The vortex mixing nozzle solves the color and additive mixing problem inside the nozzle, without changing the screw.
Where does the color mixing problem come from?
The mixing problem seen especially on machines producing in color is often a matter of selection: when the plasticizing unit was chosen, the right screw was not selected, or a screw with mixing features was not needed at the time. When production later switches to a product that requires mixing, the standard screw cannot mix the colors sufficiently and color streaks appear on the part.
Options
The first thing that comes to mind is to ask the machine manufacturer or a screw manufacturer for a screw with mixing features. This is both expensive and means changing the screw again; we cover this in detail in our screw and barrel renewal decision article. At this point the vortex mixing nozzle is a lower-cost alternative.
How does it work?
As the molten raw material passes through the nozzle during injection, it flows between inclined vanes. The resulting vortex effect and rotating motion mix the melt at high speed.
The pressure loss, which is the price of mixing, is below 5% and constant.
Use
- Can be fitted to all makes and models of machine.
- It is a single-piece mixer; when the mixing insert is removed it works as a normal nozzle.
- Color changes are easy and it has a self-cleaning feature.
- Its service life is long.
The nozzle improves the mix; holding the additive ratio correctly is the job of gravimetric dosing. To shorten color change times, see our color and material change article.
