Upgrade from Manual to Automatic Mochi Ice Cream Production Line

This article covers the Upgrade from Manual to Automatic Mochi Ice Cream Production Line—a 5-machine system: YC-170 Encrusting, YC-23 Flour Coating, YC-150 Tray Aligning, YC-135 Steam Generator (with water softener), YC-136 Dough Steamer. It automates dough steaming, encrusting, coating, custom tray supply (2-10 mochis/tray), and mochi placement—boosting efficiency (10-90pcs/min) and cutting manual labor for mochi factories.

In the fast-growing global frozen dessert market, mochi ice cream has emerged as a beloved treat, blending the chewy texture of traditional mochi with the creamy goodness of ice cream. For industrial manufacturers looking to scale production efficiently, our full automatic mochi ice cream production line offers a seamless, high-performance solution. Composed of 5 specialized machines—YC-170 Automatic Encrusting Machine, YC-23 Imitate Handmade Flour Coating Machine, YC-150 Automatic Tray Aligning Machine, YC-136 Rice Flour Mixing and Evaporating Steamer (150L), and YC-135 Steam Generator (with Water Softener)—this line streamlines every step of production, from mochi dough preparation to final tray packaging, eliminating manual labor and ensuring consistent quality.

Machine Working Videos

1. Detailed Introduction & Specifications

Each machine in our production line is engineered to perform a specific, critical role in the mochi ice cream manufacturing process. Below is a breakdown of their functions, along with detailed technical specifications to help you evaluate their fit for your industrial needs.

1.1 YC-170 Automatic Encrusting Machine (Core Mochi Ice Cream Forming Machine)

The YC-170 is the heart of the production line, responsible for the core task of encrusting ice cream fillings with mochi dough. It automates the process of wrapping creamy ice cream centers with chewy mochi, ensuring uniform thickness, consistent shape, and no leakage. What sets it apart is its ability to directly place the formed mochi ice cream into small plastic trays—eliminating the need for manual picking and handling, which saves labor and reduces contamination risks. The plastic trays are automatically supplied by the machine, and their size can be customized to hold 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 pieces of mochi ice cream, depending on your market needs.

1.2 YC-23 Imitate Handmade Flour Coating Machine

After the mochi ice cream is formed, the YC-23 applies a thin, even layer of flour to the surface. This step is essential to prevent the sticky mochi from adhering to trays, equipment, or other pieces during subsequent processing. The machine mimics the precision of manual flour coating—ensuring no excess flour (which would affect taste and appearance) and no missed spots. It also features a dust absorption system to reduce flour dust in the production environment, maintaining a clean and safe workspace.

1.3 YC-150 Automatic Tray Aligning Machine

Following flour coating, the YC-150 takes over to automatically align and arrange the mochi ice cream-filled trays. It ensures that each tray is properly positioned for subsequent processes—such as quick freezing or vacuum packaging—eliminating manual tray alignment and reducing errors. The machine’s high capacity (matching the output of the YC-170) ensures a smooth, continuous flow of production, with no bottlenecks.

1.4 YC-136 Mochi Dough Steaming & Mixing Machine (150L)

The foundation of great mochi ice cream is high-quality mochi dough—and the YC-136 is designed to produce just that. This machine combines mixing and steaming in one unit: it first mixes rice flour (and other ingredients) into a smooth batter, then steams it to achieve the chewy, elastic texture that defines mochi. With a 150L capacity, it can produce large batches of dough to keep up with high-volume industrial production, and its adjustable rotation speed allows for customization of dough texture.

1.5 YC-135 Steam Generator (with Water Softener)

To ensure consistent, high-quality steaming for the mochi dough, the YC-135 Steam Generator provides a steady supply of clean, dry steam. It is paired with a water softener to remove impurities (such as calcium and magnesium) from the water, preventing scale buildup in the generator and the YC-136 steamer. This not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also ensures that the steam does not affect the taste or texture of the mochi dough. The generator features fully automatic control, making it easy to operate and maintain.

