Baker

Perkins expands starch-free gummy depositor range

Baker Perkins has introduced a new starch-free depositor for gummies and jellies.

With outputs up to 250,000 pieces/hr (1,000kg/hr), the ServoForm™ Flexi provides a hygienic and flexible alternative to many starch moguls applications - particularly in the rapidly growing functional, nutraceutical and healthcare markets.

The ServoForm™ Flexi meets the needs of manufacturers looking for the hygiene and simplicity of starch-free depositing but with the longer setting times and versatility of moguls. Products using gelatin, pectin, carrageenan or blends as the gelling agent can all be handled.

The complete depositing process

Depositing is at final solids, so although the products need time to set before being demoulded, no drying is required. Setting time varies according to composition: from a few minutes for some pectin recipes up to a maximum of four hours for gelatin. This significantly reduces the time, energy and space required for post-depositing operations.

At the end of the depositor the moulds are removed from the machine and stacked on pallets before being moved to a setting room.

After setting, the moulds are loaded into a demoulding machine where the product is removed gently and transferred to finishing processes such as oiling, sanding and conditioning before packaging.

Same versatility as Baker Perkins’ high-output lines

Two versions of the ServoForm™ Flexi are available: a single depositing head gives outputs up to 125,000 pcs/hr (500 kg/hr); a longer machine with two heads can produce up to 250,000pcs/hr (1,000kg/hr).

Each head can have one or two hoppers enabling solid, striped, centre-filled and layered products to be made. The hoppers can also be divided into two sections, each with independent servo control, so that two different products may be deposited simultaneously.

The Flexi uses the same servo-controlled depositing head that is found on every Baker Perkins ServoForm™ depositor, from laboratory machines up to high output systems. This offers well-proven accuracy, reliability and flexibility as well as easy cleaning and rapid changeover. Moulds are fed under the depositor head on an intermittent conveyor and lifted under the nozzles to minimise tailing Specialist moulds and cookers

The new ServoForm™ Flexi utilises lightweight plastic moulds specifically developed for the starch-free process. Sized 800 x 600mm, they are designed to maximise output while being easy to handle.

They are stacked on pallets, either manually or by robot, for transport between operating stations and in the setting room. The mould stacks interlock for stability but allow air to pass through them in the setting room to promote rapid and even cooling

Choice of proven Baker Perkins cooking process to accompany the ServoForm™ Flexi depends on the end product. The industry-standard Microfilm™ cooker has a unique thin-film process; the Turbofilm™ is a plate heat exchange cooking system.

Ideal for high value functional, medicated and healthcare products

The hygienic and accurate qualities of Baker Perkins’ cooking and starch-free ServoForm™ depositing systems make them ideal for producing confectionery products for functional, medicated and healthcare markets, including nutraceutical, sports nutrition and pharmaceutical opportunities.

Jellies and gummies are used to deliver a variety of functional ingredients for functional medicated gummies including vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre, CBD, Omega-3, probiotics and energy supplements.

Products from Baker Perkins systems are reproducible, and capable of validation, with the active ingredients present in precisely the quantities claimed.