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Chocolate industry
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 of the chocolate industry, but also with the final chocolate producing companies ready to process the cocoa beans and to deliver the final chocolate products.
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The key aspects of the process such as viscosity, temperature and line-process speed are the factors to be taken care of, so as to guarantee the excellence of the final product. Controlling and monitoring these parameters will help not only in reducing machine downtime and unplanned stoppages, but also identifying optimum process conditions, leading to improved productivity and premium quality chocolate products.
Here you can see an overview of the whole process followed by companies operating in the chocolate industry, from cleaning the beans, up to packaging.
Sorting
Roasting
Refining
Conching
Tempering
Coating, moulding & enrobing
Impurities in 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 industrial chocolate machines and efficient processes are required, and SMC is the right partner to provide you with the best solutions.
HF1-AC-D-X7000 Series
Ensure the right quality of the air with a product adapted to food environments
HF2-BAC Series
Sanitise compressed air
HRS Series
Control temperature of water cooling system
MY1-Z Series
Control the brush for cleaning the lens
SX10 Series
Achieve high speed sorting
LEFB Series Get a high speed transfer solution
While sorting is responsible for the selection of the best candidates, achieving the right flavour of chocolate depends heavily on the roasting stage, where temperature is the dominant factor. With the products that SMC offers to the chocolate making industry, you can be sure to guarantee perfect process control.
TH Series
Withstand high temperature
KFG2 Series
Resist corrosion and high temperature
TLM Series
Guarantee the endurance of the piping
VFN2*20N Series
Ensure longer lifetime thanks to the standardised connection
VFN2120N-X23/36 Series
Get a multifunction acting, resistant to high temperatures with clean design
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 precise control of the rollers that can only be achieved with quality equipment.
JSXD Series
Ensure a long life operation of the water circuit control system
AC-D Series
Match the air standardisation requirements with a modular and uniform design
JSY Series
Control water valves and general pneumatic circuits
CG1-Z Series
Avoid foreign matter accumulation
CG5 Series Ensure excellent product resistance to typical cleaning agents
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. SMC’s products can allow your industrial chocolate making machines to reach a very high precision level in this step while helping you to increase energy efficiency.
IP8000/8100 Series
Open and close the valve for chocolate mass
JSX Series
Control the flow of the water circuit
PF3W Series
Monitor flow and temperature of cooling water circuit
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 equipment to ensure the precision and control that the industrial chocolate tempering machines require in this part of the process.
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 belt tension, our products will be there to help you with the task.
AMS Series Level up your compressed air management
VP546/746 Series
Combine it with FRL units to achieve a safe solution
JMHZ2 Series
Carry out gripping operations with a lightweight and compact solution
JCQ Series
Save space and weight and improve cycle times
IZT40/41/42 Series
Eliminate electricity charge for plastic moulds
KNH Series
Increase cleaning efficiency of the moulds
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.
Read more
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.
What are the main challenges in the chocolate industry?
Chocolate manufacturers must maintain product quality while increasing production efficiency. Key process parameters such as viscosity, temperature and line speed must be carefully controlled to avoid downtime, ensure stable operation and produce consistent final products.
Why is process control important in chocolate manufacturing?
Precise monitoring of production conditions helps identify optimal operating points and reduces unplanned stoppages. Controlling parameters such as temperature and flow improves productivity and helps maintain premium product quality.
How can chocolate manufacturers improve line productivity?
Production performance improves when process parameters are continuously monitored and adjusted to optimal conditions. Proper monitoring helps identify inefficiencies early and allows stable operation while maintaining consistent output quality.
How does automation support consistent chocolate quality?
Automation maintains stable operating conditions across the process. Consistent control of operating variables ensures repeatable results and prevents variations that could affect the final product.
How can automation improve energy efficiency in the manufacturing chocolate industry?
Automation helps improve productivity and reliability across the production line while supporting energy efficiency, maintenance optimisation and more compact machine design. By optimising the control of utilities and equipment, it reduces resource consumption and enables sustainable production without compromising performance.
How can production lines prevent product defects during operation?
Monitoring operating conditions and identifying abnormal behaviour early allows corrective action before defects occur, improving reliability and reducing rejected products.
Why is equipment reliability critical in confectionery production?
Stable equipment operation ensures continuous processing and avoids disruptions that could impact product consistency or production schedules.
How can manufacturers improve operational stability in chocolate processing?
Maintaining optimal operating parameters and monitoring system performance helps ensure consistent machine behaviour and prevents unexpected process variations.
