Walzenquetsch

Preparing the Seeds

The Walzenquetsch, a traditional roller crusher, was an important first step in the oil-making process. It was used to mechanically crush and break open oil-bearing seeds and nuts such as rapeseed, flaxseed, and walnuts.

The material passed between two rollers rotating in opposite directions. As the seeds and nuts were crushed, their cellular structure was broken open, making it easier to extract the oil inside.

Crushing also increased the surface area of the material, making the subsequent pressing process considerably more efficient and improving the oil yield.

Notice how the material was fed into the Walzenquetsch from the floor above.