Kneader unveils MXI intermeshing mixers
By: Brad Dawson
PITTSBURGH --
November 14, 2005

Kneader Machinery Co. Ltd. has introduced its first intermeshing tilt mixer to North America, touting its capabilities for improved dispersion and cooling.

The new patent-pending MXI tilt mixer series is the first mixer of its kind, featuring two-piece intermeshing rotors and hydraulic ramps, said Jacques Mortimer, vice president of manufacturing and sales engineering for Taiwan-based Kneader's U.S. sales arm, Kneader Machinery USA Ltd. The rotors are engineered to maximize processing conditions for heat-sensitive compounds while achieving superior dispersions.

Kneader unveiled the MXI series at Rubber Expo '05, held in Pittsburgh Nov. 1-3.
The company says the new mixers have maximum cooling, single-pass mixing, a shorter mixing cycle and quick cleaning. The MXI models also are designed with optimized water circulation for efficient heat extraction enabling precise temperature control from batch to batch. The mixing chamber features serpentine and labyrinth passageways, which virtually eliminate localized heat build-up, Kneader said.

The mixing chamber tilts down for material changes and cleaning, allowing for easier access and faster cleaning and change times than most other mixers, Mortimer said.

The MXI mixers-with mixing capacity of 50 liters-are designed for shorter-run, technical goods applications as opposed to high volume, he said.

Kneader will be showcasing its MXI mixer for customer testing at its facility in Stow, Ohio, Mortimer said. The company also has its KD dispersion mixers, TSP sheet preformer and 2TE taper screw preformer available for trials in Stow.

(Rubber & Plastics News)