--- title: Vortex Mixers slug: process/vortex-mixers description: Discover the efficiency of vortex mixers for blending Carbon bulk resins in large-scale production. Capable of handling up to 1.800 kilos of resin with a swift 19-minute cycle, this setup simplifies operations by eliminating manual stirring. docTags: createdAt: 2024-07-04T01:05:11.739Z --- # Overview ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem A **vortex mixer** operates by rapidly spinning a sealed container creating a swirling vortex that forces air out of the liquid. The contents are blended without the need for stirring rods or blades. This technology is widely used for mixing paint. Vortex mixers are a good fit for most production applications. They can be particularly useful for larger scale production where large quantities of resin are required for each build. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1737665686/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/radia_vortex_mixer_700x700.png" size="76" width="700" height="700" position="flex-start" caption="Radia Speed Demon mixer" alt="Radia Speed Demon mixer" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: ## Highlights - Simple operation - All-in-one solution - No accessories to buy aside from paint cans for holding resin during mixing. - Sealed mixing container - Mixing capacity from **1000 to 1800 g **Equipment & Accessories ## Specifications | **Max Capacity** | **Hands-On Time** | **Machine Time** | **Total Process Time** | **Equipment Cost** | | ---------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------ | | 1800 g | 3 minutes | 16 minutes | 19 minutes | $$ | # Equipment and Accessories ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem ## Vortex mixer - Features drop-in loading and a built-in timer. - Example device: [Radia 1 Gallon Speed Demon](https://radiaproducts.com/paint-mixers-shakers/vortex-paint-mixers/1-gallon-speed-demontm) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1737665686/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/radia_vortex_mixer_700x700.png" size="70" width="700" height="700" position="center" caption="Radia Speed Demon mixer" alt="Radia Speed Demon mixer" showCaption="true"} ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1737665872/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/Vortex_paint_can_01_small.jpg" size="60" width="800" height="806" position="center" caption="Paint can" alt="Paint can" showCaption="true"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ## Plastic paint can - 1 gallon (3.79 liter) cans with friction-fit lid. - Quart (0.95 liter) and pint (0.47 liter) cans can also be used. - These smaller cans require an **adapter **to work with the vortex mixer. The adapter encloses the smaller can so that it fits securely in the one gallon size of the vortex mixer. - See the [Radia website](https://radiaproducts.com/complete-your-system/quart-and-pint-adapter-1015rd) for more information. - Securely contain components during agitation in the mixer. - Polypropylene plastic cans are recommended as they are compatible with all Carbon resins. ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="right"} :::VerticalSplitItem ## Paint can closer Paint can closers seal cans in a single motion, reducing the risk of paint lid failure. Highly recommended to prevent paint can failure due to improper closing. - Use caution to avoid injury during use. - [Manual example](https://www.thecarycompany.com/lid-press-paint-can-closer-base-plate-30wpcd) - [Automatic example](https://www.amazon.com/RADIA-Automatic-Lid-Press-A1005/dp/B07ZFX58FW) ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Paint can closers](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1737665693/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/paint_can_closers.jpg "Paint can closers") ::: :::: ::::VerticalSplit{layout="left"} :::VerticalSplitItem ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/v1737665705/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/paint_can_opener.png" size="70" width="800" height="679" position="center" caption="Paint can opener" alt="Paint can opener" showCaption="true"} ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ## Paint can opener - Required to pry the lid open after mixing. - A variety of other tools may be used including a flathead screwdriver. ::: :::: # Operation :::hint{type="info"} The following is a general guide for usage. Consult your vortex mixer product manual for specific instructions about operation. ::: :::hint{type="warning"} **The plastic can must be at least 50% full to ensure proper mixing.** If you need to mix smaller quantities, use smaller paint cans. ::: ::::::WorkflowBlock :::::WorkflowBlockItem ## Seal the paint can ::::VerticalSplit{layout="middle"} :::VerticalSplitItem 1. Place the lid on the paint can containing the components to be mixed. 2. Load the can and lid into the paint can closer. 3. Pull the closer lever down to seal the can. 4. Remove the can from the closer. 5. Inspect the lid to ensure the lid is securely sealed. ::: :::VerticalSplitItem ![Seal the can](https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/Can-closer-in-use-01.png "Seal the can") ::: :::: ::::: :::WorkflowBlockItem ## Load the vortex mixer 1. Load the paint can into the vortex mixer. 2. Check the can to make sure it is secure. 3. Close the vortex mixer cover. ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/Load-and-close-01-1k.jpg" size="70" width="1000" height="638" position="flex-start" caption="Load the mixer" alt="Load the mixer" showCaption="true"} ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem ## Start the mixer 1. Set the mixing time for **16 minutes.** 2. The vortex mixer will start. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem ## Remove mixed resin and dispense 1. After mixing is complete, open the mixer cover and remove the can. 2. Use the paint can opener or a flathead screwdriver to pry the lid off of the can. 3. Dispense the mixed resin into the cassette. 4. Begin printing promptly in order to maximize pot life. ::Image[]{src="https://res.cloudinary.com/carbon3d/image/upload/Education/Process/Resin%20Mixing%20and%20Dispensing/Vortex-Mixers/vortex_mixer_dispense_02_600x600.gif" size="70" width="600" height="600" position="flex-start" caption="Use spatula to remove resin from can" alt="Use spatula to remove resin from can" showCaption="true"} ::: ::::::