Raising the bar in drum forming

GEA MaxiFormer

GEA MaxiFormer, with patented drum forming technology, is our most efficient forming solution for high-quality formed poultry, pork and plant-based products, providing the highest output.

Drum Forming Machine - GEA MaxiFormer

Forming technology improved

The GEA MaxiFormer makes drum forming easier. The forming machine addresses multiple issues associated with drum forming. By understanding the whole forming process, including grinding and chilling, GEA has improved their forming technologies and final formed products. GEA has developed a solution for 600mm and 1000mm wide line drum forming productions.

Main food applications

Drum Formed Products formed with GEA MaxiFormer

Main product applications include chicken nuggets, 3D chicken filets, chicken filets, pork cutlets and plant-based products.

Reliability you can count on

  • GEA’s experience and expertise across the whole production process come together to provide seamless systems integration with upstream and downstream processes
  • The most advanced control system allows simple, touch-screen control of the entire system
  • Fast throughput with high quality and the minimum of downtime

Maximum filling and portion control with optimal belt usage

  • Less give away through higher weight accuracy with the unique patented forming technology “step-filling”
  • High-speed production of consistently high-quality products of any shape, with minimum damage to the structure of the meat
  • Absolute repeatability puts portion control firmly in the hands of the operator with minimum wastage
  • Optimal belt loading saves space and provides the maximum possible throughput without any risk of doubles

Minimum total cost of ownership on a small footprint

  • Timed air pressure to release products what reduces operational costs due to less air usage
  • Less maintenance time and cost, due to unique drum support and rigid drum design
  • Easy access for maintenance and cleaning
Add Better

Add Better label

Save up to 62% of water consumption

GEA's MaxiClean drum cleaning machine, part of the MaxiFormer system, earns our 'Add Better' eco label for sustainability, saving up to 62% of water consumption. Real data comparisons show potential savings of up to 600,000 liters/year.

Specifications

Advanced technology
Patented step-filling technology
Patented step-filling technology for GEA MaxiFormer - drum forming machine

Patented step-filling technology for GEA MaxiFormer

The MaxiFormer uses specially designed and patented software to communicate between the Handtmann VF range vacuum filler and the drum former. This step-filling process fills each cavity progressively and carefully, without damaging the structure of the meat or wearing the cavity. The result is better structure retention and less product wastage. 

Worlds first 1000mm wide drum with air knock-out
GEA Forming

The GEA MaxiFormer is available in 600mm and 1000mm-wide versions. For customers needing the maximum throughput, the 1000mm wide option provides the ultimate in cost-efficient space utilization and belt loading. The unique GEA knock-out system ejects the formed products using dry air at high pressure to each row of cavities, not the whole drum. This system uses 40% less air and reduces energy costs.

Technical details
Product specificationsGEA MaxiFormer 600GEA MaxiFormer 1000
Dimension L x W x H2256x1856x2022 mm1856x1856x2022 mm
Belt width600 mm1000 mm
Max. capacity220 strokes/minute220 strokes/minute
Speed3 to 22 meter/minute3 to 22 meter/minute
Min. product height4 mm4 mm
Max. product height18 mm18 mm

Accessories

Accessories for GEA MaxiFormer

In addition to the MaxiFormer, the complete system includes a Handtmann vane pump, a GEA MaxiDrum, GEA MaxiStorage and GEA MaxiClean.

GEA MaxiDrum
Chicken Nugget Drum Former - GEA MaxiFormer

The MaxiFormer has a unique spoke drum design with a more rigid structure that prevents the drum from flexing and ensures consistent filling pressure across the entire width of the drum. This allows more accurate filling, achieving a standard weight deviation at least twice as accurate as ordinary systems for 2D and 3D formed products and minimizing product giveaway. To suit specific needs, additional drums with customized 3D or 2D cavities are possible to order.

GEA MaxiClean
Drum Cleaner - GEA MaxiClean for GEA MaxiFormer drums

GEA MaxiClean is a new technology from GEA that provides high-speed drum cleaning to minimize downtime, maximize productivity and allow fast product changeover. Unlike ordinary drum cleaners, the MaxiClean automatically monitors the temperature, flow and pressure of the fluid during cleaning, comparing it with that data from a clean drum. In this way, you will know exactly when the drum is clean and ready for service.

GEA MaxiCarriage and MaxiStorage
Drum Storage Holder - GEA MaxiStorage for GEA MaxiFormer drums

The complete GEA MaxiFormer package includes GEA MaxiCarriage and GEA MaxiStorage. The GEA MaxiCarriage enables the used drum to be simply and safely moved from the MaxiFormer to the MaxiClean for fast, efficient cleaning and secure storage. The GEA MaxiStorage can store 4 drums.

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GEA - MaxiFormer

GEA MaxiFormer - for poultry, pork and vegetarian alternatives

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