What is Horizontal Ribbon Mixer?

The Comprehensive FAQ Guide

Horizontal ribbon mixers are part of the industry’s most common and most used powder handling and powder processing machines.

Are you aware, though, of what the pros and cons are of using these horizontal ribbon mixers? Moreover, do you even know how these machines function in the first place?

When you find out how horizontal ribbon mixers work and function, you will surely and definitely love using them! In this FAQ and buying guide, you’ll not only learn what ribbon mixers are, but we will also help you get the most out of your options!

What is a Horizontal Ribbon Mixer?

Figure 1 – GIF of a horizontal ribbon mixer during operation

From what it’s called alone, a horizontal ribbon mixer is a type of mixer or blender that is formed and shaped horizontally.

It’s considered the common and the standard shape and alignment of ribbon mixers. The way it works is that the vessel moves slightly back and forth, while the agitators inside it rotate and spin, generating force that would throw the particles and materials back and forth inside the mixing chamber.

Vertical Ribbon Mixer

A vertical ribbon mixer is the counterpart of the horizontal ribbon mixer. From what it’s called alone, what it is, would be simple and easy to determine.

Figure 2 – A vertical ribbon mixer

Vertical ribbon mixers are mixers that are standing up in form, instead of being laid out flat horizontally. Ideally, these vertical ribbon mixers are cheaper and more affordable than horizontal ribbon mixers.

However, when it comes to quality and speed, it’ll be best to go with a horizontal ribbon mixer. To give you some of the pros and benefits of using vertical ribbon mixers, they include:

• Good mixing performance
• They’re easier to discharge (because of its stature)
• You have many options of added components
• Thorough and well mixing process

TIP: You’ll easily be able to identify a vertical ribbon mixer from a horizontal ribbon mixer. From the alignment and the direction of how they are alone.

Apart from these blenders and mixers, though, what else is there? Do you know what a double cone blender is?

What is a Double Cone Blender?

Figure 3 – Double cone blender sample

It’s one of the types of blenders and mixers and is known as the “double cone” mixer because it’s comprised of two (2) cones that sit on top of one another.

You’ll be able to find a lot of double cone blenders in the market, and they’re efficient for the process of mixing granules and dry powders in a homogenous mixture.

Used Ribbon Mixer

There are underlying risks of purchasing or buying used ribbon mixers such as depleted performance, risks of the machine being worn out, as well as the motors being inaccurate.

But, if you are eager to purchase used ribbon mixers, you’ll find a lot of them on Abter, eBay, as well as other websites like Ribbon Blender Machinery and Equipment, Sigma Mixer Equipment, etc.

What Agitator is Used For Horizontal Ribbon Mixers?

Figure 4 – Image of a double ribbon standard or a double helical blade or agitator

There are multiple types of agitators used for horizontal ribbon mixers. Among the most common include:

• Trowel
• Paddle
• Double Ribbon Multi-Pitch
• Double Ribbon Standard

Each of these have their advantages. But, the best and most used would be the double ribbon multi-pitch, otherwise known as the helical cone agitator or the double helical blade.

They’re ideal because of the fact that you’ll be able to use them for batches that have multiple ingredients and because they’re able to perform high-quality mixing in just a short amount of time.

What Materials Can You Mix and Blend Using a Horizontal Ribbon Mixer?

You’ll be able to find a lot of materials and particles that you can mix inside horizontal ribbon mixers. As a matter of fact, they’re prevalent and commonly used in specific business sectors or industries, such as the pharmaceutical industry, the foodstuff industry, the animal feeds industry, the chemical industry, the construction or structural industry, and many more!

To name a few of the most common things you can mix using horizontal ribbon mixers, they include:

• Dry Solids
• Chemical Powders and Particles
• Food Particles and Powders
• Pharmaceutical Powders
• Polymers
• Agricultural Powders
• And Many More!

NOTE: These are not the only things that you can use horizontal ribbon mixers for. You’ll find a lot more use when you get to know them better.

What’s the Main Structure of a Horizontal Ribbon Mixer?

To fully understand horizontal ribbon mixers more, it is important and imperative that you understand how a horizontal ribbon mixer is built and structured.

Figure 5 – Image or the structure of what a horizontal ribbon mixer looks like

Here’s a quick table that discuss each of the parts that are common across all the different types of horizontal ribbon mixers:

You may find other horizontal ribbon mixers that have other parts and components. So, take note, that these aren’t the only components. They’re just the basic and the standard ones that you’ll see across the board.

Specifications of Horizontal Ribbon Mixers You Need to Take Note Of

Knowing the specifications of horizontal ribbon mixers is important because they’ll be the ones to determine whether or not a particular machine is within your expectations.

The specs and technical parameters that you should take note of include:

Working Capacity

This is the specification or the parameter that refers to the overall or the total capacity of the machine that it’s capable of working on.

By knowing the working capacity, you’ll know the limitations of your project. The working capacity is usually expressed in kg (kilograms) or meters cubed (m3)

Speed or Rotation

The speed determines or refers to the overall time that the machine is capable of working or mixing per minute. It’s usually expressed in a measurement of r/min or rotations per minute.

Power

Power refers to the requirement of the machine to operate. This particular specification is often expressed in kW or kilowatt hour.

Weight

Weight refers to the machine’s overall weight. It is important because this will determine how heavy and how difficult the machine is to be transported.

Driven Unit

Otherwise known as the motor, the driven unit is the type of the motor that’s used in the industry. You’ll be able to find a lot of motors in the industry, some of the most common types of motors include K-series motors, F-series motors, R-series motors, energy-saving motors, and many more!

These are the top and most crucial specifications and technical parameters important and relevant in the industry.

Where Can You Find High-Quality Horizontal Ribbon Mixers?

Here at Abster Equipment, you will be able to bank and count on us if you ever need quality horizontal ribbon mixers.

We’ve been tagged and deemed as the best and most reliable horizontal ribbon mixer supplier in the country due to the fact that we’re able to produce highly flexible and versatile horizontal ribbon mixers.

Our horizontal ribbon mixers are pure quality and are made from military-grade materials. They’re all flexible and are equipped with a vessel that is non-corrosive and are capable of defending against wearing.

Some of the primary benefits of choosing Abster Equipment horizontal ribbon mixers include:

• They’re operator friendly
• The materials and powders are poured in manually
• You’ll be able to use them for many different business sectors and industries
• Cleaning and maintenance wouldn’t be headaches
• All parts and components are available if you need them

Abster Equipment will always be behind your back for the support and the assistance that you need when you need powder handling and powder processing machines and equipment!

Apart from our horizontal ribbon mixers, we can also help you if you need pin mill grinders, hammer mill pulverizers, tray dryers, vibro sifters, Sparkler filter press and more!

Wherever you are in the world, you can definitely and absolutely bank on us here at Abster Machinery for the horizontal ribbon mixers that you need!

Talk to us and we’ll send you a free quote!