Concrete plays a crucial role in every construction project. Mixing high-quality concrete is a process that requires accuracy, efficiency and the right equipment – which can vary according to the situation. Every contractor should ensure they have the right kind of concrete mixer for the job.
There are many variables to help you determine what’s right for the project at hand including the amount of concrete you need and whether our new mobile volumetric concrete mixer that has the ability to weigh in all products and complies with Australian Standards AS1379 is required. Below we go through three key types of mixers and the best application for them.
Continuous Mixers
Concrete mixers operate either by creating batches of concrete or with a continuous mixing system (link to blog 3). For many contractors and companies, batch mixers are sufficient for creating individual batches using stored ingredients for construction work. However, some projects require a large and constant supply of concrete like building a major road or a large infrastructure such as bridges.
Quality continuous mixers can produce over one million cubic yards of concrete every day. The way the concrete or paste is mixed differs, as batch mixing involves weight and loading all ingredients and mixing them until they are homogeneously distributed or mixed. Continuous mixing involves continuously charging ingredients into the mixer in accordance with a consistent formula.
Planetary Mixers
Planetary mixers are fixed, heavy duty, general purpose mixer capable of producing large amount of high-quality concrete and other building products. Like continuous mixers, they are generally only necessary for large scale projects and are capable of dry blending materials like resins, clay and reconstituted limestone.
Planetary mixers (link to blog 4) have an erect shaft and two or three multilevel folding blades, with a specialised structure that mixes material faster and more consistently. These machines are durable, long lasting, easy to use and easy to maintain as there is no direct contact between the concrete mix and the transmission parts.
Twin Shaft Mixers
Twin shaft mixing systems (link to blog 5) involve two synchronised and horizontal axes within the mixing unit. This allows for a faster and higher quality mixing process as particles from each side of the mixer are thrown towards the centre and thoroughly combined by the mixing action of two counter-rotating shafts.
Water is also forced through powerful jets into the mix where it is thoroughly absorbed, allowing the cement slurry to coat all the aggregate particles consistently. This means the strongest possible concrete or paste is formed. Twin shaft mixers can come as batch mixers or as continuous mixers.
Quality Concrete Mixers in Australia
If you’re looking for a concrete mixer with a pump for sale or other concrete equipment, get in touch with the experienced team at Batchcrete. From mini concrete pump hire to screed mixer hire and much more, we understand the complex nature of the industry and provide concrete equipment to suit a variety of needs, with the option of tailor-built solutions. Call us today on 08 9463 5355 or contact us online for high quality, cost effective concrete supplies.
