Drum molding machines
GEA offers an extensive portfolio of versatile drum molding machines for producing traditional shapes of soft pasta filata cheeses, soft mozzarella cheese and mozzarella balls as well as drier pasta filata types, such as scamorza and provola.
GEA drum molding machines can be configured with 2, 4 or 6 auger feeders, to meet any process or production requirement and capacity.
Constructed in AISI 304 stainless steel, our units are designed for automated spherical molding and semi-automatic cylindrical molding with carousels, for continuous braids and knot molding. Electromechanical drives for the augers and molding drum allow for the precise adjustment of both feeder auger and drum speeds, to ensure a constant pressure in the forming chamber and so consistent product weight. GEA drum molding units also feature thermoregulated hot water jackets to ensure maintenance of the required product temperature. A feeler unit in the auger chamber monitors the cheese temperature.
The solid aluminium drum molds are easily interchangeable, and guarantee a perfect seal for minimal loss of whey. Drum rotation is effected through a simple, efficient grooved coupling mechanism.
GEA drum molding systems can also be configured with a screw unit for tilting the body of the machine by up to 30 degrees. This allows the production of very soft products, including Fior di latte and buffalo milk mozzarella.
The highest specification safety and hygiene features are built into all GEA machines. Mechanical and electromechanical protection on dangerous areas ensures operator safety, and all electrical controls are housed in a waterproof panel. Optional cleaning in place capabilities speed cleaning, and reduce water usage, machine down time and the need for manual intervention.
Product contact surfaces are Teflon-coated as standard, but we can also supply machines with a proprietary non-stick treatment, called Vulcan, which has been developed by GEA. Unlike Teflon coating that can chip or flake off the treated surfaces, Vulcan is a finishing process that involves multiple steps of mechanical polishing of the metal surface at different angle and pressures. And unlike Teflon coating, which needs to be reapplied, Vulcan treatment has an almost unlimited lifespan, and is resistant to cleaning-in-place cycles.
Downloads
GEA Insights
From fossil fuels to future-ready: The rise of heat pumps
While the initial interest in heat pumps was to save on operating costs, reducing emissions is now the main driver for the technology. Learn more about how GEA is spearheading efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions through hidden champion heat pump technology for industrial and district heating sectors.
A new recipe for indulgence
What if your favorite chocolate didn’t require cocoa beans and your coffee was locally produced? As climate disruption, price hikes and ethical concerns hit two of our most beloved indulgences, scientists are reimagining how we produce them – using microbes, not monocultures. The goal: preserve the flavor and properties of coffee and chocolate while minimizing carbon emissions and improving food resilience.
Fueling the circular economy in shipping
Ports now compete not just on logistics, but on sustainability. At Greece’s Piraeus port, an advanced processing and recovery facility recycles ship waste oil into fuel. Equipped with GEA’s high-performance centrifuges, it sets a new benchmark for state-of-the-art, environmentally responsible port operations.
