Construction and automotive repair often require controlled blends of adhesives and sealants. Reliable and efficient applications can depend on precise and repeatable placement of epoxies and other two-component (2K) adhesives and sealants for such tasks as concrete anchoring, crack injection, foam insulation, seam sealers, bumper repair, windshield installation, and sound deadening. Before 2K adhesives can be applied, however, they must be properly mixed; this mixing process cannot be taken for granted. Studies have shown that poorly mixed 2K adhesives can suffer a loss in adhesion strength, resulting in compromised long-term durability and reliability. Similarly, 2K sealants are often processed in a similar manner and the mixing process is critical for optimum results.
Fortunately, a significant advance was made recently in the state of fluid mixing dynamics. A patented 2K fluid mixing approach was developed by combining knowledge of fluid dynamics with computer-aided modeling and analysis. The new static mixing method provides complete mixing of 2K adhesives in a shorter length than earlier 2K mixer techniques. It yields excellent flow rates with thorough mixing of the two fluid components and 30% less retained fluid volume compared to previous disposable mixers.