The R04 Model 10L Intensive Lab Mixer is an excellent choice for ceramic R&D, formulation, and small-batch processing due to its ability to handle high-viscosity pastes, high-solid-load slurries, and plastic clay bodies consistently. Here’s how it applies to ceramics, along with key considerations:
1. High Torque & Shear:
- Handles dense clay bodies, high-filler slips (e.g., >70% solids), and viscous glazes.
- Breaks down agglomerates and ensures uniform dispersion of additives (binders, plasticizers, deflocculants).
2. Vacuum Degassing (Critical for Ceramics):
- Removes trapped air bubbles that cause pinholes, blisters, or weak spots in fired ceramics.
- Essential for slip casting, tape casting, and high-density technical ceramics.
3. Scalability:
- Lab results directly translate to production-scale planetary mixers (e.g., R50/R100 models).
| Feature | Importance in Ceramics |
| Sigma Blades (Z-shaped) | Ideal for kneading plastic clays, homogenizing pugged bodies, and mixing high-viscosity slips. |
| Stainless Steel (316L) | Resists corrosion from acidic/alkaline slips, metal oxides, and solvents. Easy to clean. |
| Variable Speed (5-80 RPM) | Low speed for gentle blending; high speed for deagglomeration and dispersion. |
| Vacuum Lid (≤ -0.095 MPa) | Enables bubble-free slurries for defect-free sintering (e.g., alumina, zirconia substrates) |
| Programmable Controls | Replicates mixing profiles (speed/time/vacuum) for batch consistency. |
1. Advanced Technical Ceramics:
- Battery electrode slurries (anode/cathode), piezoelectric materials, structural ceramics.
2. Traditional Ceramics:
- Homogenizing stoneware/porcelain bodies, engobes, and glaze slurries.
3. Specialized Processes:
- Tape casting slurries (for thin ceramic sheets).
- Extrusion compounds (for honeycomb catalysts or filters).
- Press-powder granulation (spray-dried powder mixing with binders).
Critical Buying Considerations
1. Torque Rating
- Verify torque (≥ 100 Nm) for stiff clay or high-solid-load slurries (e.g., >80% Al₂O₃).
2. Vacuum Integrity:
- Ensure leak-proof lid seal and rapid vacuum drawdown (<2 min to full vacuum).
3. Material Compatibility:
- 316L stainless steel bowls/tools for corrosive chemistries (e.g., acidic deflocculants).
4. Tool Options:
Sigma blades: Default for plastic bodies.
Paddles/Disks: For lower-viscosity slips.
Custom blades for fiber-reinforced ceramics.
5. Cleaning & Maintenance
CIP (Clean-in-Place) compatibility saves time.
Avoid dead zones where material can accumulate.
Slip Preparation: Start dry → add binders/solvents → mix → vacuum degas.
Clay Wedging: Use sigma blades to replicate pug mill action for de-airing plastic clay.
Scale-Up: Match tip speed (m/s) and shear rate between lab (R04) and production mixers.
This R04 model (10L out capacity) intensive lab mixer bridges lab innovation and production reality – ideal for perfecting ceramic formulations before scaling. Always test your specific material in the unit if possible!
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