Cement mixers are a critical piece of machine found in many construction environments due to its ability to contributes to the efficiency of building projects. Primarily cement mixers are unparalleled in their ability to speed up the process of making cement, which in turn makes the whole building process more efficient.

 

In this article, we want to highlight the variety of cement mixers available, of which the majority can easily be found on our website at BS Power. We also want to emphasise the usefulness of the cement mixer by looking at the different ways cement can be used. We hope that this article will help you see these mixers in a new light and maybe even consider purchasing one yourself.

 

The Importance Of Using The Right Mixer

 

Often, contractors find themselves hiring equipment needed for projects. To hire cement mixers for a month is estimated to cost about half the price of a brand-new product, depending on the tool-hire supplier you approach. However, cement mixers are valuable long-term asset critical for a thriving building business. With this in mind there are many benefits to owning a mixer of your own, most importantly though you would never have to worry about the quality of the cement mixers you are getting once hired. investing in your business saves you money for future projects.

 

Cement mixers are designed to repeatedly mix cement to the correct consistency. Without reliable concrete, buildings would not be able to pass basic safety and industry standards, as the buildings stability could be called into question. Mixers are able to create various cement consistencies which makes them useful in a variety of building projects.

 

Standing mixers and truck mixers work on the same basic principles, it’s just their sizes and capacities that differ. A drum must be turned at a consistent rhythm within the machine to mix the concrete combination. The large drum is turned to mix the combination and is at a slant to ensure that all the concrete is combined well enough.

 

If you are a DIY homemaker, we imagine you might find yourself hand-mixing cement, which might result in an uneven cement mixture which may have dire consequences for your building project. A small mixer may be the perfect purchase for you if you are constantly busy with at-home projects.

 

Choosing the right mixer will depend on how big your project is. Your goals and time frame for the project also play an important role in determining what machine will work for you. Here are some popular mixer types you can find in the construction and DIY market. Our list is structured from the smallest to the largest kind of mixers:

 

Drum Mixer:

 

This is a popular option for small-scale and DIY projects. It’s portable and uses a rotating drum to mix concrete. The drum mixer will quickly and efficiently mix smaller amounts of cement at your convenience. It is easy to transport and move around in your work area.

 

Pan Mixer:

 

Also known as a planetary mixer. It is a stationary machine with a rotating pan in the middle to combine a consistent cement mixture. The machine reduces the manual labour that comes with making cement and increases the speed of construction projects.

 

Site Mixer:

 

This is a robust mixer that can accommodate up to 500L of concrete. It’s a common choice for large-scale construction sites. It can be towed to the site with a vehicle because they have solid rubber wheels with bearings that are designed to be safe for towing. Site mixers are engine-powered. It’s the perfect option for construction businesses.

 

Mortar Mixer:

 

Mortar is a combination of cement, fine sand, stone and water. The workable paste is used to bind brick, stone and concrete masonry features. A specialised mortar mixer is needed to make this sort of mixture.

 

Truck Mixers:

 

These are the largest kind of mixers available. This specialised mixer is mounted on the chassis of a truck and transported to massive construction sites carrying quantities of approximately 18 000 kg of concrete.

 

From The BS Power Catalogue

 

At BS Power, we have a wide selection of machines to choose from. All are guaranteed to be the best on the market as we only stock some of the most popular and trusted brands.

 

Of the many available one of our favourite brands has to be our Baumax Mixers which have powerful Honda Engines. Our largest 500 litre volumed cement mixers can hold 420 litres of unmixed cement and 280 litres of mixed cement. The Honda engine is powerful and suited for contractors and construction businesses. The machine has solid rubber wheels with bearings and allows for safe towing as the chassis is constructed out of iron and folded metal.

 

 

How Cement Is Made

 

Cement is made by combining cement, sand, water, and stones. Concrete on the other hand also requires aggregates to be added to the mixture, which is the major differentiating factor between the two.

 

Although this process can be done by hand it is a laborious task, which requires a large amount of manpower. On the other hand, you could just use cement mixers. Large-scale projects will need a machine-powered cement mixer, but small-scale projects might only require a small drum mixer or manpower if only a small amount of cement is needed.

