The process of making biscuits in a factory is a highly automated process that uses professional machinery to complete large-scale production. In addition to this, the biscuits have a uniform quality and size.
The following mainly introduces the production process of biscuits from raw material processing to finished product forming and packaging, as well as the required equipment.
- Ingredient Preparation
The process begins with the preparation of ingredients. Flour is sifted to remove any lumps, and other dry components like sugar, salt, and leavening agents are measured out. Wet ingredients such as fats (butter or oils), eggs, and flavorings are also prepared separately. - Mixing and Blending
In a large-scale mixer, dry ingredients are combined with the wet ones. The mixing process is critical as it ensures a homogeneous dough with a consistent texture. The mixers used in factories are often high-speed to shorten this process while ensuring a thorough blend. - Dough Conditioning
Following the mixing phase, the dough undergoes a resting or conditioning period. This crucial step facilitates the relaxation of the gluten within the flour, rendering the dough more supple and amenable to rolling. The conditioning process not only enhances the dough’s workability but also contributes significantly to refining the texture and overall quality of the finished biscuit, ensuring a superior eating experience. - Sheeting and Cutting
The conditioned dough is then passed through a series of rollers to reduce its thickness uniformly. This sheeting process is followed by cutting the dough into the desired biscuit shapes using metal dies. Precision cutting machines ensure that each biscuit is uniformly sized. - Baking
The cut biscuits are placed on a baking tray and sent into an industrial oven. The baking process is carefully controlled to achieve the right level of browning and crispness. Temperature, humidity, and baking time are all critical factors that affect the final product. - Cooling and Inspection
Once baked, the biscuits are cooled rapidly to stop the cooking process and firm up the texture. After cooling, the biscuits are inspected for any defects in shape, color, or size. - Packaging
The final step is packaging. Biscuits are arranged into their final packaging format, whether that be individual wrapping, boxes, or bulk bags. High-speed packaging machines wrap, seal, and sometimes even label the products with barcodes and nutritional information.
Machines for Making Biscuits in A Factory
- High-Speed Mixers: For blending ingredients uniformly.
- Dough Conditioners: To relax the gluten and improve dough texture.
- Rollers and Sheeters: To achieve the desired dough thickness.
- Cutting Machines: For precise biscuit shapes.
- Industrial Ovens: For even baking at high volumes.
- Cooling Tunnels: For rapid and controlled cooling.
- Inspection Lines: To check for quality and consistency.
- Packaging Lines: For wrapping, sealing, and labeling.
The process of making biscuits in a factory is automated from ingredients to finished product, with machines and skilled operators working together to create a biscuit product that is both delicious and consistent. This is a testament to the power of industrialization in the food industry, where science and technology are combined to meet the needs of large-scale users.