Sigma blade kneader LabDAZM20

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Product overview
A sigma mixer (Z kneader) is a horizontal batch kneading machine for high‑viscosity, high‑solids masses that do not flow. Two Z‑shaped arms work the mass by compression, folding and shear against a water‑jacketed trough, achieving uniform kneading where paddle mixers leave dead zones. The jacket maintains process temperature under PID control. The trough tilts hydraulically up to 110° for discharge. Select the model by loading volume.

Process suitability — immediate exclusions

• Required batch exceeds 50 L (outside the series range).
• Mass flows freely — use a ribbon blender for free‑flowing powders or a high‑shear mixer for dispersions/emulsions.
• Particle size reduction is required — the sigma mixer kneads and homogenises; it does not grind.
• Electrical supply is not 380 V three‑phase; no single‑phase configuration is specified.

Loading volume selects the model

• Up to 20 L per batch → LabDAZM20. Role: laboratory, R&D and small production batches. Power: 4 kW. If batch > 20 L the upper layer is not worked directly and development is uneven.
• Above 20 L and up to 50 L → DAZM50. Role: production batches 20–50 L. Power: 6 kW. If batch well below 20 L the trough is underfilled and the mass sits below the blade path.

Model range — comparison
Model | Loading volume | Power | Supply | Arms | Eliminates if…
LabDAZM20 | 20 L | 4 kW | 380 V / 3‑phase | Double arm | Batch > 20 L (upper layer not worked; uneven development)
DAZM50 | 50 L | 6 kW | 380 V / 3‑phase | Double arm | Batch > 50 L or batch well below 20 L (underfills trough)

Why a Sigma Mixer, not a Paddle Mixer
In high‑solids masses resistance arises from elastic recovery and wall friction rather than viscosity alone. Paddle mixers rely on product circulation; non‑flowing masses leave dead zones. Two Z‑arms work by compression and folding against the trough wall so the mass keeps moving even when it does not flow, avoiding uneven kneading and torque peaks that stall paddle mixers.

Why the trough is water‑jacketed
Dense masses generate heat from friction and arm torque. The water jacket keeps process temperature under PID control. Heating lowers viscosity and reduces torque peaks; connection to an external chilled‑water loop prevents softening, oil bleed and viscosity drift in temperature‑sensitive recipes. Running without jacket control reduces repeatability between batches.

Process constraints (both models)

• Load to the trough capacity — neither overfilling nor severe underfilling allows correct kneading.
• Hard or abrasive inclusions accelerate wear on arms and trough wall; confirm particle hardness before running abrasive masses.
• The mixer kneads only; shaping/forming is a downstream operation on dedicated equipment.

Working sequence

• Pre‑blend dry ingredients in the trough to distribute fine powders.
• Add fats and syrups; knead until a uniform plastic phase forms.
• Hold consistency with jacket temperature control during development.
• Tilt the trough up to 110° to discharge once the mass releases cleanly.

Products suited to a sigma mixer

• Short, soft doughs for rotary moulding and wire‑cut (plastic, non‑flowing dough).
• Granola‑style clusters where controlled agglomeration is required.
• Gum‑type elastic masses requiring strong kneading.
• Dense pastes (note: hard inclusions raise arm wear).

Position in the production line
Upstream: charge dry solids first, then fats and syrups. Downstream: kneaded mass discharges by tilt to forming equipment (rotary moulder, dough extruder or wire‑cut line). The sigma mixer prepares the mass but does not shape it.

Controls and safety
Tilt is enabled only by a deliberate interlock (e.g., two‑hand control). Recipe settings stored on PLC/HMI (mixing time, jacket setpoint, direction changes) ensure repeatability; running without stored recipes forces manual re‑entry and increases drift.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: AkayGAM.
• Design: double‑arm sigma (Z kneader); two Z‑shaped arms working by compression, folding and shear.
• Construction: AISI 304 stainless steel.
• Trough: water‑jacketed with PID‑controlled heater; compatible with external chilled‑water loop.
• Arms: hard chrome‑coated or stainless‑steel sigma arms.
• Discharge: hydraulic tilting trough up to 110°.
• Lid: top lid with gas spring or pneumatic cylinder.
• Electrical supply: 380 V three‑phase.
• LabDAZM20 — loading capacity 20 L; total power 4 kW; price: 21,500.00 (excl. VAT), EXW.
• DAZM50 — loading capacity 50 L; total power 6 kW; price: 25,800.00 (excl. VAT), EXW.
• Typical applications: short/soft biscuit doughs, granola clusters, elastic gum masses, dense pastes.
• Notes: check batch weight vs product density to match working load to trough capacity; confirm particle hardness when using abrasive inclusions.