Vertical blenders, sometimes also known as vertical mixers, are industrial-centric blending equipment that is primarily used in the plastics processing industry to mix and blend plastic resins, additives, and other materials. Primary features include a vertical shaft with blades or paddles attached that rotate to mix materials inside a container. The container is generally in the shape of a cone or cylinder. Some of the main reasons you’d find one in a production plant would be if you were wanting to mix plastic resins with additives like colorants, stabilizers, fillers, or flame retardants. The blending process ensures a consistent and uniform distribution of additives throughout the resin, so you end up with a high-quality final product.
Vertical blenders are an excellent option for those businesses that are constrained by floor space. The vertical design of these blenders takes up a significantly smaller footprint compared to other types of blenders, like horizontal blenders. On some of the vertical blenders, they can create a vacuum for drying plastic resins before further processing. Vertical blenders are generally seen as more desirable for their low-impact mixing qualities for materials that are shear-sensitive or heat-sensitive.
Pro Tip: When looking at vertical blenders, keep in mind their mixing efficiency. Meaning you need to consider your material’s characteristics when blending, as well as the blender design (blade geometry, speed, and rotational control, batch size capacity) when choosing a suitable blender for your application. Assess the blender’s overall condition, including the dosing valves and other wear components that might be present. Make note of any special features like vacuum-capable, heating jackets, and lumpbreaker assemblies that can enhance a blender’s performance.