 

Cement powder is chemically manufactured before it is used commercially. Calcium, silicon, aluminium, iron and other ingredients are fired up through a heating process to form a solid rock-like substance. It is then ground up into a fine powder and combined with other ore and iron to be packaged. Later during construction, cement will be mixed to form concrete.

 

What Cement And Concrete Can Be Used For

 

Cement is essential for man-made constructions. Large amounts of cement are mixed to build skyscrapers, homes, shopping malls and almost any other building in the modern world. Cement mixers can also be used for small-scale projects, DIY activities and even art. Here we outline the multitude of things cement can be used for.

 

• Many sculptures commonly utilise cement. These features can add a unique aesthetic to your home.
• One can also easily buy a variety of concrete decorations for the garden which include bird feeders, fountains, and statues.
• In modern architecture, it has become a trend to have exposed concrete in the home.
• You could cover a sculpture, pot plant or structure with cement to make it appear as if it was made out of concrete. This could be a beginner concrete creation.

 

There are endless resources at hand to navigate how to do these things. Through hard work and dedication, you can start your own DIY journey. BS Power is able to advise what you may need for your project. People are constantly changing things in their homes and there is plenty which we can try to do by ourselves.

 

If you are wanting to embark on a DIY project with concrete, it is important to plan out what you are going to be doing. Researching how to combine concrete and finding the right ratios is vital for a successful project. It is also important to have the correct tools and safety measures at hand when building and making things. Planning also prevents wasting materials and money so as to not purchase anything unnecessarily.

 

The best time to work with cement is when it is an even temperature outside; it should range between 10 and 23 Degrees Celsius. It is best when it is not too hot or too cold. Water can evaporate quickly when it is too hot which may interfere with the desired consistency of the cement. On the other hand, when it is too cold, the hydration of concrete mixtures slows down. Before mixing cement, always double-check the expected temperature for the day for the best results.

 

 

Safety And Personal Protection When Using Construction Equipment

 

With any machine, it is important to read the manual before using it. Understanding how the machine works and the safety measures in place within the device is vital to the effective and safe use of the machine and to those working in the vicinity of the machine. On construction sites, things can go very wrong very quickly, especially if safety measures are not in place.

 

Cement is a powder which means it generally becomes airborne. When using a cement mixer, it is highly important to wear a mask or face shield. Inhaling cement powder can be extremely dangerous and cause long-term lung issues. The harsh chemicals in cement such as silica is not good for the body. Breathing in the dust from concrete will irritate the respiratory tract and result in bronchitis and occupational asthma. A mask, respirator or face shield can prevent the risks of inhaling cement powder and can protect the lungs.

 

Machine-powered cement mixers have powerful engines that work quickly, caution needs to be exercised when using these mixers. Workers should be wearing strong boots to prevent injury to the feet. Cement is made from chemicals which can cause irritation to the skin and even chemical burns. If it were to fall onto the workers’ feet, their boots need to be made of material that won’t allow the cement mixture to seep through. Additionally, gloves should always be used when handling cement. Alkaline-resistant boots and gloves can withstand the harsh chemicals in cement and should be worn when handling the product. Boots and gloves also prevent injury from other hazards that may arise on construction sites.

 

Given that cement is made of harsh chemicals, you should wear safety goggles when handling the powder or the actual concrete. Safety goggles will prevent the harsh dust from irritating your eyes or the concrete paste from being flicked into the eye in an accident. Given that a machine might combine stone with cement, shatterproof glasses should be worn to withstand high impacts. It is important for the goggles to be shatterproof to prevent shards of the glasses from entering the eye should they break while you are wearing them.

 

In addition to wearing gloves and boots when handling cement. Long pants and a long shirt should be worn as to prevent chemical burns and skin irritation.

 

As noted, the manual should be read before handling a cement mixer. You should always check that the different components of the cement mixer are in place and secure before you turn it on. Blades should never be bent or manipulated so make sure to check them before use. When you are ready to turn the machine on, you should regularly inspect it to make sure that everything is still going smoothly.

 

BS Power Your Cement Mixer Supplier

 

BS Power provides reliable and safe cement mixers. Contact us today for the best service and products for your construction, DIY and building projects.