rotates towards the desired interval of plunging a cam mechanism is depressed causing one or more sets of plungers into corresponding molds 64 in a vertical motion to actuate the cam mechanism a plunger actuator assembly 96 is provided after a brief interval the tension on the cams is released which thereby releases plungers 80 upward and out of molds 64 in application two rows of plungers are retained per plunger platform 90 by having two or more rows per plunger platform 90 the number of mechanical components is reduced and a structural integrity is improved once plunging is complete and chips 200 are passed through plunger and mold conveyor 60 chips 200 are conducted through a form dryer 100 while still retained within molds form dryer 100 is optionally a multizone dryer with four zones that reduces chips 200 down to a desired moisture content so that chips 200 will retain their shape after being ejected from molds 64 into fryer 110 in a preferred embodiment the moisture of chips 200 after passing through from dryer 100 will be reduced to between about 23 to about 28 dryer 100 are hot air impingement ovens that utilize hot forced air other forms of drying however may be used such as infrared microwave or radio frequency optionally a vacuum is provided from.