Small component automation

Due to various quality requirements in the industrial production of products, the supply automation of small quantities, the small component automation , is a common part of the manufacturing process of pre- mixes .

Mixtures are used today in the industry mainly through batch processes made. Since in many cases not all components involved in the mixture can be brought in directly, hybrid processes are used. In an upstream work step, premixes are produced, which are then automatically fed into the process as a single small component via a continuous dosing system.

Depending on the end product, different mixing processes are used for food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and plastics.

Examples of the use of small components in industry:

Horizontal mixer

The principle of the horizontal mixer is widespread and is used in almost all industries. In the manufacture of construction chemical products in particular, the feed via the tower concept with vertical material flow and control screening of all raw materials used is automated in an energy-efficient manner. Small components serve as control additives in the mixtures, such as accelerators or retarders. Typical products that are manufactured on such a system with small component automation are e.g. B. tile adhesive, natural stone adhesive, grout and wall filler.

Vertical mixer

In the food industry, this mixer principle is used for the production of ready-made soups, flavors , spice mixtures and food ingredients. They create homogeneous mixtures. They also offer the option of mixing in not only dry substances but also liquid components. The system avoids cross-contamination, especially with small components, and enables safe batch separation.

Agitator tank

This mixing principle is used in the production of yoghurts, desserts and chocolate fillings in order to mix dry matter with liquids homogeneously. Small quantities and ingredients are weighed by the operator and automatically fed into the mixing process in a controlled manner.

Kneader

Kneaders are widespread both in the field of fresh and long-life baked goods and in the production of dough pieces. Typical products that are produced with kneaders are e.g. B. Bread, cookies and waffles. The main raw materials such as flour and sugar are conveyed to the kneader with suction weighing systems. Other small components such as baking agents, spices, yeast, cocoa and fat, but also liquid ingredients can be fed in with the help of special automatic systems, depending on the application.