As a chewable supplement form, gummies are popular among many customers. They don’t need to swallow and feature good taste and colors. Gummies, unlike capsule fillers, involve a series of equipment for production. Each machine plays a crucial role in ensuring the gummies are uniform in size, shape, and quality. It makes the production process smooth and reliable. So you must have a thorough understanding of them and make your gummy business better.
Six key machines of a gummy production line
Mixing tank
This is the first important machine used in making gummies. It is used to evenly mix all the ingredients together, like gelatin, sugar, and flavorings. This creates the gummy mixture for shaping into candies. This part works with mixers or paddles. They rotate to blend the ingredients evenly. A well-mixed material guarantees that every gummy will have the same taste and texture. The tank can also heat the mixture slightly to help dissolve the sugar and gelatin. It makes materials smooth and ready for the next steps.
When you choose a mixing tank, you should consider the capacity. The size of the tank determines how much mixture can be made at one time. In addition, if your materials need to be heated, don’t forget to add jacketed heating for the mixing tank.
Cooking machine
Some gummy manufacturers prefer a separate cooking machine. It can be used after the mixing tank. In this equipment, the mixture can be heated to a more precise temperature. This ensures the mixture achieves the correct texture and consistency. This method can offer more control over the heating process. If you run a large-scale production, a separate cooking machine is better. Because it poses a much higher requirement for temperature management.
Moreover, you can add timers and alarms to alert operators when the cooking process is complete. It greatly improves the efficiency of the production line.
Gummy depositor
This equipment is designed to fill molds with the gummy mixture. It determines the shape, size, and consistency of the gummies. Many gummy depositors come with advanced features to make production easier and more efficient. For example, some depositors have multiple nozzles. This allows them to fill several molds at once, speeding up the production process. Others have automated systems that adjust the temperature and pressure. It ensures the gummy mixture flows smoothly into the molds without clumping or sticking.
During operation, the gummy depositor receives the hot gummy mixture after it has been processed in the cooking machine. The machine then dispenses a precise amount of the mixture into each mold. This ensures that every gummy is the same size and weight. This process is important for maintaining quality and meeting production standards.
You can also control the depositor about how much mixture is released. This allows for the creation of your desired gummy sizes. In addition, it supports handling different shapes of molds, like bears, worms, or even custom designs.
Cooling tunnel
After the gummy mixture is poured into molds, it needs to cool down and solidify. The cooling tunnel is the machine that handles this step. Inside the tunnel, cold air is circulated to lower the temperature of the gummies quickly and evenly. This process ensures that the gummies harden properly and maintain their shape.
When in the cooling tunnel, you should pay attention to the temperature and cooling speed. If the gummies are not cooled correctly, they can end up too soft or sticky. This makes them hard to package and sell.
Demolding equipment
After cooling, it is time to remove the finished gummies from their molds. The demolding machine uses gentle pressure and sometimes a slight twist to release each gummy from its mold. The machine is designed to handle the gummies delicately, so they don’t stick to the molds or tear apart. Most gummy manufacturers choose to set up a demolding machine in the gummy production line. It speeds up the production process and keeps gummies intact. If you don’t have enough budget, you can also choose demold gummies by hand. But this is slow and may lead to more breakage.
Coating machine
Like tablets, some suppliers coat gummies for better appearance and taste. So a coating unit is always added in the production line. The machine ensures that each gummy is fully coated. It gives them a uniform appearance and prevents them from sticking together. Moreover, a proper coating can protect the gummies from moisture and extend their shelf life. During manufacturing, the coating materials are chosen based on your needs. It can be sugar, oil, or a special glaze. Sour powder coating is also ok. It is a mixture of sugar and citric acid. This coating is popular for sour gummies. Because it adds a tangy flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the gummy.
How to choose the right gummy making equipment?
Production capacity
The first thing to think about is how many gummies you need to produce. If you plan to make large batches, you'll need machines that can handle high volumes. Here are 3 types of gummy-making equipment with different production volumes for your reference.
- Fully automated machines. They can handle the entire gummy-making process by themselves. These machines require minimal human intervention. It significantly reduces labor costs over time. So this type features high efficiency and consistency. They are suitable for large-scale production.
- Semi-automated equipment. It provides a middle ground between fully automated systems and manual labor. They are less expensive than fully automated machines and are easier to operate. These machines are ideal for medium-sized production. So this type is suitable for those who want good efficiency with less fees.
- Manual machines. They are the most affordable option and great for small-scale gummy production. These machines are simple to use and don’t require much training. It makes them accessible for small businesses or startups. But their output is the lowest because of requires much human effort. In addition, the consistency of the gummies may vary from batch to batch because of the manual process.
Ingredients
Please note that not all machines work with all ingredients. You should select the proper one based on your production needs. It helps make sure the machines you choose are compatible with the ingredients you plan to use. If gummies may contain vitamins, minerals, or organic ingredients, they need special handling. For example, if you’re making vitamin gummies, the equipment should be able to handle sensitive ingredients without degrading their potency. This means the machine should allow precise temperature control and avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
The end
There are many equipment involved in gummy making process. So many suppliers will choose to purchase a set at one time. If you struggle to find a reliable supplier, iPharmachine could be your good partner. With over 20 years of experience in pharma equipment manufacturing, iPharMachine has helped thousands of clients get high-quality machines. We offer a wide range of equipment, including gummy production lines. We also have an expert team to help you find the perfect solution for your business.
