New mid-size planetary mixer for critical materials

~ Intertronics supplies THINKY ARV-501CE ~

Adhesives specialist Intertronics now offers a new vacuum planetary centrifugal mixer, the THINKY ARV-501CE. The next-generation model is a mid-size mixer with a maximum capacity of 700 g, so operators can mix, defoam and degas larger batch sizes of liquids, powders and pastes. The vacuum mixer is suitable for manufacturers working in ultra-critical applications, where even micro-bubbles cannot be tolerated, but can also be used without the vacuum for less critical functions.

The THINKY ARV-501CE is an industrial non-contact planetary mixer suitable for all engineering compounds, from low viscosity to semi-solid materials. It mixes, disperses and degasses in seconds to minutes to produce a uniform, homogenous mix. There are two standard modes, mixing and defoaming, to both mix material and remove air. Unlike manual degassing under vacuum, messy overflows are avoided; material is forced to the sides of the container during the simultaneous mixing procedure, mitigating the requirement to deep clean workspaces after use. Manufacturers mix in their own containers, such as jars, beakers or cartridges, which means there is no cleaning between batches.

The mixer sits at an ergonomic bench height with an optional dedicated stand and built in vacuum pump to provide a small footprint. It has an easy to use touch screen that displays status and progress, and offers RS232 connectivity for recording and traceability. Precise and repeatable control makes it possible to improve formulation quality, eliminate human error and reduce variations due to operator skill.

“THINKY mixers provide fast, efficient, homogenous mixing of many high technology materials,” explained Ben Swanson, Sales Manager of Intertronics. “Unlike machines that use paddles or stirrers, no air is introduced; in fact, there is a tendency to remove air. The ability to degas under vacuum makes the product suitable for ultra-critical applications, where even microbubbles, perhaps in the order of 100 µm, cannot be tolerated. 

“Our customers have already seen success with vacuum planetary centrifugal mixers for applications including semiconductor manufacturing, electrode production for battery applications and LED manufacturing,” added Swanson. “This new product could be a good steppingstone for our customers that already operate a mixer to scale up their operations once they have proven their process with a smaller model.”

The ARV-501CE operates with an independent vacuum pump, the PU-501CE, which can be easily integrated. Customers can also choose to use their own vacuum equipment or use it as an atmospheric pressure mixer and upgrade it to a vacuum mixer at a later time.

To find out more information about the THINKY ARV-501CE, visit https://www.intertronics.co.uk/product/thinky-arv-501-planetary-centrifugal-mixer/.