Cement mixers are machines designed to combine cement, sand, and water to form a paste which will harden into concrete, this paste has been used for centuries an effective way to bind bricks and building materials together to create architectural structures. The machine is a product of the Second Industrial Revolution, which lasted from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. The second industrial boom in the early 20th century gave rise to many great inventions we still use today including the air brake used for trains, the lightbulb, tractors, and the humble cement mixer.

 

In modern times, cement mixers come in a variety of shapes and sizes meaning their range and abilities to make different amounts of cement differs from machine to machine. This allows people to purchase mixers that will work for their needs, with smaller machines perfect for home DIY projects and bigger machines more suited for construction sites. At BS Power we are proud to supply a great variety of mixers, making it possible for us to meet our clienteles needs.

 

In this article, we discuss the history of cement mixers and look at how they have changed over the years. We also investigate the transition process that cement goes once it has been added to a cement mixer. Finally, we will provide a step-by-step guide for those of you curious on how to work with a mixer of your own.

 

The History Of Cement Mixes

 

Although the cement mixer was invented and patented in 1904 by Richard Bodlaender, the use of various machines designed specifically mix concrete and cement has been in use for over 12 000 years. Below let us review some of these historical examples of the ways in which cement were used by different civilisations.

 

Ancient Mixes

 

It was discovered that limestone could be burned and combined with clay to form whitewashed floors which can be found in modern-day Turkey. Around 800 BC, it was discovered that by using a mixture of volcanic ash and burnt limestone, a hydraulic limestone would develop. This meant that the stone would stay hard underwater. However, this required the ash and limestone to mixed together. This process saw the development of primitive mixing systems that made this process more effective.

 

The Aspdins and Early Modern Cement

 

In the 17th century, where the predecessor of modern cement as we know it was created. Joseph Aspdin, a British builder, experimented with heating limestone and clay until the mixture ignited. He then ground the product and mixed it with water, naming his discovery Portland Cement. His son, William Aspdin, would continue his legacy and make cement which also contained a more effective binding agent: silicate.

 

Post-Industrial Revolution And The Need For Concrete

 

From 1850, the use of concrete became more prevalent in construction, of course, this coincides with the second industrial revolution which is dated to approximately the 1850s. Small bridges, sculptures and concrete pipes would be made. The standardised regulations for the use of cement and concrete were approved in Germany in 1878 and other countries quickly followed suit. By the end of the 19th century hollow concrete blocks made from cement were used for building houses and became more mainstream in construction.

 

The First Patented Cement Mixer

 

At the cement mixture was mixed by hand, but this was a laborious task, and due to the many technological innovations of the industrial revolution, a way to automise this process was quickly discovered. The invention of the cement mixing machine was first designed by T.L. Smith who developed a mixer with a tiltable conical drum with blades which mixed cement more efficiently.

 

Later, Richard Bodlaender, would build on Smith’s ideas and patent the first portable mixer in February 1904. His invention was called a “Mortar Mixer”, the front was supported by a flexible axle which could absorb vibrations and it had a large drum with paddles inside. His improvements on Smith’s design also included a gear system to control how fast the drum spun. It was designed to have wheels as well which mirrors modern-day cement mixers.

 

More Cement Mixers Enter The Market

 

As technology was quickly changing and developing during this period, it encouraged new inventions.

 

• In January 1909, Alyah Handsel patented his own cement mixing device. This one was also portable but used a hexagonal drum which was powered by a coal-fired steam boiler which was attached to a piston pump. There was a gear-train to drive the chain which powered the movement of the drum.
• By 1920, the first concrete mixing truck was invented. Ackert Bickel patented the “Apparatus for Concrete Work.” This innovative design was groundbreaking for construction at the time. Portable mixers had to be attached to a horse and cart or by ox-wagon, to be transported anywhere. However, this machine had a steering wheel and an internal combustion engine with a hand-crank starter which could be accessed at the front of the vehicle. Allowing the machine to be more easily transported to its desired location
• In June 1930, Charles Ball invented the next generation of concrete truck mixers. He patented it as a “Mixing and Agitating Machine,”. He proposed that his invention was more efficient and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture. The objective was to design a truck with a chassis which mounted a drum which had moving blades within the interior to mix cement. In the 1930s the demand for concrete mixing trucks boomed as the world developed. This design would be refined and changed over the next 50 years to develop modern-day cement mixing trucks.

