The invention relates to an automatic rotary machine for the automate production of empanadas, comprising up to six mold holding stations within a rotating circular deck plate on which the empanadas are filled from an automated filling dispenser and folded through electric and pneumatic motors and actuators. The invention includes a mold for folding and cutting the empanada dough.

Disclosed is a food forming mechanism comprising a supporting part for supporting a food blank on a forming station; two turning parts oppositely arranged and configured to fold two sides of the food blank respectively, at least one of the turning parts cooperating with the supporting part to form a clamping mechanism for clamping the food blank; a turning driving device for driving the turning part to turn; a rotation driving mechanism for driving the clamping mechanism to rotate to form the food blank into a rolled food; and a drawing driving mechanism configured at least to drive the clamping mechanism to be drawn out from the rolled food. Accordingly, the two sides of the food blank can be folded by mechanical automation equipment to form a rolled food by rotating a food blank, thereby effectively improving the food processing efficiency and enhancing the quality controllability.

The invention relates to a method and device for applying a preformed portioned malleable mass, comprising: a hollow space, provided with at least one closable exit opening; a piston that can be moved back and forth in at least a part of the hollow space with at least a directional component from and to the at least one closable exit opening and preferably in a direction directed from and towards the at least one closable exit opening, which piston is movable is between at least: a retracted position in which the part of the space is released by the piston; and an ejected position in which the part of the space is fully occupied; a mass supply channel for the malleable mass exit opening onto the part of the space that is released in the retracted position of the piston; a valve for the closable exit opening which is movable between a position closing the exit opening and a position releasing the exit opening; and a supply channel for a medium, such as air, under pressure, leading through the piston to a side of the piston facing the exit opening, for bringing the hollow space under medium pressure.