A planetary mixer is an instrument used for mixing products such as food, plastics, adhesives, chemicals, pigments, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Planetary mixers use both single and double blades for mixing different products.
There are three major types of mixer single blade mixer, double blade mixer, and lab mixer. The single blade mixer consists of a blade and a bowl that rotates in an orbital motion such that it reaches all parts of the vessel. The lab mixer is used for pilot operation and research and development purpose. The volume of the lab mixer ranges from 5 liters to 50 liters.
Double mixer is also called twin shaft mixer in which the blades rotate near the sun gear. The blades in twin shaft mixer are rectangular in shape and are placed ninety degrees from each other. This mixer is best-suited for mixing thick ingredients into a homogeneous product because of its low speed and high torque property.
There are four different types of blades rectangular blade, high wane impeller blade, beater blade, and helical blade. Rectangular blade is the most commonly used blade. Helical blades can move both planetary and vertical motion, and thus it helps in increasing the cycle and mixing time.
The planetary mixer is the ideal product for kneading and mixing viscous pastes under vacuum or atmospheric temperatures. There are different options available in this mixer such as heating, cooling, vacuum, pressure, and variable speed drives.
Some of the uses of the planetary mixers are electronic dispersions, thixotropic emulsions and dispersions, powder coatings, battery pastes, dental fillers, sealants, gel products, and caulking compounds.
Good care and maintenance of the mixer is very important for its long lasting life. The moving parts should be lubricated properly and the mixers should not be overloaded. The parts should be cleaned regularly and properly, and it is better to use soft brush and soap water to clean the planetary mixer.
Related Reviews: