Key takeaways
- Static mixer: a disposable tube attached to a two-component cartridge that mixes the two components (adhesive, polyurethane, silicone) during extrusion.
- No moving parts: the internal components divide and recombine the flow; the only energy used is the pressure from the gun.
- Options: number of elements, diameter, length, cartridge ratio (1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1), and outlet type.
- Etraves: a distributor in France of Sulzer Mixpac products and a custom formulator since 1991, which also fills two-component cartridges in Breuil-le-Sec (Oise).
What is a static mixer?
The static mixer is a thin, tube-shaped accessory that attaches to two-component cartridges. It allows for quick, easy, and efficient mixing of two-component products such as adhesives, polyurethanes (PU), or silicones. It is a disposable accessory.
Inside the mixers, the mixing elements device allows the uniform mixing of the two components. The fluids are therefore in contact only in the mixer; this allows the cartridge to be used in several times if necessary. There are mixers of different widths and lengths, which can be adapted to the product to be mixed
How to Choose the Right Static Mixer?
The choice of mixer depends, among other things, on the viscosity of the two products being mixed and the ratio of the cartridge to be extruded. Several criteria come into play:
- The number of mixing elements: the more difficult it is to homogenize the two components (very different viscosities, unbalanced ratio), the more helical elements the mixer must have.
- Diameter and length: A wide mixer facilitates the extrusion of viscous products, while a narrow mixer allows for more precise application.
- The cartridge ratio (1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 10:1): The mixer must be compatible with the mixing ratio of the two components to ensure proper curing.
- The outlet: straight, tapered, or with a nozzle, depending on the type of application (bead, glue dot, surface).
An improperly sized mixer can result in incomplete mixing, air bubbles, or poor curing; therefore, choosing the right mixer is just as important as choosing the right cartridge or application gun.
Main uses:
- Transport sector (internal and external parts fixing)
- Manufacturing of wind farms
- Aerospace
- Electronics (e.g. integrated circuit industry)
- Shipbuilding
- Industrial assembly
- Treatment of the stone
- Construction sector
- Part of various types of repair kits
- Maintenance and repair of sports and leisure equipment
- General household use
It is important to note that the static mixer is a disposable accessory after use. On the other hand, the cartridge can be used several times.
The Static Mixer at Etraves
Etraves is the distributor in France for Sulzer Mixpac products, a technology leader in the manufacture of two-component material application systems. We can advise you on the two-component mixer best suited to your product and cartridge, and we supply all related accessories: manual or pneumatic guns, nozzles, and syringes. As a contract filler since 1991, Etraves also fills your two-component cartridges at its facility in Breuil-le-Sec, in the Oise department.
FAQ — Static Mixer
How does a static mixer work?
A static mixer blends two components without any moving parts: the stationary elements inside the tube do the work. Each element divides the flow, rotates it, and then recombines it with the next element. In a helical mixer, the number of product layers doubles with each element: ten elements produce more than a thousand layers, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. The only energy required is the pressure exerted by the dispensing gun or dosing machine.
Why is a static mixer disposable?
The static mixer is disposable because the mixed product cures inside it: once the adhesive or resin has cured, it can no longer be used. This is also what makes it possible to reuse the cartridge: the two components only come into contact with each other inside the mixer. To resume application later, simply leave the used mixer in place to reseal the cartridge, then replace it with a new one.
Can a static mixer be used on a dosing machine?
Yes, static mixers can be used with both manual cartridges and dosing and dispensing machines on industrial production lines. The machine dispenses the two components in the correct proportions, and the mixer, attached at the outlet, ensures a homogeneous mixture. Sizing follows the same criteria as for a cartridge: viscosity, ratio, and flow rate. Disposable mixers eliminate the need for cleaning between production runs. See also our page on two-component mixers.
