SOLY SK-350T Planetary Vacuum Mixer
| Brand | SOLY |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | SK-350T |
| Drive Principle | Planetary Dual-Axis Rotation (Container Orbiting + Spinning) |
| Vacuum Capability | Integrated Vacuum Chamber (Optional or Standard per Configuration) |
| Mixing Time Range | 10–180 seconds |
| Maximum Viscosity Handling | Up to 1,000,000 mPa·s (dependent on container size and material density) |
| Container Capacity | 0.5–350 mL (standard with interchangeable chuck fixtures) |
| Speed Control | Digital PID-regulated motor with independent orbital and rotational speed adjustment (Orbit: 0–250 rpm |
| Spin | 0–800 rpm) |
| Construction | Stainless steel frame, anodized aluminum drive head, vacuum-rated polycarbonate chamber (optional borosilicate glass viewport) |
Overview
The SOLY SK-350T Planetary Vacuum Mixer is an engineered solution for high-integrity dispersion, homogenization, and degassing of viscous, shear-sensitive, and multi-phase materials—without reliance on blades, rollers, or high-shear impellers. It operates on the principle of planetary dual-axis motion: the mixing container simultaneously orbits around a central axis while rotating about its own axis. This generates controlled centrifugal acceleration (up to 12×g, configurable via speed ratio tuning) that drives rapid radial and axial material movement, enabling efficient bubble migration to the surface and subsequent removal under vacuum. Unlike conventional mixers, the SK-350T eliminates mechanical scraping, localized heating, and particle attrition—making it especially suitable for formulations where structural integrity, particle morphology, or chemical stability must be preserved.
Key Features
- True planetary kinematics with independently adjustable orbital and rotational speeds—enabling precise control over shear profile and bubble release kinetics.
- Integrated vacuum chamber option (rated to ≤10 Pa absolute pressure) with digital vacuum gauge and automatic pressure hold function for consistent degassing performance.
- Digital PID motor control system ensures repeatable torque delivery and speed stability across load variations (±0.5% speed accuracy, full-scale).
- Interchangeable chuck system accommodates standard conical, cylindrical, and custom-profile containers (0.5–350 mL), supporting ASTM D1200 and ISO 2555-compliant sample geometry protocols.
- Stainless steel chassis and corrosion-resistant drive components meet IP54 environmental rating for laboratory and cleanroom-adjacent operation.
- Emergency stop, lid interlock, and real-time motor temperature monitoring comply with IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility and functional safety requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SK-350T handles diverse material classes—including epoxy resins, silicone gels, conductive pastes, battery electrode slurries, optical adhesives, ceramic suspensions, and pharmaceutical ointments—without phase separation or filler settling. Its non-contact mixing mechanism preserves particle size distribution (PSD) and avoids contamination from wear debris. The system supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with optional audit-trail-enabled software (see Software & Data Management). All wetted parts are compatible with common solvents (e.g., acetone, IPA, NMP) and withstand cleaning per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom maintenance standards. Vacuum chamber variants conform to JIS Z 8127 for residual gas analysis readiness.
Software & Data Management
The optional SK-Link™ PC interface (USB-C + Ethernet) enables protocol-based method storage (up to 99 user-defined programs), real-time parameter logging (speed, vacuum level, time, temperature if external probe connected), and CSV export for traceability. Software complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through electronic signature support, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails. All mixing logs include timestamp, operator ID, container ID, and deviation flags—facilitating root-cause analysis during QC investigations or regulatory audits.
Applications
- Electronics manufacturing: Void-free encapsulation of MEMS devices, LED packaging, and underfill dispensing prep.
- Battery R&D: Homogeneous slurry preparation for Li-ion cathode/anode coatings without carbon black agglomeration.
- Advanced materials: Dispersion of nanofillers (CNTs, graphene oxide) in polymer matrices at sub-1% loading.
- Medical device assembly: Degassed silicone adhesive mixing for implant-grade bonding applications.
- Academic research: Reproducible formulation development for thixotropic hydrogels and viscoelastic biomaterials.
FAQ
Does the SK-350T require calibration before first use?
No routine factory calibration is required; however, users should verify speed accuracy annually using a certified tachometer per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
Can the mixer handle abrasive pastes containing alumina or silicon carbide?
Yes—provided container material (e.g., hardened stainless steel or zirconia-lined vessels) is selected to match abrasion resistance requirements; standard polycarbonate jars are not recommended for >10 wt% hard filler content.
Is vacuum operation mandatory for degassing?
Vacuum significantly enhances bubble removal efficiency—especially for high-viscosity (>50,000 mPa·s) or low-surface-tension systems—but atmospheric-mode mixing remains effective for moderate viscosity materials with low entrapped air content.
What safety certifications does the SK-350T carry?
CE marking (EMC & LVD directives), PSE certification for Japanese market deployment, and conformity to UL 61010-1 Third Edition for laboratory electrical equipment safety.
How is container balance verified prior to operation?
The system includes a dynamic imbalance detection algorithm that monitors motor current variance during acceleration; unbalanced loads trigger automatic shutdown and visual alert before reaching operational speed.
