Feedstock is an essential component in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. There are various forms of feedstock used in different 3D printing techniques, such as filaments, wires, pellets, liquids, slurries, gels, and powders. These feedstocks can be made from different materials like plastic, elastomer, composite, metal alloy, and ceramic.
The majority of 3D printing feedstocks are not made from single-ingredient materials. Instead, they are made up of multiple components. This is where blending and mixing technologies come into play. Good blending and mixing processes are crucial in the additive manufacturing process as they result in better end products.
One company that offers a range of equipment for the additive manufacturing industry is Charles Ross & Son Company, also known as ROSS Mixers. Based in Hauppauge, New York, the company has been in operation for 180 years and specializes in engineering and fabricating mixing systems that provide precise formulations and consistent batch-to-batch repeatability.
ROSS Mixers’ industrial mixing portfolio includes a range of equipment suitable for the additive manufacturing industry. For handling metal and alloy powders used in 3D printing, ROSS Tumble Blenders are optimized for their high bulk density. Tumble blending is a low-impact process, making it ideal for processing abrasive solids and friable ingredients. Tumble blending is also commonly used in making precise blends containing trace ingredients or additives.
The ROSS Tumble Blender consists of a rotating vessel in a double cone or V-shaped configuration, turning at speeds of 5 to 25 revolutions per minute. This design allows for the complete discharge of the blended material, resulting in high yield, easy cleaning, and limited contamination risks.
High shear mixers, available in batch or inline configurations, are designed for low-viscosity applications requiring high shear forces and intense turbulence. These mixers effectively break down aggregates and reduce droplet sizes, making them ideal for 3D printing applications like dispersion of pigments, additives, and fillers into resins or waxes; polymer suspensions; ceramic slurries; lubricants; and binder solutions.
For processing viscous materials such as plastisols, thermoplastic inks, rubber blends, composites, and resins, ROSS offers a line of Multi Shaft Mixers. These mixers can handle thick slurries, pastes, gels, and suspensions. Their ability to mix under vacuum and provide temperature control ensures superior dispersion, emulsification, and homogenization.
Triple Shaft Mixers by ROSS incorporate high shear rotor/stators, a high-speed disperser, and a three-wing anchor agitator. This combination allows for emulsification, homogenization, and quick wetting out of powders.
Dual Shaft Mixers, on the other hand, consist of a high-speed disperser and a two-wing anchor agitator. These mixers are cost-effective and suitable for applications that do not require intense shearing of agglomerates or droplets.
For handling thick pastes and putties, ROSS Double Planetary Mixers are optimized. These mixers are known for their ability to handle viscous formulations and are well-suited for 3D printer feedstocks and intermediate materials.
In summary, blending and mixing technologies are essential in the additive manufacturing process. ROSS Mixers offers a range of equipment specifically designed to provide precise formulations, consistent batch-to-batch repeatability, and superior end products for the growing additive manufacturing industry.
Axes and Orbit: Innovative Mixing Technology
Mixing is a critical process in many industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and chemicals. And when it comes to mixing, having the right equipment can make all the difference. One company at the forefront of mixing technology is ROSS Mixers, who have developed a range of machines that are revolutionizing the industry.
One of their standout innovations is the Double Planetary Mixer. This machine features two blades that rotate on a common axis, while also orbiting the mixing vessel. This unique motion allows the blades to continuously advance along the periphery of the vessel, removing material from the walls and transporting it to the interior. What’s more, in just 36 revolutions, the blades physically contact the entire batch, ensuring a thorough and efficient mixing process.
The Double Planetary Mixer is particularly suited for abrasive applications, such as metal or ceramic dispersions in polymer, wax, or resin binding agents. Its low-speed operation minimizes wear and tear, making it perfect for mixing even the most challenging materials.
But ROSS Mixers didn’t stop there. They also developed the PowerMix, a hybrid planetary disperser that combines the benefits of a planetary stirrer and a high-speed disperser blade. This system offers a unique combination of high and low-speed agitation, thanks to the revolving motion of the disperser blade and planetary stirrer around a central axis. The planetary stirrer sweeps material away from the sidewalls and bottom of the vessel, carrying it to the sawtooth blade for further dispersion.
What sets the PowerMix apart is its independent control of both agitators. This allows for easy fine-tuning of flow patterns and shear rates, making it ideal for products that undergo changes in rheology and other physical characteristics during the mixing process.
Looking for even more power and efficiency? Look no further than the Planetary Dual Disperser (PDDM). This robust system combines not one, but two planetary blades and two high-speed dispersion blades. Similar to the Double Planetary Mixer, the agitators rotate on their own axes while revolving around a central axis. This unique motion efficiently carries material near the vessel walls and bottom towards the sawtooth plates, allowing for faster disintegration of agglomerates and highly efficient turnover.
ROSS Mixers’ mixing portfolio offers a range of innovative solutions for the most demanding mixing applications. Whether you need to mix abrasive materials or achieve precise control of flow patterns and shear rates, their machines deliver unparalleled performance.
As the additive manufacturing industry continues to grow, having reliable and efficient mixing equipment becomes increasingly important. Whether it’s for creating personalized medicine or developing new materials, the right mixing technology can make all the difference.
If you’re interested in joining the additive manufacturing industry, be sure to check out the available roles on 3D Printing Jobs. With the industry constantly evolving, there’s never been a better time to kickstart your career in this exciting field.
Innovation is key to success, and ROSS Mixers has certainly proven that with their cutting-edge mixing technology. Their machines are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and their commitment to continuous improvement means that we can expect even more groundbreaking solutions in the future.
So, if you’re in the market for a mixing solution that is truly ahead of its time, look no further than ROSS Mixers. Their mixing portfolio is a testament to their dedication to excellence and their ability to meet the evolving needs of industries across the board.
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“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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