Mix Heads Deliver Versatility, Specificity in Mixture Distribution
When it comes to the many types and varieties of polyurethane mixing equipment available, polyurethane mix heads play a large role in the final performance of the material and weigh greatly in factoring into the application success.
As a material, polyurethane — including its many subsets such as rigid and flexible foam — holds the spot as one of the most versatile for a host of industries and products. Depending on the blend of chemicals used in the mixture, the use of any additives or blowing agents, and the type of polyurethane mixing equipment utilized, polyurethane can be used as a clear protectant, comfortable cushioning for furniture, or rugged gear used to kit out military personnel.
Different choices in polyurethane mixing equipment contribute to these wide-ranging characteristics of the end product. The parameters of the application will determine the chemical mixture needed, and all the components of polyurethane manufacturing — from blending systems to metering systems, blowing agents, gas nucleation equipment, and more — work together to reach that standard.
Mix heads sit as one of the more critical pieces of polyurethane mixing equipment. These devices mix the chemicals supplied from a previous system and then distribute the blend according to the application. With different styles containing different strengths, it’s important to consider the details of each and they impact your application goals.
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Mix Heads: Essential Pieces of Polyurethane Mixing Equipment
Mixing polyurethane in a consistent and precise ratio is instrumental to utilizing the material for a number of highly specific needs. One of the best ways to ensure precision in the ratio is through the use of a mix head designed for accentuating the application using polyurethane. Different style mix heads offer different benefits and positively impact the final product.
Let’s examine some of the options available.
L-Style Mix Heads
Providing flexibility in application usage, L-style mix heads feature two chambers perpendicular to one another — where the polyol and isocyanate components of the mixture collide (or counter-impinge) with each other and form a more cohesive mixture. This mixture is then forced into a larger chamber from where it is distributed based on the throughput and application requirements. The angle of the forced mixture slows material velocity leading to a more even discharge and resulting laminar flow.
L-style mix heads are well suited for open pouring, and the closed mold pouring of many foam types — such as rigid foam, flexible foam, RRIM, and more. This means this style of mix head can be used for everything from sporting goods to building materials.
Straight-Style Mix Heads
Ideal for closed-pouring applications that require longer nose lengths to reach the tooling, Straight-style mix heads allow material to flow lengthwise through the mix head (with no impingement) and out via two to four streams — depending on application specifications. Multiple different nose lengths are available to ensure you have the reach needed for your application.
When not actively being poured, the chemicals in the mixture are recirculated to maintain a proper ratio and temperature. Linden’s Straight-style mix heads come with a precision-machined plunger for self-cleaning and the removal of leftover material, and — like the L-style mix heads — feature an electronic shot counter maintenance visibility.
Spray-Style Mix Heads
Unlike L-style or Straight-style mix heads that mix chemicals in chambers and then distribute them into molds or via flows, Spray-style mix heads distribute material directly, whether a hand-held sprayer or robotic mount. They distribute the material at high pressure onto a surface or part, such as with coatings or building insulation, with the chemicals being delivered to the mix head via heated hoses that ensure the material performs as desired.
Options abound with Spray-style mix heads. They come available with circulating or non-circulating capability, and hydraulic, pneumatic, or manual actuation controls. As many spray materials can be abrasive, Linden Polyurethane can also couple this mix head style with ceramic mixing chambers that resist wear and tear.
Go In-Depth with Mix Head Options: Match your application with the right selection from our line of mix heads for greater efficiency and performance.
Rely on Linden for Trusted Polyurethane Mixing Equipment
For nearly 40 years, Linden Polyurethane has designed, engineered, and manufactured polyurethane mixing equipment essential for production and for adding desired characteristics to the material. Our broad portfolio encompasses the variety of mix heads discussed above but also includes metering systems, bulk storage systems, pentane blowing machinery, and gas infusion equipment and systems, and more.
No system, device, or piece of equipment comes off the shelf. Each is manufactured according to your specifications and designed to support your production goals — both now and for the long term. Linden Polyurethane backs all of its offerings with best-in-class service and support, and we can validate ongoing production, conduct feasibility trials, or conduct testing for short-run production in our 7,000-square-foot testing and production facility.
Linden Polyurethane is here to support your success, no matter your production goals, equipment needs, or application standards.
