Cotton candy is a classic carnival concession that has been delighting children and adults alike for generations. While it may seem like magic, the process of making cotton candy is actually based on some pretty simple scientific principles. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how cotton candy machines work and what makes them tick.
What is Cotton Candy?
Cotton candy is a fluffy, sugary confection that is made by spinning sugar at high speeds. As the sugar spins, it is forced through tiny holes in the machine, causing it to solidify into fine strands that are collected into a fluffy cloud of cotton candy.
How Cotton Candy Machines Work
Cotton candy machines work by heating sugar until it melts and becomes a liquid. The liquid sugar is then spun at high speeds using a spinning head that contains small holes. As the sugar spins, it is forced through the holes and solidifies into fine strands of cotton candy that are collected on a spinning drum.
The spinning head of the cotton candy machine is powered by an electric motor, which can spin at speeds of up to 3,600 revolutions per minute. The spinning drum collects the cotton candy strands and keeps them from sticking together. Once enough cotton candy has been collected, it is wound onto a cone or other serving device for sale to customers.
What Makes Cotton Candy Machines Tick
The key to making cotton candy is the spinning head of the machine. The spinning head is designed to heat and spin the sugar at high speeds, while also forcing it through tiny holes to create the fine strands of cotton candy.
The spinning head is typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, which can withstand the high temperatures and pressures involved in the cotton candy making process. The head is also designed to be easily disassembled and cleaned, to ensure that it stays free of clogs and other obstructions that can affect the quality of the cotton candy.
Conclusion
Cotton candy machines may seem like magic, but the process of making cotton candy is actually based on some pretty simple scientific principles. By heating and spinning sugar at high speeds, cotton candy machines are able to create the fluffy, sugary confection that has been delighting carnival-goers for generations.
