Planetary motion
vacuum mixer

When working with a two component system with a polymeric base and a curing agent, it is important to mix the two parts completely so that the curing agent cross-links with the polymeric matrix. It is critical to stir and mix the two parts thoroughly so that the polymers are completely cross-linked.  However, when the mixing is done in open air at atmospheric pressure, bubbles are created and these air pockets are trapped inside the medium. These air bubbles are undesirable and often a problem that is to be avoided or eliminated.

The common practice to remove the air bubbles is to place the medium in a degassing vacuum chamber. By placing the medium inside a chamber that is at low pressure, the air bubbles are allowed to expand and rise to the top of the medium then eventually allowed to escape, thus effectively removing the trapped air bubbles. Pressure cycling from atmospheric pressure to low vacuum often helps to accelerate the bubble removal process. However, this two step process of mixing first then removing air bubbles is operation intensive since it requires handling of multiple equipment and time consuming because of the added layers of cleaning.

The elegant solution is to use the Vacuum Mixer from Spruce Science by mixing anything of interest in a container that is free of air. The bowl volume is pumped free of air and the mixing is carried out under low pressure in planetary motion for thorough mixing. The Vacuum Mixer will shorten processing time and increase productivity. The equipment usage is flexible and it can mix Silicone, epoxy, PDMS, other polymers, liquids, ingredients or dough.