Anuga FoodTec 2018 - GEA raises the bar in high volume drum forming

One of the key new features of the GEA MaxiFormer is the innovative step-filling system (patent pending) that manages the communication between the Handtmann vacuum filler (a product of a partner company of GEA) and the former to minimize the pressure used and to fill each cavity carefully and progressively. This reduces wastage, improves filling accuracy, creates a higher quality formed product with excellent shape retention, and minimizes down time for cleaning. “Handtmann was happy to partner with GEA on the development of the new filling concept and provide the vacuum filler with customized functions for the GEA MaxiFormer,“ said Joachim Frommann – Head of Sales of Albert Handtmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG . “This partnership has now resulted in a unique forming concept with excellent performance and flexibility in shaping products.”

The unique drum design of the MaxiFormer creates a more rigid structure that ensures consistent filling pressure across the entire width of the drum. This allows more accurate filling and achieves a standard weight deviation that is 50 percent less than its nearest competition. The drum also has a unique knock-out system that uses dry air at high pressure applied only to the relevant cavities, not the whole drum. This significantly reduces air usage and, therefore, energy costs. 

Paul Verbruggen, Product Manager Further Processing at GEA, said that this better weight control means less product giveaway and the knock-out system uses up to 40 percent less air. “This means that we can be confident in achieving the lowest total cost of ownership in drum forming,” he explained.

Its size and the new features that GEA has included in the design bring the GEA MaxiFormer to the next step in drum forming. According to Marcel Janssen, Head of Sales Steering and Support Further Processing at GEA, it also makes it much more efficient than any competitor. “Especially for 1000 mm wide lines, running one GEA MaxiFormer 1000, compared with two 600 wide formers, is cost efficient and space saving and delivers an optimal belt loading,” he explained. “This results in a much higher line throughput with fewer doubles down the line. The direct loading conveyor also eliminates the need for ‘Y’ conveyors and so can achieve a much denser loading without compromising quality.”