Mixer advancements center around controls, sanitation and maintenance. Manufacturers are developing designs that reduce “down” or nonproductive time, such as sanitation and preventative maintenance procedures. Open frame mixers, for example, provide easy access for sanitation by eliminating enclosed spaces and components under the mixing bowl. “We're also working on a clean-in-place (CIP) system for the mixer bowl that would decrease sanitation time,” says Wendi Ebbing, marketing manager, Shaffer Mixers and Processing Equipment, Urbana, Ohio. “Our new maintenance-free bowl-mounting system does not require lubrication, and our direct drive design eliminates belts and chains, reducing the number of required maintenance points.”

The Peerless Group's cake batter Slurry mixer was redesigned to require two-thirds less water to wash down the bowl. Peerless added CIP systems in its horizontal mixing line and improved its shaft seals to provide a better seal and make the machine easier to clean.

“Controls are where most of the advancements are,” says Matt Zielsdorf, vice president sales and marketing, The Peerless Group, Sidney, Ohio.

Ebbing agrees. “Controls are always advancing as the suppliers continue to develop new technology, but we continue to see a wide range of options being purchased by bakeries. Some still want very simple control packages, while others want sophisticated control systems that are, for example, integrated with the bakery's main computer or information system.”

Consumers continue to request low prices, better safety and sanitation in mixers. “Reducing downtime allows bakeries to be more productive, which directly affects their bottom line,” Ebbing adds.

Blend bulk ingredients
Munson Machinery's new Miniature Rotary Batch Mixer blends bulk ingredients, adds liquids and achieves 100 percent batch uniformity in less than 3 min. The MX-1-SSJ model features an internal spray line for liquid additions, a discharge chute to direct the flow of discharged materials and an insulated, jacketed mixing drum that can be piped to an oil, steam or chiller system.
Munson Machinery Co. Inc.
800-944-6644
www.munsonmachinery.com

Multi-step cycles
The Ultimate planetary mixer, offered by Gemini Bakery Equipment Co., features stainless-steel construction with a complete range of interchangeable mixing tools. PLC-controlled, it offers programmable multi-step mixing cycles and formula management. Standard mixers range in size from 200 l to 600 l. Unique mixing system solutions are available for the most difficult applications.
Gemini Bakery Equipment Co.
215-673-3520
www.geminibe.com