Safety

While using the machine, you will note an increase in warning signals in case of malfunctions in the production line.

You might also experience a complete shutdown courtesy of the safety features in case of a problem on the production line.

· Increased Mobility

Due to the small size of the equipment, you can easily move the machine from one place to another.

Jelly candy depositing line

Are there Disadvantages of Small-Scale Candy Making Equipment?

Absolutely, just like any other machine, you will experience a number of disadvantages with the small-scale production equipment.

Here are some of the limitations of the small-scale candy making machine.

· Unemployment

Since you will not need excess human labor to operate the machine, you might have to lay off excess personnel.

This will lead to an increase in the unemployment circuit as the automated services limit demand for human labor.

· Inability to Expand

You might need to expand your production line to a larger scale of production.

This might not be possible due to the inability of the machine to expand to that level.

You will have to spend money in the purchase and installation of the large-scale candy production equipment.

· Pollution

Just like any other machine, small-scale candy production line produces waste materials such as fumes among other waste products.

This contributes to the pollution of the environment thus leading to negative environmental effects.

What is the best Material for Small Candy Making Machine?

Small candy making machine

The best material that you can use to male small-scale candy making equipment is stainless steel.

Here are the properties of stainless steel that makes it the perfect material for making small-scale candy making machines.

• Corrosion resistance thus making it impossible to rust
• High tensile strength thus giving the machine the robust and stable nature.
• Ease of cleaning and sterilizing thus reducing the chances of contamination.

Apart from stainless steel, you can use aluminum alloy which exhibit more or less the same properties.

Other parts will have materials such as rubber which is very essential for insulation properties.

What is the Maximum Production Capacity for Small Scale Candy Production Line?

The small-scale production line varies in terms of how much a machine can produce.

You can determine the maximum capacity that a small-scale production line can produce by looking at the type of machine.

Automatic small-scale candy making machines have a larger capacity than the semi-automatic or manual candy making machines.

Most automatic small-scale candy making machines have a maximum capacity ranging between 30 to 100 kg per hour.

How Does Small-scale Hard Candy Making Machine and Softy Candy Making Equipment Compare?

Small hard candy making machine

Obviously, the major difference between the hard and soft small-scale candy production line is the final product.

Small-scale hard candy production line produces hard candy such as lollipops.

On the other hand, small-scale soft candy making equipment produce soft candy such as marshmallows and cotton candy.

Apart from that, you will also note that the ingredients for both machines and working parameters differ.

For instance, small-scale hard candy production equipment has candy production including heating to high temperatures.

You will not need to heat your soft candy making ingredients to high temperatures as that of making hard candy.

The process of making hard candy also involves a lot of procedures in comparison to that of making soft candy.

What are the Considerations when Buying Small-Scale Candy Production Line?

Small-scale candy making machine has special specifications that you have to consider before purchasing the equipment.

On the flip side, you might need the knowledge of these specifications when making custom small-scale candy making machine.

Here are the main technical specifications that you need to keep in check before purchasing a small-scale candy making machine.

Candy making machine specification

· Production Capacity of the Machine

In this case, you need to work within the small-scale production capacity range.

Since the machines produce candy at different capacities, you need to specify the production range you can handle comfortably.

· Dimensions of the Machine

Small-scale candy making machines are smaller in size with miniature parts and weigh less.

You will specify the size of the machine that you need in terms of weight, length, width and height of the machine.

· Pressure or Pneumatic Specifications

Pressure plays a huge role in the production of candy on a small scale.

In this case, the main pressure requirements that you will put under consideration include:

i. Steam consumption of the candy making machine in kilograms per hour.

ii. Range of steam pressure in mpa

iii. Compressed air consumption in cubic meters

You will specify the pressure requirements in relation to the production capacity of the small-scale candy making machine.

· Operation Requirements

You also need to determine the operational requirements for making candy on a small scale in terns of temperature and humidity.

You will note the temperature range requirements in terms of degrees Celsius and pressure requirements in terms of percentage.

· Depositing Time

This is the period it takes for the small-scale candy making machine to deposit specific amount of candy.

For instance, you can specify the depositing time at 50 kilograms of candy within an hour of operation.

What are the Parts of a Small-scale Candy Making Machine?

Parts of candy machine

Here are the main parts of an automatic small-scale candy making machine.

Control Panel

You will depend on the control panel of the machine configure, program, and monitor the production process.

