The Benefits of MIXPAC® Dispensing Systems
The MIXPAC® System is an integrated adhesive dispensing
solution consisting of a hand-held pneumatic or manual dispensing
gun, a cartridge, and a static mixer. Since 1985 the MIXPAC® System
has been the most efficient packaging option for formulators
and end-users of 2-component adhesives. The primary benefits
are:
Cost Saving. The MIXPAC® System
has filled the void between the elementary adhesive handling
systems designed for small applications and complex (expensive)
meter, mix and dispensing equipment. Startup costs and
logistics make complex systems impractical for many applications.
Conventional adhesive handling systems inherently have many
drawbacks such as lack of ratio control, inconsistent mixing,
and exposure to hazardous materials. The combined savings from
the disposal of hazardous waste, elimination of material waste,
improved productivity and improved worker safety are significant.
Flexibility.
A 2-component adhesive is as easy to use as a single component
adhesive, thus increasing the number of choices for an application.
With MIXPAC®,
a bonding decision can focus on performance criteria rather
than application issues. In the manufacturing sector this
has led to many product improvements because unlike single
component chemistry, two component chemistry can be tailored
for the application. This flexibility leads to efficient
manufacturing and is the primary reason that 2-component
adhesives are preferred.
In addition to cost-savings and flexibility, MIXPAC® has many other associated benefits, including:
- Hazardous Waste
Reduction. With conventional adhesive handling systems,
transferring adhesive from one container to another generates
large quantities of hazardous waste. When the adhesive
is dispensed from a MIXPAC® cartridge,
the cartridge is left with a negligible amount of adhesive
and can be considered garbage rather than hazardous waste.
- Material Waste Reduction. When using MIXPAC® the adhesive
is mixed in the static mixer as it is dispensed from the
cartridge, therefore only the amount needed is prepared.
In conventional methods all the adhesive is mixed at once
and any adhesive not used within its pot life is wasted.
One cost study showed that it took three 2- oz. jar kits
to complete the same amount of work as one 1.7- oz. MIXPAC® 50
cartridge.
- Improved Adhesive Performance. MIXPAC® inherently
produces perfect ratio control and consistent mixing by eliminating
human error. Together, the dispenser and side by side cartridge
precisely ensure the proper ratio. The static mixer or motionless
mixer, unlike hand mixing, does not add air to the mixing
process, which results in an optimal mixture. Another benefit
of a static mixer is "mixing on demand" or "mix
while dispensing," where you have virtually all of the
adhesives' work life to use. In fact, conventional mixing
methods waste an adhesive's work life and can prevent preferred
adhesives from being practical for some applications.
- Improved Employee Productivity. Conventional adhesive
handling systems rely on workers to measure, transfer, mix,
and dispose of resin, catalyst and cured material waste.
This process of mixing and preparing the adhesive for application
diminishes employee productivity. One American manufacturer's
cost study shows that it took three minutes to prepare the
adhesive for dispensing with conventional methods. The MIXPAC® takes
ten seconds. Over an eight-hour shift this can result in
sizable savings and productivity gains.
- Improved Worker Safety. The MIXPAC system stores, meters,
mixes and dispenses the adhesive, thereby, preventing the
worker from exposure to any hazardous material.