Challenges
Mechanical Complexity
Multiple simultaneously orbiting and rotating shafts require higher precision in the gearbox, increasing maintenance demands compared to single-head designs.
Tool Clearance Alignment
All heads must maintain consistent clearance from the bowl wall, requiring precise setup to prevent contact or uneven mixing.
Unequal Load Between Heads
Localised viscosity variations during mixing can distribute torque unevenly across heads, risking bearing overload on individual shafts.
Cleaning Accessibility
The multi-head frame and shaft interfaces create areas that are difficult to reach during cleaning, which is a concern in GMP environments.
Higher Capital Cost
The precision multi-shaft gearbox required for synchronised operation carries a significant cost premium over single-head equivalents.
Solutions
-
Synchronised Gearbox Design: A common ring gear phase-locks all heads, ensuring consistent rotation between shafts even under varying load conditions. -
Precision Tool Mounting: Each head is individually adjusted at the factory to minimise runout, ensuring consistent clearance and mixing performance across all heads. -
Per-Shaft Torque Monitoring: Individual torque sensors on each shaft allow the control system to detect load imbalance early and adjust speed before bearing damage occurs. -
Quick-Release Drive Frame: The entire multi-head assembly can be removed as a single unit without tools, fully exposing all interfaces for thorough cleaning. -
Cycle Time Savings Offset Capital Cost: The reduction in blend time per batch compared to single-head designs means the higher initial investment is typically recovered through increased throughput over time.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: GMP cream, ointment, and semi-solid production -- narrow RTD critical for content uniformity compliance.
- Cosmetics: Premium cream and emulsion production -- multi-head eliminates texture gradients in large batch bowls.
- Food & Beverage: High-solids paste, sauce, and food base -- faster blending of viscous multi-component recipes.
- Battery & Materials: Electrode slurry, conductive adhesive -- uniform dispersion critical for electrochemical performance.
- Chemical: High-solids adhesive, sealant, and specialty compound -- uniform distribution of solid filler components.
Models & Capacities
Type B — Multi-Planetary Mixer (2-3 Heads): Models & Capacities | |||||||||||||
Net Vol. [L] | Heads (No.) | Planetary RPM | Motor [kW] | Visc. Max [cP] | Blend Time vs. Single (%) | Op. Temp [deg C] | Bowl Dia [mm] | Bowl H [mm] | Weight [kg] | Overall Dimensions [mm] | Â | ||
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | L | W | H |  |
10 | 2 | 30-300 | 2.2 | 200,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia420 | 420 | 180 | 750 | 750 | 1,200 | Â |
30 | 2 | 20-200 | 4.0 | 200,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia650 | 630 | 380 | 1,100 | 1,100 | 1,600 | Â |
50 | 3 | 20-200 | 7.5 | 300,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia750 | 750 | 580 | 1,300 | 1,300 | 1,800 | Â |
100 | 3 | 20-150 | 11 | 300,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia950 | 950 | 980 | 1,600 | 1,600 | 2,200 | Â |
200 | 3 | 15-120 | 18.5 | 400,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia1200 | 1,150 | 1,800 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,700 | Â |
500 | 3 | 15-100 | 37 | 400,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia1600 | 1,480 | 3,800 | 2,600 | 2,600 | 3,300 | Â |
1,000 | 3 | 10-80 | 55 | 500,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia2000 | 1,850 | 6,500 | 3,200 | 3,200 | 4,000 | Â |
2,000 | 3 | 10-60 | 90 | 500,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia2600 | 2,250 | 11,500 | 4,200 | 4,200 | 5,000 | Â |
3,000 | 3 | 10-50 | 132 | 500,000 | -40 to -60 | -5 to 120 | Dia3100 | 2,600 | 18,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,800 | Â |