YC-135 Steam Generator Specifications

Water Softener (Paired with YC-135 Steam Generator)

2. Production Line Working Process

Our full automatic mochi ice cream production line is designed for seamless integration, with each machine working in tandem to ensure efficient, consistent production. The entire process is automated, requiring minimal manual intervention—reducing labor costs and human error. Below is the step-by-step working flow:

1. Mochi Dough Preparation (YC-135 + YC-136): First, the YC-135 Steam Generator (with water softener) produces clean, stable steam. This steam is supplied to the YC-136 Mochi Dough Steaming & Mixing Machine, where rice flour and other ingredients are mixed into a smooth batter. The YC-136 then steams the batter at a controlled temperature and pressure, turning it into elastic, chewy mochi dough. The 150L capacity of the YC-136 ensures that large batches of dough are produced to keep up with the production line’s output.
2. Mochi Ice Cream Forming & Tray Placement (YC-170): The prepared mochi dough is fed into the YC-170 Automatic Encrusting Machine, along with pre-chilled ice cream fillings (e.g., vanilla, matcha, chocolate). The YC-170 automatically wraps the ice cream with mochi dough, forming uniform, leak-proof mochi ice cream pieces. Simultaneously, the machine supplies small plastic trays automatically and places each formed mochi ice cream into the trays—eliminating the need for manual picking. Tray sizes can be customized to hold 2-10 pieces, depending on your needs.
3. Flour Coating (YC-23): The tray-filled mochi ice cream pieces are conveyed to the YC-23 Imitate Handmade Flour Coating Machine. This machine applies a thin, even layer of flour to the surface of the mochi, preventing sticking during subsequent processing. The built-in dust absorption system keeps the workspace clean and reduces flour waste.
4. Tray Aligning (YC-150): After flour coating, the trays are sent to the YC-150 Automatic Tray Aligning Machine. The machine aligns the trays precisely, ensuring they are positioned correctly for the next steps—such as quick freezing or vacuum packaging. This step ensures a smooth, continuous flow of production, with no bottlenecks.
5. Post-Processing (Optional): Once aligned, the trays can be directly sent to a quick-freezing machine to lock in freshness, or to a vacuum packaging machine for long-term storage. The entire process from dough preparation to tray alignment takes place automatically, with a production speed of 10-90 pieces per minute—adjustable to match your production needs.

3. Detailed Introduction to Mochi Ice Cream

3.1 Origin of Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi ice cream traces its roots to Japan, where mochi (a traditional glutinous rice cake) has been a staple food for centuries. The fusion of mochi and ice cream emerged in the 1980s, credited to Japanese-American entrepreneur Frances Hashimoto, who sought to create a portable, delicious treat that combined the chewy texture of mochi with the creaminess of ice cream. Originally popular in Japanese communities in the United States, mochi ice cream quickly gained global popularity, becoming a beloved frozen dessert in countries across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.

3.2 Market Classification of Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi ice cream is primarily classified by two key factors: flavor and packaging format, both of which cater to different consumer preferences and market segments:

• By Flavor:
• Traditional Flavors: Matcha, red bean, vanilla, and strawberry—rooted in Japanese and Asian tastes, these are the most popular global flavors.
• Premium/Artisanal Flavors: Dark chocolate, salted caramel, mango, taro, and even savory options (e.g., matcha with sesame) cater to consumers seeking unique, high-end treats.
• Dietary-Specific Flavors: Vegan (dairy-free ice cream), gluten-free, and low-sugar options target health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions.
• By Packaging Format:
• Individual Packs: Single-piece packaging, ideal for convenience stores, vending machines, and on-the-go consumption.
• Multi-Piece Trays: Trays holding 2-10 pieces (the format supported by our production line), popular for family consumption, supermarkets, and foodservice.
• Bulk Packaging: Large quantities for foodservice providers (e.g., restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops) who serve mochi ice cream as a dessert option.