It has a PLC control panel with a human-machine interface that enables easy maneuvering of the production settings.

Products Hopper

At the onset of the production process, you will place the candy making ingredients on the products hopper.

It is available in various capacities depending on the size of the small-scale production line.

Electric System

The electric system provides the energy that the machine needs to produce candy on a small scale.

You can control the amount of energy flowing through the machine from the electrical control system.

Pneumatic or Pressure Unit

The pressure requirements of the machine arise from control of the system from the pneumatic or pressure unit.

You will control the pressure unit from the PLC control panel by specifying particular requirements.

Transport System

It consists of guide rails and conveyor belts which help in moving ingredients from one station to the next.

You can also control the speed at which it moves from the control panel.

Refrigeration System

You will use the refrigeration system to cool down the molten candy making ingredients into various forms.

Mixing Tank

You will load and homogenously mix all the candy making ingredients in the mixing tank of the candy making machine.

The mixing tank also has heating capabilities where it will heat and melt the ingredients at various temperatures.

You will also add the right color pigments that you need for your candy in the candy mixing tank.

Discharge Unit

After a successful production process, the machine will discharge the candy through the discharge unit.

Drying Unit

This is the part of the machine where you will dry the candy by getting rid of excess moisture.

You will set it to get rid of specific amounts of moisture depending on the level of hardness that you need.

Moulding Unit

You will shape the mixture of candy making ingredients at the moulding unit of the candy making machine.

The moulds are available in different shapes and designs according to your preferred outcome.

How Does a Small-Scale Candy Making Machine Work?

As a small-scale candy producer, you need to have proper understanding of how a small-scale candy making machine works.

Your choice of machine will also be a determinant on whether you will produce soft or hard candy.

Here is a step by step guide on how the small-scale candy making machine works.

Preparation of Ingredients

First, you will prepare the ingredients that you need for making candy.

You also have to prepare the machine that you will need in the candy making process.

After that, you will load the mixing tank with the right amount of ingredients after proper measurements.

As soon as everything is ready, you will begin the operations by powering the machine and the mixing process begins.

The mixing tank will heat, stir, melt, and homogenously mix all the ingredients.

You will set the time and temperature configurations according to the amount of ingredients you have in the mixing tank.

The final result is a thick molten syrup which you will transfer to the small-scale candy making machine.

Moulding of the Ingredients

The machine will receive the candy through the products hopper which will allow it to flow to the moulding stage.

As it flows to the moulding stage, it will pass through the refrigeration system which will eliminate excess heat.

The syrup will cool to a state where the machine can transform it into a ribbon.

After that, the machine will cut the ribbon into smaller pieces and deposit it into various moulds.

You will depend on the moulds which are of various sizes and shapes to mould the candy into various shapes.

You will also specify and control all these operations from the PLC control panel of the small-scale candy making machine.

Candy manufacturing process

Cooling and Drying of the Moulds

After a successful moulding process, you will pass the moulds through the refrigeration system to cool it further.

As soon as it is cooled enough, you will allow it to go through the drying stage in a bid to get rid of excess moisture.

Remember to set the machine to dry the candy to specific texture that you prefer.

You can also add more decorations on the candy by adding more ingredients or sprinkling confectionaries.

This is also the point where you can inscribe different initials and symbols on the candy.

Inspection and Sorting of Candy

After that, you will pass the candy through an inspection stage to eliminate the candy that has faults.

At the same time, you will make sure that the candy sorting machine sorts it out into different shapes and sizes.

Finally, you will pass the candy through the polishing machine before packaging into different packets.

How do you Troubleshoot Small Scale Candy Production Line?

Small candy bar production machine

Well, you have to understand that the small-scale candy production line might experience a few faults.

On that note, you must have specific knowledge on how to handle the faults by troubleshooting the machine.

Here are some of the problems that you might experience in your small-scale candy production line.

1. Broken Candy

You might realize that you have a lot of candy that are broken.

This can be as a result of improper mixture of the ingredients or improper configurations on the system.

You can sort this out by measuring the ingredients well before mixing them thoroughly into a homogenous mixture.

Apart from that, you must also configure your production specifications accordingly to avoid breaking the candy.

2. Different Candy Sizes

Well, you might also realize that the candy you are collecting are of different sizes.

This can be as a result of the moulding process as well as different sized moulds.

