Ross recently introduced several new features on its ribbon blender models, including low-maintenance, gasket-free covers; custom bag dump station with safety grating; clamshell coupling for quick agitator removal; vacuum and pressure-rated blenders with reinforced troughs; heavy-duty models for dense materials; bottom discharge extruder assembly; and end wall scrapers.

The blenders can be used for blending dry powders, granules, pellets and other solid forms. They can also function as paste mixers, vacuum dryers and granulators. This style of blender reportedly mixes product within a U-shaped trough via a horizontal agitator with inner and outer helical ribbons precisely pitched to move materials in a well-balanced axial and radial flow pattern. Tightly controlled clearances between the trough surfaces and agitator tips can ensure fast and thorough mixing. An interchangeable paddle agitator can be supplied for gentler blending of shear-sensitive and friable applications.