A ribbon blender is a machine that uses a long paddle to mix ingredients commonly used in manufacturing. These machines have an outer ribbon-like blade that pushes ingredients in one direction and an inner blade that pull them in the other. Follow this link to learn more about manufacturing analytics and how to improve manufacturing processes. They are available for multiple applications and in several types. Here is some basic information about this machine.
Operation
They are a basic industrial mixing tool. Typically, they are set up with a horizontal trough, a single ribbon-like blade, and extra paddles used to break up special ingredients. The double spiral that the blades spin in pushes ingredients from one end of the trough to the other. Plus, the blades operate throughout the entire trough, almost touching the container’s material. This prevents buildup and reduces mixing times. It also creates a very reliable mixture.
Benefits
While they are often operated at room temperature, they are great at transferring temperature and can be used in a heated or cooled environment. Similarly, the machines come with the option to customize the blade or trough based on ingredient characteristics, production requirements, and working conditions. For instance, manufacturers can fit the blades with rubber tabs to ensure any wet ingredients are not stuck to the trough.
Restrictions
These machines are rarely filled beyond half their capacity. Adding more ingredients than this can result in an inconsistent mix and longer running times.
Types
There are both vertical and horizontal ribbon mixers, and the one a manufacturer uses is chosen based on their individual process. Vertical machines, often used for smaller batches, are similar to stand mixers, although they draw the ingredients upward in a blending motion. Horizontal blenders are common in large-scale manufacturing companies and push the ingredients from one side of the machine to another.
Ribbon mixers are machines used to blend various ingredients. They come in multiple types and have various uses, making them important to the manufacturing world.