Quality products start with quality materials. Lancaster Mixers improve material processing and achieve better results than conventional mixing or pelletizing machines in a single machine and process. Exploring how to achieve better material results starts in the Lancaster Products laboratory. Whether our customers are looking to improve an existing process, or define a new method for processing materials, the high shear mix design for producing the end product is iterative. It starts as a proof of concept, and scales up to a production mixer run along the way refining the optimal mix program. Many Lancaster customers consider the process through a K-series high shear mixer the secret catalyst to make their products extraordinary and give them an advantage in an ever more competitive marketplace.
Buying a key piece of equipment without knowing exactly how it will perform is a risky proposition, so Lancaster Products will work hand-in-hand with clients to establish a level of comfort with the K series mixer before ever committing to a purchase order. For a small investment in time and money, Lancaster Products provides a complete scope of testing services. This important activity allows our customers to hit the ground running with an established mix design and knowledge on mixer operation.
Lancaster Products makes it easy to get started. Our Engineering staff works with our customer to arrange a mutually convenient test date prior to the shipment of test materials. Even though the Lancaster Products staff can perform the R&D to qualify the material outcome, clients are strongly encouraged to actively participate in the tests. Testing can be done to target a customer predefined set of material outcomes, criteria/properties or to maximize a specific outcome such as processing time, yield, or target pellet size. After testing is completed, the Lancaster staff provides a complete report of the testing results along with the associated mix design. Lancaster even offers a money back guaranty for proof of concept testing if the predefined material outcome cannot be achieved.
The Lancaster Testing Process:
STEP 1–Proof of Concept: Begins by testing in a Lancaster K1 Mixer with 2000-3000 grams of material. This test will determine if the Lancaster Mixer is an appropriate piece of equipment for the process. Testing can take place in the Lancaster Products testing facility in Lebanon, PA or at the customer site with a rental K1-Lab Mixer.
STEP 2– Production Scale: Going beyond proof of concept, the next round of testing is typically done in a K4 or K5 production mixer. The Lancaster Products Engineering staff works to scale the K1 mix design to a production scale.
STEP 3– Mix Optimization: Once the mix design achieves the desirable material properties, the Lancaster Staff will work to improve the process to achieve results that exceed customer defined acceptable material outcomes such as improved yield rates, reduced processing times and enhanced material properties.
Benefiting from decades of mixing knowledge, Lancaster Products has built a deep database of mixing data across multiple industries. We are happy to apply our knowledge and expertise to your application. Lancaster Products is proud to work with our customers to provide the solution for better material outcomes.
Contact us today to discuss how a Lancaster Mixer can improve your material outcome and schedule a time to test.
717-273-2111