Dispensing machine and related method for preparing a user-defined formulation by dispensing fluid products

A method for preparing a user-defined target formulation from a plurality of fluid products, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a plurality of fluid products each in a containing unit, wherein the containing units comprise a container that contains the fluid product, and a body to which the container is removably connected;
• (b) mounting the containing units of the fluid products to elongated support means configured to support the plurality of containing units of the fluid products in a stationary manner along a longitudinal direction (X);
• (c) placing a receptacle intended for receiving fluid product from the containing units on translation means configured to allow moving the receptacle substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) to delivery positions substantially vertically below said containing units;
• (d) moving the receptacle via the translation means to a dispense position corresponding to a selected one of the containing units of fluid products;
• (e) dispensing a quantity of the fluid product as metered by metering means from the selected containing unit into the receptacle through delivery means for dispensing fluid product from the containing units, said delivery means comprising a pump assembly, one or more valve elements and a pipe arrangement able to lead fluid products from said container to said receptacle, and wherein said dispensing further comprises interaction of drive means of said translation means or a component thereof with a respective containing unit of said fluid product in order to command the delivery of said fluid product by selectively operating the pump assembly and said one or more valve elements that are integrated in the body of the respective containing unit;
• (f) repeating steps (d) and (e) to produce the target formulation according to a user-defined recipe.