Inks and Pigment Sigma Mixer

It is suitable for offset inks, flexographic inks, gravure inks, screen printing inks, and specialized pigment dispersions. The high-shear action improves color intensity, stability, shine, and overall product quality while increasing production efficiency.

The mixer is offered in Stainless Steel 316, Stainless Steel 304, and Mild Steel. Stainless steel versions can be finished in matt or mirror polish as required, while mild steel models receive one coat of red oxide and two coats of epoxy paint.

It uses two counter-rotating ‘Z’-shaped (sigma) blades that rotate at different speeds toward each other. This creates bulk movement, stretching, folding, dividing, and recombining of the material, along with high shear against the blades and trough walls for effective particle breakdown and uniform mixing. Discharge is done by tilting the container, bottom valves, or an extrusion screw.

Tangential blades (meeting side-by-side) rotate at different speeds (typically 3:2 ratio) and deliver higher shear, making them ideal for high-viscosity materials such as flush colors, dyes, and pigments. Overlapping blades rotate at the same speed, provide faster material interchange, and suit lighter-viscosity materials, though with lower kneading/shearing action.

Models range from ASM-50 (approx. 50 L working / 80 L gross) to ASM-3000 (approx. 3000 L working / 3800 L gross). Motor power is available in general and heavy-duty ratings (e.g., 5–7.5 HP for the smallest model up to 100–120 HP for the largest), with voltage adjustable to local requirements.

Discharge can be manual (hand-wheel operated) or automatic (hydraulic operated). Additional options include bottom valves or a screw/extrusion system for controlled product removal.

Yes. A jacket for heating or cooling can be provided, complete with mineral wool insulation and cladding. This supports temperature-controlled batch processing essential for consistent ink and pigment quality.

A minimum gap between the trough inner shell and blades reduces sticking. Tangential Z-blades provide uniform mixing, PTFE shaft sealing offers food-grade compatibility where needed, and optional spray or vacuum systems are available on demand. Low dead spots further ensure consistent results.

It handles extremely viscous materials (millions of centipoise) where other mixers fail, delivers excellent pigment dispersion without clumping, works with abrasive materials (hardened blades available), and provides controlled-temperature batch processing for superior color quality and process efficiency.