In margarine, shortening, and specialty fats production, the crystallisation stage defines product quality – from texture and spreadability to shelf life and stability. Choosing the right equipment for this step isn’t just a technical decision, but a strategic one. The ideal solution depends on your production goals, the range of products you need to handle, and the level of flexibility your operations demand.
At Gerstenberg Services, we’ve developed the Polaron line of crystallisation machines to meet these diverse needs. Whether you’re running small-scale trials in an R&D setting or producing at industrial scale, our portfolio offers solutions designed for precision, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Our Polaron line helps you achieve consistent results – every time.
From pilot plants that enable rapid product development to high-capacity lines built for continuous production, we’ll guide you through choosing the right crystallisation machine for your unique needs.
For efficient crystallisation at the core of your line: the Polaron SSHE
The Polaron Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger (SSHE) is the heart of the Polaron portfolio, designed to give you precise control over fat crystallisation for all types of margarine – from puff pastry and cake and cream margarine to soft table spreads.
- Flexible cooling options: Handles direct cooling with CO₂ (R744) or NH₃ (R717) at pressures up to 120 bar.
- Higher performance: Results show that using CO₂ as the refrigerant can boost capacity by up to 40% compared to NH₃, helping you get more output from the same footprint.
- Configurable design: Up to six processing cylinders can be mounted on a stainless steel frame, allowing you to scale capacity and adapt to different product lines.
- Consistent product quality: Provides the foundation for high-quality, repeatable texture in both pilot-scale and industrial-scale setups.
- Seamless integration: Works smoothly with other Polaron equipment, including the Pin Rotor Machine and Plasticator, for optimised production lines.
- Wide capacity range: Accommodates everything from a few hundred kg/h up to 20,000 kg/h, making it suitable for both small-scale trials and large-volume production.
Whether you’re developing new recipes or running continuous production, the Polaron SSHE ensures reliable, scalable, and consistent crystallisation.
For improved plasticity and high-volume, continuous production: the Polaron Pin Rotor Machine
The Polaron Pin Rotor Machine is designed for industrial-scale production of margarine, shortening, and specialty fats, delivering precise control over texture, plasticity, and consistency – critical factors for high-quality products.
- Precision control: Optimises texture, plasticity, and consistency, ensuring each batch meets exacting quality standards.
- High-capacity operation: Built for hygienic, 24/7 continuous production, supporting high-volume lines with minimal downtime.
- Scalable and flexible: Handles growing production demands while maintaining reliable performance and repeatable results.
- Optional Plasticator add-on: For formulations that require extra kneading – particularly palm oil-based products, low-fat spreads, or slow-crystallising fats – the Polaron Plasticator can be added downstream. It also restores broken emulsions to a stable water-in-oil structure, improving product workability and minimising waste.
Ideal for manufacturers focused on scaling up production, gaining flexibility and control while maintaining consistent quality, and achieving reliable output with minimal interruptions.
Explore the Polaron Pin Rotor Machine
For recipe development and small-scale trials: the Polaron Margarine Pilot Plant
The Polaron Margarine Pilot Plant is a flexible, small-scale processing unit designed for R&D, recipe optimisation, and experimental trials. It allows manufacturers to test and refine formulations with precision, minimising raw material use and reducing costs during the development phase.
- Rapid recipe adjustments: Easily alter ingredients, parameters, and processing conditions to fine-tune product characteristics.
- Market testing and innovation: Perfect for trial runs, concept validation, and introducing new products before scaling up to full production.
- Risk reduction: Identify potential formulation or processing issues early, avoiding costly mistakes in industrial-scale production.
- Faster time-to-market: Streamlines product development, helping manufacturers bring new spreads, margarines, and specialty fats to market more quickly.
For teams focused on innovation, product quality, and efficient R&D, the Polaron Margarine Pilot Plant provides the flexibility and control needed to develop successful formulations every time.
Finding the right Polaron machine for your production
Choosing the ‘best’ crystallisation or processing machine isn’t about picking the newest or largest unit; it’s about selecting the solution that matches your production goals, product range, and operational requirements.
Whether you need the Polaron SSHE for precise, scalable crystallisation, the Pin Rotor Machine for high-capacity, continuous production, the optional Plasticator for challenging formulations, or the Margarine Pilot Plant for R&D and recipe development, Gerstenberg Services can help you tailor the right configuration for your line.
Our experts work closely with you to ensure that each Polaron machine is optimally integrated, hygienic, and efficient, delivering consistent product quality while supporting flexibility and long-term growth.
Optimise your production with Gerstenberg Services
Ready to find the perfect solution for your fat crystallisation needs, or do you have further questions about our products?
Get in touch with our experts to discuss the right solution for your plant.
We look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have.