3.3 Market Trends of Mochi Ice Cream

The global mochi ice cream market is experiencing steady growth, driven by several key trends that make it a lucrative opportunity for industrial manufacturers:

• Growing Demand for Premium & Artisanal Frozen Desserts: Consumers are increasingly seeking unique, high-quality treats that offer a sensory experience. Mochi ice cream’s combination of chewy texture and creamy filling aligns with this trend, with premium flavors and organic ingredients commanding higher price points.
• Health-Conscious Consumption: As consumers prioritize health, there is a rising demand for dairy-free, gluten-free, low-sugar, and organic mochi ice cream. Manufacturers who offer these options are gaining a competitive edge in the market.
• Convenience & Portability: Mochi ice cream’s small, portable size makes it ideal for on-the-go consumption—perfect for busy lifestyles. The pre-packaged tray format (supported by our production line) further enhances convenience, as it requires no additional preparation.
• Globalization of Asian Flavors: Asian flavors (e.g., matcha, red bean, taro) are gaining popularity worldwide, driving demand for mochi ice cream as a representative of Asian cuisine. This trend is particularly strong in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
• Industrial Automation: As demand grows, manufacturers are shifting from manual or semi-automatic production to fully automatic lines (like ours) to scale production, reduce labor costs, and ensure consistent quality. This is especially critical for meeting the needs of large retailers and foodservice providers.

3.4 Regional Names & Similar Products

While “mochi ice cream” is the most widely recognized name, the treat is known by different names in various regions, reflecting local cultural adaptations. Additionally, there are several similar products that share similarities in texture or preparation:

Regional Names

• Japan:Mochi Aisu (もちアイス) – the original name, directly translating to “mochi ice cream.”
• Korea: Chapssal Ice Cream (찹쌀 아이스크림) – “chapssal” refers to glutinous rice, the main ingredient in mochi.
• Taiwan:Mochi Bing (麻薯冰) – “bing” means ice, reflecting the local term for frozen treats.
• Southeast Asia: Often referred to as “mochi ice cream,” with local variations (e.g., pandan-flavored in Thailand, coconut-flavored in Malaysia).
• North America & Europe: “Mochi ice cream” is the standard name, sometimes with regional spellings (e.g., “mochi ice cream” in the U.S., “mochi glacé” in France).

Similar Products

• Dango Ice Cream (Japan): Similar to mochi ice cream, but made with dango (a round, chewy rice dumpling) instead of flat mochi. Often served on a stick.
• Glutinous Rice Ice Cream Balls (China): Round balls of glutinous rice dough wrapped around ice cream, similar to mochi ice cream but with a more spherical shape.
• Ice Cream Mochi Donuts: A hybrid treat that combines mochi dough with donut shapes, filled with ice cream—popular in trendy cafes.
• Daifuku Ice Cream (Japan): Traditional daifuku (mochi filled with red bean paste) adapted to include ice cream, often smaller than standard mochi ice cream.

Unlike these similar products, our full automatic mochi ice cream production line is specifically designed to produce the classic, uniform mochi ice cream pieces in customizable trays—ideal for industrial-scale production and meeting the growing global demand for this beloved treat.

FAQ about Upgrade from Manual to Automatic Mochi Ice Cream Production Line

Q: What core machines make up this automatic mochi line?
Our line includes 5 key machines: YC-170 Automatic Encrusting Machine (shapes mochi), YC-23 Imitate Handmade Flour Coating Machine (applies flour), YC-150 Tray Aligning Machine (places mochis), YC-135 Steam Generator (provides steam, with water softener), and YC-136 Rice Flour Mixing & Steamer (steams dough). It’s a full turnkey solution for mochi production.

Q: Can the plastic tray size be customized?
Yes! Trays are fully customizable. Common sizes hold 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 mochis per tray. We adjust dimensions based on your mochi weight (10-100g) and packaging needs. Just share your requirements, and our team will design the right tray.