You should make sure that you use uniform types of moulds to get similar sizes of candy.

3. Too Soft or Too Hard Candy

You might also note that the candy you are producing is too soft while others are too hard.

This can be as a result of improper mixing of the ingredients or faulty machine configurations.

There might also be a problem with the refrigeration system or the drying unit of the small-scale candy making machine.

Well, you have to make sure that the mixing procedure is complete under proper measurements and configurations of mixing specifications.

You might also have worn out parts on the drying and refrigeration systems which will require replacements.

What are the Quality Standards for Small Scale Candy Making Equipment?

Proper investments in small-scale candy making machines begin with purchasing high quality machines.

You will know that a small-scale candy making machine is of high quality through the international quality standards.

Implying that you must ensure that the machine adheres to the international quality standards.

Here are the main international quality standards that your machine must adhere to.

• Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) quality standards
• CE quality standards for proper electrical configurations.
• International Standards Organization (ISO) qualification standards
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality standards.

Which Support Equipment do you need alongside Small-Scale Candy Production Line?

Small-scale candy production line is not complete unless you include other supporting equipment.

Here are some of the support equipment that you need for a complete small-scale candy production line.

· Mixing and Melting Tank

Additionally, the preparation of candy ingredients will need the support of a candy mixing and melting tank.

The mixing and melting tank will heat, stir, and mix candy making ingredients to form a homogenous mixture.

· Candy Inspection Machine

You will need a candy inspection machine to check faults that may occur on the candy in the production process.

It has the ability to eliminate the candy that may have faults on them while allowing the perfect one to proceed.

· Candy Sorting Machine

You have to sort candy into various flavors, shapes, sizes and colors before you package them.

You will need the assistance of the candy sorting machine to categorically sort the candy.

· Candy Polishing Machine

To get rid of debris from candy, you need to pass it through the candy polishing machine.

It will make sure that you package candy that is clean and do not have debris on them.

Candy polishing machine

· Candy Packaging Machine

You must also integrate your small-scale candy making machine to a small-scale candy packaging machine.

After a successful production, you will package the candy into various packages using the candy packaging machine.

How do you prepare User Requirement Specification for Small Candy Making Machine?

Proper communication between you and your manufacturer requires the use of a user requirement specification document.

With a user requirement specification document, your supplier will know the exact small-scale candy making machine you need.

Here are the main factors that you have to include in your user requirement specification document.

• Introduction

You will include a small introduction of the type of small-scale candy production equipment that you need.

• Overview

In this section you will include the intended use of the small-scale candy making machine.

You will also include factors such as capacity, availability of space, and accuracy of the candy making machine.

Implying that you will specify to your manufacturer the size, efficiency, as well as the reliability of the machine.

You will also note how you will the cleaning and maintenance of the small-scale candy making machine.

Remember to include the type and quality of material that you need such as stainless-steel materials.

• Operational Requirements

In this case, you will include functional, operational, control system, safety, power, and environmental requirements.

• Compatibility and Support

Here you will look at the compatibility of the support utilities of the small-scale candy making machine.

You have to consider the availability of the support equipment and how you can gain access to the support equipment.

You will complete the URS document with abbreviations, references as well as approvals.

How do you conduct Factory Acceptance Test for Small Scale Candy Production Line?

As soon as the manufacturing process of the small-scale candy making machine is complete, you must do a test.

You must conduct a test in the presence of the manufacture before you allow the machine to leave the factory.

In that case, you will conduct a factory acceptance test according to the specifications on the URS.

With proper reference to the user requirement specification document, you will assemble the machine.

Make sure that you have all the parts in place before powering the machine to test its functionality.

Here are the main factors to consider during the testing procedure:

• Have a proper detailed plan with all the testing information in place
• You will use the specific materials that you will use in the actual production line.
• Remember to have the technicians and operators you need during the actual production process
• You must also have a script with all the details you need in case the machine fails.
• You must also engage in the testing of the changeover as well as the replacements of the parts.
• Take your time to go through all the production specifications including the safety procedures.
• Finally, have a good integrator who will integrate the support equipment accordingly

After a successful FAT, you will receive and FAT certificate to prove the machine is in proper working condition.

What determines the Cost of Small-Scale Candy Making Machine?

You will pay different amounts of money for your small-scale candy making machine depending on a number of factors.