 

 

How Modern-Day Cement Mixers Work And Their Benefits

 

The terms cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, but concrete is what is used when referring to the hardened components of aggregate such as stone, gravel, water and cement. Cement is a complex combination of chemicals like calcium, silicon, aluminium and iron ore combined with minerals such as limestone, clay and gypsum. These ingredients are ground up to form a fine powder.

 

The dry mixture of aggregate absorbs water binding to create cement. Cement mixers are designed to mix cement efficiently and consistently, but how does it work? Here we get into what you need to know about the function of cement mixers.

 

Portable cement mixers have come a long way in their development. At BS Power, our mixers today are towable by a vehicle. They have durable wheels and a strong chassis. The mixer can easily and safely be transported to the site at your convenience. At the most rudimentary level, the function of mixers is to combine cement powder with sand, gravel and water to form concrete. Modern cement mixers have a revolving drum to perform the merging of ingredients discussed above.

 

Portable cement mixers are reliable, multifaceted, and maintainable. At BS Power, our mixers do not exceed a width of 1.2 meters and a height of 1.55 metres. Our smallest model has a capacity of 360 litres and our largest drum has a capacity of 500 litres. All of the mixers are towable. With proper maintenance these machines can last for many years making them a valuable asset to any construction business.

 

Our mixers are powered by Honda and Baumax engines. Having petrol or diesel-powered machines is convenient and needed in South Africa due to the impact of loadshedding in the construction industry. This also means they can be used in remote locations where there is no electrical source. The engines in these machines are powerful and suitable for large scale projects.

 

A major advantage of portable cement mixers is the independence that comes with them. Owning one means you can choose when you want to use it. You can mix the exact amount of cement you need for a project. This minimizes waste and optimises your budget. You also have the autonomy of controlling when you want to pour the concrete without depending on a third-party vendor.

 

A Step-By-Step Guide To Mixing Cement With Your Cement Mixer

 

To start using your cement mixer, you need to measure the amount of cement powder needed. Also account for stone, sand and aggregate that you will need. Measure each ingredient separately and carefully. The correct ratio of materials will vary depending on the project. For example, if you want harder concrete your ratio of powdered cement will be higher and if you need rougher concrete you would a higher ratio of aggregate materials. Water also needs to be available in large containers.

 

1. Once your materials are ready, you can position your mixer. The mixer should be in a stable position and on a level surface. Make sure you have a good understanding of your mixers capabilities and are aware of how your mixer works according to the instruction manual. Clear the area where you are storing your materials to prevent contamination. There should be sufficient space around the mixer.
2. When the mixer is set up correctly, the drum should be slightly tilted. The opening of the drum should be facing upwards at a 45-degree angle. The machine can be powered on.
3. Water should be added to the mixer first. To keep the powdered cement from sticking to the drum add small amounts at a time. Small amounts of aggregate, depending on the ratios you are using, can be added as well to prevent sticking. Continue adding the materials according to the measured amounts needed for your project. After adding the powdered cement, wait about 5 minutes before adding the rest of the sand, stone, or aggregate mixture.
4. Mixers can work on their own, but you should still keep an eye on it as it combines your materials. You need to ensure the drum does not overflow; this shouldn’t happen if you have not exceeded the capacity of your mixer. At the right consistency, the concrete should rise to just over the halfway point of the drum before falling.
5. Once the combination reaches the optimal consistency, turn the mixer off to use the concrete. A shovel should be used inside the rotating drum; this is a major safety hazard and could damage the mixer. The blades or paddles of the mixer may catch the shovel and swing the shovel at the person operating the machine. Make sure the mixer is off before attempting to pour out the concrete.
6. Carefully pour the cement into a wheelbarrow, making sure not to overtrip the mixer and overflow your wheelbarrow. To make another batch of concrete once you have poured the previous batch out repeat this process. Leftover concrete from the previous batch can be cleaned with water to create a slush, this slush can be used for the next batch but keep an eye on the consistency that you wish to achieve.

 

 

BS Power The Home Of Incredible Cement Mixers

 

The history and need of cement in building up urban areas is an extensive one. As you have seen in this article today, the need for more and more cement directly led to the invention and constant improvement of cement mixers over time.

 

At BS Power we are proud to be part of that long history. We stock some of the best machines modern technology has to offer. So if you are in the market for a cement mixer that can handle your mixing jobs look no further than BS Power. Contact us today and lets find a mixer that works for you.