Pin Versus Paddle: Which Industrial Food Mixer Is Right For You?

By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online

Selecting equipment based upon the needs of your operation is essential for achieving maximum processing efficiency. Although selecting a mixer may seem relatively mundane, the choice between paddle and pin can greatly impact the quality of your end product

When deciding whether to use a pin mixer versus a paddle mixer, it is important to consider the desired end product and end product material. While each piece of equipment is considered an industrial mixer, knowing the capabilities of each can help determine which one is the right solution for your operation.

Paddle Mixers
Paddle mixers function by putting a material through a tumbling, kneading, and shearing process that results in a tight mixture of materials. Generally, these mixers are used for mixing, conditioning, and agglomerating. Paddle mixers are typically composed of a U-shaped, horizontal trough with a series of pitched paddles mounted on counter-rotating shafts that span the length of the trough. The paddles move the material from the trough’s bottom, up the middle, and down the sides, which creates a kneading and folding process.

Pin Mixers
In a pin mixer, material is put through an intense spinning action, which results in densification. Pin mixers are primarily used for the mixing, densification, and granulation of solids. The mixer is made up of a stationary, cylindrical shell that houses a high-speed central rotor shaft. The shaft spans the length of the mixer and has numerous pins extending outward. With the rotor shaft operating at several hundred RPMs, the pins agitate the material within. Additionally, the high-speed rotation eliminates air and reduces the water volume between material particles. By using a pin mixer, manufacturers can achieve a very-high level of densification compared to other mixing solutions.

Making The Right Choice
Each type of mixer is capable of delivering a wide range of processing capabilities and benefits. However, to get the most out of the equipment, it is critical to match the correct mixer to a specific operation. In most situations, the desired qualities of the end product material ultimately determine whether a pin mixer or paddle mixer is the better choice. In some cases, processing system considerations and facility requirements may play a defining role in mixer choice. However, when given the opportunity, evaluating the raw material and preferred material outcomes will yield better results. In sum, it is best to choose a mixer based on its capabilities of meeting specific material needs.