
SMC, the world leader in pneumatic automation systems, has a trusted partnership with confectionary and chocolate producers and their machine builders. This means we work not only in harmony with the machine builder’s needs for the process sector, but also with the final chocolate producing companies ready to process the cocoa beans and to deliver the final chocolate products.
Impurities of cocoa beans and other additional ingredients are unacceptable for a fine-quality chocolate, and that’s why the sorting stage is so important. For this task, reliable machines and efficient processes are required, and SMC is the right partner to provide you with the best solutions.
While sorting is responsible for the selection of the best candidates, achieving the right flavour of the chocolate depends heavily on the roasting stage, where temperature is the dominant factor. With our products, you can be sure to guarantee a perfect control of the process.
After grinding has taken place, the next stage for the cocoa paste is refining. These complex machines do the job of creating a smooth and homogeneous liquid with the right particle size to get the perfect texture, needing a precise control of the rollers that can only be achieved with quality equipment.
In order to volatilise the remaining acetic acid of the chocolate paste and develop its flavour, conching equipment needs precise temperature and speed control, as well as reliable operation over time, since the process takes several hours or even days.
Fat crystals in the chocolate must be stabilised to avoid undesired features such as blooming, crumbly texture or dull appearance. To carry out the delicate operation of heating and cooling the chocolate, you can trust our products to ensure the precision and control that the process requires.
The final step before cooling can vary depending on the product, but no matter if you need to block and engage moulds, or ensure the right tension of the belt, our products will be there to help you with the task.
By Paolo Tornavacca, Client Group Manager, SMC Italia
MARCH 2022
Refining is arguably the most important process in chocolate production as it determines the consistency and texture of the final product. We know from experience that only by using high-quality, high-performance industrial control and automation solutions, backed up with global support on a local level, will builders of chocolate refining machinery succeed in gaining market share.
By Wim de Vos, Sales Engineer, SMC Belgium
MARCH 2022
The class-leading service and breadth of products available from SMC is helping a leading machine builder to maintain and extend its prominent position in a highly competitive global market. HACOS designs, produces and installs high-quality chocolate manufacturing machines that spur the development and growth of every size of chocolatier, from artisans to large industrial producers. The company builds from small to very large machines that cover all chocolate manufacturing processes, necessitating the use of a high-calibre technology partner with a proven track record in industrial control and automation.
By Karl-Heinz Ursch, Senior Sales Expert, SMC Austria
MARCH 2022
One of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium baking ovens for the large-scale industrial production of wafers is using SMC air-blow technology to reduce the energy required for a key cleaning process. In this article we set out the solutions and products that turned this ambition into a reality.