GEA MaxiFormer 1000 mm rotary drum former

GEA’s 1000 mm MaxiFormer rotary drum former is designed for high-volume production of natural-looking chicken nuggets, popcorn, inner fillet/tender and steaks. Able to produce products with good shape retention and weight accuracy, the former is suitable for continuous operation in 24 h shifts with up to 40 h runs.

Its rotational forming technology comprises a product-feeding device that fills the cavities in the drum. The drum features permanently fixed inserts with a porous material that enables product release (knockout) to be carried out using only air. After knockout, a conveyor transfers the formed products to downstream equipment.

Direct loading to the 1000 mm-wide line results in an optimal belt load and prevents ‘doubles’ occurring further down the line. The capacity is up to 7500 kg of formed product (with breaded nuggets).

The former applies low pressure to the meat, which results in a consistent, high-quality formed product. The low pressure on the meat helps reduce product waste by reducing leakage (smearing). Use of a compressed air pulse for knockout, without using water, ensures cleaner and quieter forming and lowers operating costs.

The machine has a maximum belt speed of 30 m/min and a maximum drum speed of 34 rpm (32 m/min). It operates at up to 340 strokes/min and is available in 600 and 1000 mm-wide executions. Changeover of the drum is semiautomated.