Here are the main factors that will determine the cost of the small-scale candy making machine.

Hard candy making machine

· Capacity of Production

The higher the production capacity of the small-scale candy production machine, the more you will pay.

· Type of Machine

In this case, you will look at the level of automation of the small-scale candy making machine.

Automatic small-scale candy making machines cot more than the manual candy making machines.

· Quality of the Machine

High quality small-scale candy making machines cost more than low quality small-scale candy making machines.

On average, the cost of small-scale candy making machines ranges between 10,000 to 50,000 US dollars.

How do you Maintain Small Scale Candy Making Machine?

You will maintain small scale candy making machines through proper cleaning and replacement of parts.

You must have a proper schedule with details on the time you will take to properly clean and maintain the machine.

Here is a guide through the cleaning and maintenance process of small-scale candy making machine.

· Removing the Parts

First, you will shutdown the machine and allow it to cool down to avoid burns during the cleaning process.

After that, you will remove the parts of the machine to expose the internal parts of the machine.

· Cleaning the Parts

You will use different types of cleaning materials that are compatible to the materials to clean all the parts.

Make sure that you soak the parts with stubborn stain to make them easy to clean as you clean them.

Use clean water and dry piece of cloth to rinse the parts of the machine before replacing them.

· Replacing Worn Out Parts

You must also get rid of the worn-out parts and replace them with new parts.

Remember to grease and oil the moving parts of the machine well before replacing all the parts.

Screw them tightly before considering to continue with the production process.

Why Import Small Scale Candy Making Equipment from China?

One of the best places with verified small-scale candy making machine manufacturers is China.

You should consider importing your small-scale candy making machine from China because of the following reasons.

· High Quality Machines

You will get very high-quality small-scale candy making machines with high quality materials from China.

· Friendly Cost of Machines

He cost of the high-quality machines are favorable to your pockets with proper guarantee of returns to your investments.

· Favorable Transport Cost

You will also receive proper transport services at affordable costs.

· Reliable Manufactures

The manufacturers are true to their word and will make everything that meets the value of your investment.

· Good Customer Care Services

You will receive proper assistance on various customer care avenues on how to handle the enquiries.

· Reliable Transport System

China also has numerous airports and sea ports where you can easily transport your cargo through.

Is there difference between Small Scale Candy Making Machine and Chocolate Production Machine?

Chocolate production line

Yes, there is a difference between a chocolate production machine and small-scale candy making machine.

The main difference is in the working principle and the types of ingredients you will use.

Apart from that, you will also realize that the environmental working conditions such as temperature and humidity vary.

Can Small Scale Candy Production Line make Gummy Bear?

Yes, with proper adjustments on the machine, you can use small-scale candy making machine to produce gummy candy.

Some of the adjustments that you will make include the ingredients that you will use and the production parameters.

Do Small Scale Candy Production Line have One Shot Candy Depositor?

Absolutely, you can use the small-scale candy making machines with one-shot candy depositors.

It is among the most convenient depositing methods that will suit the small-scale candy production line.

What is Table Top Candy Depositor Machine?

Table top candy depositor machine is a type of small-scale candy depositing machine.

It is small in size to an extent where you can place it and operate it on top of a table.

Apart from that, you can easily move the table top candy depositor from place to place.

It comes with special designs which you can employ in depositing candy manually by hand.

Which Techniques do Small Scale Candy Making Machine use?

Small scale candy making machines use different techniques in the process of making candy.

You will follow specific production specifications which include the following techniques.

• Heating, melting and mixing techniques
• Depositing techniques
• Moulding techniques
• Candy decoration techniques
• Cooling and drying techniques

Which Verification Documents do you need for Small Scale Candy Making Machine?

When purchasing small-scale candy making machines, you must verify that it is working properly.

The best way to verify that the small-scale candy making machine is working well is by performing tests.

After the tests, you will receive the following verification documents.

• Factory Assessment Test (FAT) Verification Document

You will receive a FAT verification document after successful testing of the machines at factory level.

• Installation Qualification Verification Documents

After complete installation, you will perform an installation qualification test to determine it work well.

You will receive an installation qualification verification document as proof.

• Operational Qualification Verification Documents

You will receive this document after performing a complete operational test on the machine.

With the information in this guide, we hope you can choose suitable small scale candy making equipment.

Or, maybe if you have any question, SaintyCo team is here to help.