Chocolate Drop Line (CDFLx2)

CDFLx2 is a drops, chips and coins depositing line for real or compound chocolate. The depositor(s) drip the chocolate directly onto the polyurethane belt of a horizontal cooling tunnel. Stable product temperature and controlled dosing help reduce tailing, improve geometry repeatability and support high output rates.

Depending on drop size, nozzle configuration and belt speed, the line can be configured for high-count drops or higher-mass chips.

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Process overview

  • Chocolate feeding to depositor hopper(s) with level sensing and controlled refill.
  • Precise PID-controlled heating of depositor body and nozzles for stable chocolate temperature.
  • Depositing pattern matched to belt speed to control spacing and avoid contact between pieces.
  • 2-zone cooling to manage surface setting and core solidification.

Types of chocolate drops and chips depositing lines

We produce lines with one or two depositors. Cooling tunnel length can vary between 14 and 25 meters. For standard drops, a 14 m tunnel can be sufficient. Chocolate coins (buttons) usually require a longer cooling conveyor due to higher mass per piece and longer solidification time.

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CDFLx2 chocolate callets manufacturing line
Chocolate drops and chips (final product example)

CDFLx2 chocolate drops manufacturing line - technical features

  • Completely made of AISI 304 grade stainless steel, aluminum and FDA plastics.
  • Cooling tunnel insulated with CFC-free rubber.
  • Cooling tunnel separated into 2 cooling zones.
  • Cooling tunnel with mist eliminators.
  • Cooling tunnel with evaporators (12,500 kcal x 2 pcs) and condensers (7 HP x 2 pcs).
  • Belt sliding prevention feature.
  • Pneumatic belt tensioning unit.
  • PID-controlled dry heating of the depositors.
  • Depositors with servo-driven vertical motion.
  • Chocolate suction and outpouring are servo-driven.
  • Level sensors to control the fed chocolate to the hoppers of the depositors.
  • Aluminum plate with dry heating.
  • Production capacity: 200 kg/h. for drops or 800 kg/h. for chips.*
  • Total power consumption: 380V three-phase 22 kW.
  • * With an 18 mt. cooling tunnel, the production capacity of chips is 600 kg/h. to reach 800 kg/h. 25 mt. cooling tunnel is required.

CDFLx2 technical drawing

Technical drawing of CDFLx2 chocolate callet manufacturing line

Design and operating principles of the chocolate drop line

Chocolate is deposited directly onto the cooling tunnel belt with controlled spacing and repeatable dosing to ensure uniform geometry. The tunnel is separated into two cooling zones. Depositors have servo-driven vertical motion and PID-controlled dry heating. The line is PLC and HMI operated and can run with compound or real chocolate.

For coins/buttons, deposit thickness is higher than standard drops; therefore, cooling conveyor length is typically increased to reach the desired discharge temperature without deformation. Mist eliminators and proper airflow help reduce condensation on the belt and improve product surface quality.

Depending on drop size, distance settings and depositor configuration, the system can be configured for high-count drops or higher-mass chips. Capacity values are related to cooling length, recipe, and target discharge temperature.

Auxiliary equipment

Chocolate refining machine RBM750 Chocolate storage tank ST2000INS

A ball mill is required for refining chocolate ingredients to the target particle size and texture. The storage tank keeps chocolate homogeneous and at stable temperature to feed the tempering machine, which forms the desired cocoa butter crystal structure before depositing.