Evolution of SEMKIT® Mixing
July 11, 2016
Semkit® packages have been used in the aerospace industry for the last 7 decades and are most commonly used to mix sealants and adhesives. Semkit® packages are an ideal solution for storing, mixing, and applying two-component, ratio-sensitive chemicals. There are several different methods for mixing Semkit® packages to ensure a thorough and consistent mix. During the early use of Semkit® packages, workers mixed the two-component materials by hand in most instances, which required manually moving the dasher rod and dasher up and down, and in a circle. This method provided better consistency and improved the quality of the mixed material as compared to mixing can kits.
Through the years, PPG’s aerospace business has introduced new technology that has contributed to continuous process improvements and greater productivity. In particular, PPG has been a leader in advanced mixing solutions of two-component materials. One of PPG’s first technological innovations was the SEMCO® 285 mixer. This mixer provided an alternative to manual mixing by offering a semi-automatic approach to mix filled Semkit® packages. Benefits of the mixer included reduced worker fatigue, better consistency, and more uniformly mixed product. Later, PPG introduced the Semco® 388 mixer. It offered automatic mixing of filled Semkit® packages and included a timer to automatically shut off the mixer at pre-selected mix times. The benefits included easy operation, lower mixing labor, reduced worker fatigue, and improved productivity. These mixers have made significant contributions to the manufacturing processes.
PPG continues to be a leader of mixing equipment for two-component materials. Within the last 18 months, PPG has launched a portfolio of new mixers to address the changing needs of the aerospace industry for customers who are looking for the most robust and consistent methods to mix Semkit® packages. In 2015, PPG introduced the Semco® 1088 mixer, a product based on several decades of research.
The Semco® 1088 mixer is designed to address the most common issues that customers have in mixing Semkit® packages, such as: improper injection of catalyst, adjusting for different Semkit® types, insufficient stroke-count, and consistency.
To address these issues, the Semco® 1088 mixer:
- Automatically injects catalyst
- Has a one touch adjustment for different Semkit® types
- Utilizes a Semkit® ruler to determine Semkit® type
- Operates exclusively based on stroke count for more consistency
- Is fully pneumatic, requiring only one power source
- Has a safety guard which is CE approved (European conformity)
PPG continues to bring innovation in mixing to the aerospace industry. We have launched several derivatives of existing and new technologies to address emerging needs such as: light-weight solutions (Semco® 488 LW Mixer), heavy-duty mixers (Semco® 588 HD & Semco® 1088 HD mixers), and even intrinsically-safe alternatives (Semco® 1188 Mixer) to manage the changing environment of aircraft OEMs and maintenance facilities.
For a brief video on how to operate the Semco 1088® mixer from start to finish and for additional product information please click here.
As the aerospace industry looks for ways to improve product flow, productivity, manufacturing costs, product quality, and worker safety, PPG will continue to introduce innovative mixing solutions. We look forward to working with you to identify mixing solutions. All of PPG’s Semkit® package mixers are available through our global Application Support Center network.
To determine which model is ideal for your environment, please contact your local PPG account manager.
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