In construction sites, it is impossible to undertake the mixing of concrete manually as concrete mixers make the work easy, fast and the result is relatively homogenous. Concrete mixer plays a prominent role especially when it comes to construction sites be it a small DIY project or a massive construction site getting to understand how the concrete mixers function and the various types that are available in the market that can help you choose the right equipment for your needs.
What is a Concrete Mixer?
A concrete mixer also known as a cement mixer, is a mechanism for blending cement, aggregates such as sand or stone chips and water in order to produce concrete. At the end of the operation, the rotating drum of the mixer also makes the mixture having a uniform coloration and texture since it mixes the content very well for pouring or molding.
Types of Concrete Mixers
Concrete mixers come in various types, each suited to different applications and scales of work:
Drum Concrete Mixers: Quite common, the drum mixers contain a rapidly rotating drum into which the concrete ingredients are placed. They can be used in medium and large construction projects, usually in building constructions. Within this category, you have:
- Tilting Drum Mixers: These enable the tilting of the drum for easy discharge of the concrete. The two are ideal to use, where you have to prepare large volumes at a go.
- Non-Tilting Drum Mixers: The drum does not revolve while the concrete is dispensed through a chute. These are normally employed in processes that involve the continuous mixing of the substance.
Pan Concrete Mixers: These mixers consist of a circular pan that contains rotating blades that guarantees high levels of mixing. They are mostly employed in testing facilities and in making concrete where uniformity of the material is important.
Twin-Shaft Mixers: These mixers have two horizontal shafts with paddles that run in a different direction thus giving great mixing action. Twin-shaft mixers are used in some of the extensive construction sites that require large quantities of concrete to be prepared in a short time.
Portable Concrete Mixers: While these mixers are perfect for small to medium-sized projects, these are small and highly portable. They are ideal for do-it-yourself projects, fixing minor damages or any project that requires a lot of movement.
How to Use a Concrete Mixer
Using a concrete mixer is straightforward, but following the correct procedure ensures the best results:
Prepare Your Materials: Both cement and aggregates should be measured according to the mix ratio that is suitable for a particular project, and water should also be measured.
Load the Mixer: Begin the mixer and slowly pour in cement, sand, and gravel into the mixer on the same motion. Ensure that you pour the water slowly and so that you do not end up making the mixture too wet.
Mix Thoroughly: Mix at low speed until all the ingredients are incorporated, then mix at high speed for about 3-5 minutes. The selected mixture should be homogeneous; more so, there should be no any layers or streaks observed.
Pour the Concrete: After preparing the mixture you should ensure that you pour the concrete where it is desired. It is important to wash out the mixer almost immediately so that it does not seize up in the drum.
Advantages of a Concrete Mixer
Consistency: Aggregates are manufactured to provide strong mixers which in turn ensure production of a strong and uniform concrete.
Efficiency: First, they are ‘time' and ‘labor' savers particularly in the large-scale projects.
Versatility: Different types of concrete mixers exist and these can be used for various purposes including concrete work done at the backyard and the commercial construction work.
Portability: A portable mixer enables you to prepare concrete at the site of the project hence cutting the expenses of moving concrete all over.
Concrete mixers are crucial in every construction project as they ensure a standard way through which concreting tasks can be quickly and efficiently carried out. Whether you are doing a small house or a big commercial building, the type of mixer that you will select can determine the ease of the work and the quality of the work that you will produce. Knowing how these machines are operated and if one would follow every necessary caution then one can be in a position to get the best results from concrete mixing.
