Volumetric mixers are heating up in the cement mixer market these days. Volumetric cement mixers were invented in the 1960s and sit on top of a truck with separate compartments that hold the cement, sand, rocks, and water. Once on the job site, the materials are then mixed according to the specifications and poured. In contrast, a drum mixer merely transports pre-mixed concrete to a job site. The drum spins to keep the mix from hardening during transport and while waiting to be poured. Drum mixers can be traced back to the early 1900s and have dominated the American cement industry. However, volumetric mixers offer opportunities that drum mixers don’t, and their use in the construction industry is growing. So what are the benefits of using a volumetric mixer? Are there any drawbacks to consider?
Benefits of a Volumetric Mixer
- No more wasted cement
Volumetric mixers allow you to mix the amount of cement you need on site quickly. You don’t have to wait for another truck to arrive, or be concerned that you won’t use all of what was ordered and essentially waste cement.
- Saves time on your schedule
Mixing on site allows you to know exactly when you can schedule a job. You won’t have to wait for the cement to arrive, so your employees aren’t wasting time, either.
- Mix anywhere
Volumetric mixers aren’t tied to cement plants that must be in a certain range of the job site or risk the cement hardening in a drum mixer. They are perfect for more remote job sites.
- A green solution
Volumetric mixers eliminate wasted cement and save energy since you’re not transporting cement mixed in a factory and using a drum mixer to spin the cement. They also use less water to clean out the mixer.
- Adaptable for Small or Unexpected Jobs
A volumetric mixer allows you to pour smaller jobs than normal, and it saves time, allowing you to do smaller jobs in less time. It’s also perfect for weekend jobs when pre-mixed cement may not be available, or to fill in in an emergency situation when cement is needed.
Points to Consider Before Purchasing a Volumetric Mixer
Of course, the perfect machine doesn’t exist, and there are always drawbacks to consider before a major investment. Although volumetric mixers offer a lot of advantages, here are some drawbacks to consider.
- Will the ROI of a volumetric mixer outweigh the costs?
Most construction companies pay off the cost of the mixer within five years of purchase.
- Will a volumetric mixer be too complex to operate?
Some training will be required to operate the mixer, but volumetric mixer companies generally offer training and have made operations as user-friendly as possible.
- Do you have the space on site for a volumetric truck?
You’ll need a place to park the truck while it mixes the cement on site and on your company property.
- Will it produce a lesser-quality mix?
It’s possible if the components aren’t mixed properly to produce an inconsistent mix, so training is key to avoid this.
- Is it too dusty for the job site?
As the cement is mixed on site, a volumetric mixer does produce a lot of dust, so keep this in mind when choosing job sites. Are there other businesses likely to be inconvenienced by the dust?
Volumetric mixers are a growing part of the cement mixer market, and many companies are beginning to see how they complement their businesses. It’s worth it to consider the pros and cons of this machine as the construction industry continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.
Read more about volumetric mixers:
Volumetric Concrete Mixers Offer Versatility and Value – For Construction Pros https://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/project-management/volumetric-concrete-mixers-offer-versatility-value
Thinking About Buying A Volumetric Mixer Part 1 – Equipment and Contracting https://www.equipmentandcontracting.com/thinking-about-buying-a-volumetric-concrete-mixer/
Thinking About Buying A Volumetric Mixer Part 2 – Equipment and Contracting https://www.equipmentandcontracting.com/thinking-about-buying-a-volumetric-concrete-mixer-2/
12 Things You Need To Know About Volumetric Mixers – CemenTech
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