--- title: Planetary Mixers slug: process/planetary-mixers description: Discover the power of planetary mixers with our guide on models like the Kakuhunter SK-300SII and SK-1100T. Learn how to use these mixers to prepare Carbon bulk resins for printing. docTags: createdAt: 2024-07-04T01:05:40.942Z --- # Overview ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem A **planetary mixer **operates by combining planetary rotation with centrifugal force. The mixing container spins on its axis while orbiting around a central point, ensuring effective blending and dispersion of materials. Different planetary mixers are required for different container sizes. Some important points to consider when using planetary mixers: - Fastest non-MMD process times - Simple process - High price point - Sealed mixing container - Mixing capacity up to 2000 g ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Kakuhunter SK-300SII](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/1WJVfdzi2dDhTcXNysxaz_image.png "Kakuhunter SK-300SII") ::: :::: The table below compares the two models of planetary mixer that have been validated by Carbon. | **Mixer** | **Max Capacity** | **Hands-On Time** | **Machine Time** | **Total Process Time** | **Equipment Cost** | | ------------------------ | ---------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------ | | **Kakuhunter SK-300SII** | 300 g | 3 minutes | 6 minutes | 9 minutes | $$$ | | **Kakuhunter SK-1100T** | 2000 g | 5 minutes | 7 minutes | 12 minutes | $$$$ | # Equipment & Accessories ## Planetary mixer ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem This mixer generates strong centrifugal force during operation. Because of this, a **counterbalance **must be placed opposite the resin container. Smaller models can have an adjustable weight built into the mixer. Larger models may require the addition of a second container filled with water or an equivalent amount of resin. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/hcVi9v0-aSHR_6RWxOAJD_image.png) ::: :::: | **Model** | **Max Capacity** | **Tips** | **Price** | | -------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------------------------- | --------- | | Kakuhunter SK-300SII | 300 mL | - | $$$ | | Kakuhunter SK-1100T | 1100 mL x2 = 2200 mL | Can mix two 1100 mL containers at once | $$$$ | :::hint{type="info"} Best practice dictates using **50% of the total capacity** for mixing (for example, 150 mL of a 300 mL cup). This ensures good mixing action. See the **Kakuhunter Processing Capacity** handout below for information. ::: ### Kakuhunter Technical Documents **General** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem Processing Capacity of Kakuhunter Mixers ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-4t4s3YrBa-IDOgT0DZJ5a-20250124-172522.pdf" label="Kakuhunter processing capacity.pdf"} ::: :::: **Kakuhunter SK-300SII (300 mL capacity)** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem Read First ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-_oBdqqCoho3M3DEjrIpmH-20250124-172522.pdf" label="Kakuhunter SK-300S2 100V Read First 20171101.pdf"} ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem Quick Start ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-wlxrzDW6XsqBhdNZ3hd5Q-20250124-173514.pdf" label="Kakuhunter SK-300S2 Quick Start 20170314.pdf"} ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem User Manual ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-aKhnEYCiDaXak_4QjArsb-20250124-172522.pdf" label="Kakuhunter SK-300S2 100V User Manual.pdf"} ::: :::: **Kakuhunter SK-1100T (2200 mL capacity)** ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem User Manual ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::File{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/presign/uXbZOKjJTGpPhjapQ8fvM-6YgdSH4RVFqbq1miw3t9L-20250124-173045.pdf" label="Kakuhunter SK-1100T User Manual_Ver1.00_20190607.pdf"} ::: :::: ## Mixing cups ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem - Planetary mixing containers or cups typically feature a container with a **seal **and **screw lid** to keep resin contained during the high speed rotation of the mixer. - Various sizes and adapters are available for planetary mixers. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/M6NtFKRnb4e8XNST5Fd6Z_image.png" size="80" width="1000" height="1000" position="center" showCaption="false"} ::: :::: # Operation :::hint{type="info"} **Consult the product manual for specific instructions about operation.** ::: ::::::WorkflowBlock :::::WorkflowBlockItem ## Load the mixer ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Push the inner seal into the top of the cup. 2. Screw the lid over the seal and cup. 3. Insert the cup into the mixer. Make sure it is aligned with the tab. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Ensure cup is aligned with tabs](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/O9k5b2J8pQL1ApfQgeXtM_image.png "Ensure cup is aligned with tabs") ::: :::: ::::: :::::WorkflowBlockItem ## Set the counterweight Follow the instructions for your particular mixer model. ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **SK-300SII** 1. Weigh the total mass of the cup and resin. 2. Set the counterweight dial to equal the mass of the cup and resin. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Set the counterweight dial](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/YnSLP6YVueFvNwzir75cN_image.png "Set the counterweight dial") ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem **SK-1100T** 1. In another mixing cup, add **water **with the same mass as the resin in the resin cup. 2. Push the inner seal into the cup and screw the lid on. 3. Place the water cup in the position across from the resin cup. 4. Alternately, if you’d like to mix more resin, fill the second mixing cup with the same mass (+/- 100 g) as the first. Close the lid and place across from the first resin cup. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Add secondary cup equal mass to first cup](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3CesIL2dYMCHPZvRjp8S0/r5ce4C7G1PadnjcVGHybv_image.png "Add secondary cup equal mass to first cup") ::: :::: ::::: :::WorkflowBlockItem ## Choose the mixing program Follow the instructions for your particular mixer model. **SK-300SII** 1. Mix for 4 min, 2000 RPM. 2. Degas for 30 seconds at 2200 RPM **SK-1100T** 1. Preset program 1 ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem ## Remove cups from mixer 1. When mixing is complete, remove the container(s) from the mixer. 2. Unscrew the lid, remove the seal and dispense resin into the printer cassette. Begin printing promptly in order to maximize pot life. ::: :::::: ## Workflow Videos ### Kakuhunter SK-300SII ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/707973787?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video text** - Place inner seal in container and secure lid - Align tab in mixer with slot on container - Turn dial to set counterweight using Gross Weight scale at left ::: ### Kakuhunter SK-1100T ::embed[]{url="https://player.vimeo.com/video/707983074?dnt=1"} :::ExpandableHeading **Video text** - Place inner seal in container and secure lid - Align tab in mixer with slot on container - Place 2nd mixing container with an equivalent mass of water or resin in the opposite position :::