The working principle of a plasticator is mainly based on shear and rheological theories. Through strong shearing, stirring, and mixing of the materials, the molecular chains between the material particles are broken and reorganized, changing the molecular structure and thus achieving the effect of plasticizing and mixing. The following is a detailed introduction to the working process and the functions of key components of internal mixers and open mixers:

Internal Mixer

• Workflow ：
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  • Feeding First, the materials that need to be mixed and plasticized are added to the feeding port of the internal mixer. For example, in the production of rubber products, after the raw rubber and various compounding agents (such as vulcanizing agents and accelerators) are prepared in a certain proportion, they are put into the internal mixer from here.
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  • Heating The internal mixer is equipped with a heating device, which heats the material to the required temperature, softening or melting the material for subsequent mixing operations. For example, when processing some harder plastic raw materials, heating allows them to enter a plastic state faster.
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  • Mixing When the material reaches the predetermined temperature, the mixer (rotor) of the internal mixer starts to rotate, using the regular contraction of the space generated during its relative motion to generate shear force, and performs strong shearing, impact, stirring, and mixing on the material, so that the material achieves plasticization and mixing under high temperature and high pressure. Taking the mixing of rubber raw materials in automobile tire production as an example, the raw rubber and various compounding agents are fully mixed in the internal mixer through this process, and various components are evenly distributed in the rubber matrix, improving the comprehensive performance of the rubber.
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  • Discharging When the mixing process is completed, open the discharge port of the internal mixer and discharge the mixed material. The discharged material is usually a viscous mass; for example, common rubber is in this state after mixing, and often needs further processing with an open mixer.
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  • Cooling and Cleaning After discharging, the inside of the internal mixer needs to be cooled and cleaned for the next mixing and plasticizing operation, ensuring the normal use of the equipment and the stability of the quality of the next mixed product.
• Key Components and Functions ：
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  • Mixing Chamber This is the main working part of the internal mixer. It has a mixer (rotor) and a heating device inside, providing a closed space environment for material mixing and plasticizing, ensuring that the mixing process is carried out under relatively stable conditions, preventing material spillage and the mixing of external impurities.
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  • Mixer (Rotor) As a key component of the internal mixer, its shape is generally pear-shaped in cross-section and Z-shaped spiral along the longitudinal direction, and the speeds of the two rotors are slightly different. There is a constant speed ratio between the rotors and between the rotors and the inner wall of the mixing chamber. Through its own rotational motion, it produces strong shearing, impact, stirring, and mixing effects on the material, enabling the material to achieve mixing and plasticization.
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  • Heating Device It can heat the material to the required softening or melting temperature. According to different material properties and process requirements, it accurately controls the temperature range to meet the mixing needs.
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  • Transmission Device Used to drive the mixer (rotor) to rotate, ensuring that it operates according to the set speed and rotation method, providing stable power support for the mixing process.
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  • Discharging Device After mixing, the mixed material can be smoothly discharged from the internal mixer, ensuring that the discharging process is fast, smooth, and can completely discharge the material.