Q: What’s the production speed of the line?
The line runs at 10-90 pieces per minute—adjustable to your demand. The YC-170 (10-100pcs/min), YC-23 (10-90pcs/min), and YC-150 (10-100pcs/min) sync perfectly, so speed stays consistent across all stages.

Q: Why does the YC-135 have a water softener?
The water softener (500L/H flow, ≤0.03mmol/L hardness) removes hard water minerals. This prevents scale buildup in the steam generator, extends machine life, ensures stable steam (171°C, 0.7Mpa), and keeps mochi dough quality uniform.

Q: Is this line suitable for small/medium mochi factories?
Definitely! Flexible speed (10-90pcs/min) and compact sizes (e.g., YC-135: 750x430x1250mm) make it ideal for small to medium businesses. It cuts manual labor by 80%+ vs manual production, helping you scale without high labor costs.

Q: What power supply do the machines need?
- YC-135: 380V/50HZ, 24KW
- YC-136: 380V/50HZ, 4KW
- YC-170: 220V/50/60Hz, 2KW
- YC-23: 220V/50/60Hz, 1.1KW
- YC-150: 220V/50/60Hz, 1.5KW
We can adjust voltage (e.g., 110V) for some machines if needed.

Q: How does YC-136 ensure uniform mochi dough?
The YC-136 (150L capacity, 15-45 RPM) mixes rice flour evenly while steaming (0.6Mpa steam from YC-135). No lumps or undercooked parts—every batch has the perfect chewy texture.

Q: Does YC-23 mimic handmade flour coating?
Yes! The YC-23’s gentle, even application copies manual coating—each mochi gets the right flour amount, preventing sticking and keeping the surface smooth (like handmade mochis).

Q: Can the line handle different mochi weights?
Yes! YC-170 supports 10-100g per mochi, and YC-150 handles up to 1000g (for larger products). Adjust weight easily via the control panel.

Q: Do I need staff training for the line?
Yes, but training is simple. We offer free on-site/online training—operators master basic use in 1-2 days. Our team teaches daily operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Q: What’s the warranty period?
All machines have a 12-month warranty. We provide free replacement parts and technical support for quality issues. After warranty, we offer paid maintenance at competitive prices.

Q: Can the line connect to quick-freezing/packaging machines?
Absolutely! Mochis go directly into trays (no manual handling), so it links seamlessly to your quick-freezer or sealer—creating a fully automated chain from dough to packaged mochis.

Q: What’s YC-135’s steam specs?
YC-135 produces 34kg steam/hour at 171°C and 0.7Mpa—enough to power YC-136 and ensure efficient dough steaming.

Q: Does YC-150 auto-supply plastic trays?
Yes! Load trays into the machine, and it feeds them one by one. Filled trays output directly for freezing/packaging—no manual tray picking needed.

Q: Are the plastic trays food-safe?
Trays are made of food-grade PP material—safe for food contact, heat-resistant, and meets FDA/EU standards. No safety risks for your products.

Q: Can I adjust production speed daily?
Yes! All machines have adjustable speed. For example, set to 30pcs/min for 43200 mochis/day (enough for most small factories). Adjust via knob or digital panel.

Q: What’s the maintenance requirement?
Simple regular checks:
- Clean surfaces/parts after use (food-safe cleaners).
- Refill YC-135’s salt tank weekly.
- Inspect heating elements monthly.
- Lubricate moving parts every 3 months.
We provide a detailed manual.

Q: Does the line support multi-flavor mochis?
Yes! YC-170 handles fillings (ice cream, red bean, matcha)—swap filling hoppers (we offer extra hoppers) to switch flavors quickly. Other machines work for all flavors.

Q: What’s the total weight of the line?
Total weight: 200KG (YC-135) + 680KG (YC-136) + 310KG (YC-170) + 200KG (YC-23) + 280KG (YC-150) = 1670KG. Sturdy but easy to install.

Q: Can I get a customized line?
Yes! We offer tailored solutions—higher speed (over 90pcs/min), unique tray sizes, or extra machines (e.g., filling machines). Contact our sales team with your needs.