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Wet grinding has become an indispensable technological process in the manufacture of paints, inks, and coatings. This method, which relies on the use of ceramic microspheres in a liquid medium, not only ensures perfect homogenization and extremely fine micrometric particle sizes while preserving the molecular structure of the formulations, but also offers unmatched operational advantages over traditional technologies. By optimizing thermal control, energy consumption is significantly reduced, and a clean, dust-free working environment is ensured. Furthermore, implementing wet grinding is key to maximizing optical quality, profitability, and safety in any production facility.

What is wet grinding, and why is it essential?

In the manufacture of paints, inks, enamels, and coatings, achieving the proper fineness and perfect homogenization is a key factor in ensuring the optical and mechanical quality of the final product. Wet grinding has established itself as an indispensable industrial process, in which the movement of ceramic microspheres is used to separate and reduce solid particles previously incorporated into a liquid medium.

Compared to other traditional technologies, this method offers unmatched operational and performance benefits for any production facility.

What are the 8 advantages of wet grinding?

Below, we examine the main reasons why this process makes a difference in achieving maximum quality and profitability:

1. Effective initial separation: The effect of pre-mixing the solid into the liquid provides an initial separation of particles.

2. Gentle product handling: Wet grinding allows for gentle processing of the product, preserving its molecular structure.

3. Safe and clean working environment: The process in a liquid medium prevents dust emissions that may cause material losses, while also improving workplace safety, cleanliness, and operator comfort.

4. Energy efficiency: Wet grinding processes use less energy to achieve the smallest particle size.

5. Superior thermal control: The use of a liquid medium during the process promotes heat exchange and allows for better control of process temperatures.

6. Formulation optimization: The variation in viscosity of the liquid medium allows for more efficient formulations.

7. Guaranteed homogeneity: Final particle size distributions are much more uniform in wet grinding processes.

8. Extreme fineness: Smaller micrometric and submicrometric particle sizes are achieved.

Why is it advisable to seek specialized technical advice when selecting wet grinding equipment?

Choosing the right mill is a key factor in optimizing your facility’s productivity, reducing energy costs, and ensuring the highest quality of the final product.

Since every formulation and production line has unique requirements, our technical and consulting team is at your disposal to assess your specific needs. Contact us and we will provide personalized advice on selecting the most suitable machinery, as well as guide you on how to optimize your production plant to get the most out of your process.

If you want to learn more about the wet grinding process and how to optimize it, read this article.

 

dispersion request information

 

dispersión

What is dispersion and why is it the first step in paint manufacturing?

  • Critical process phase: Dispersion separates agglomerated pigment and filler particles within a liquid medium, making it essential for properties such as color, hiding power, and paint gloss.
  • Determining factors: The success of dispersion depends on the formulation (resins, additives, and solvents), surface tension control, and the order in which solids are incorporated.
  • Mechanical optimization: Operating under laminar flow conditions, with viscosities between 20 and 100 poise and temperatures ranging from 50 to 60°C, is key to maximizing shear without degrading the product.
  • Specialized technology: High-speed disperser disc agitators are required, such as the Dispermix range from Oliver + Batlle, equipped with toothed turbines (Cowles, Double Suction, or Cowles-Sevin) designed to efficiently break down agglomerates.

 

Dispersion is a key phase in paint manufacturing. When it comes to emulsified paints, for example, it is widely considered as the most important phase.

The goal in the dispersion phase is to cause most of the agglomerated pigments and fillers that are part of the formula to be stably separated as individual particles. Read more

plastisoles / plastisols

Plastisols are compounds made with PVC resin, a plasticiser replacing Dioctyl Phthalate which provides flexibility and durability, and other additives such as calcium carbonate, epoxidised oil, stabilisers, colourants, etcetera.

Also known as PVC pastes, plastisols maintain a liquid state with visco-elastic properties when at room temperature. However, when subjected to temperatures above 43ºC, plastisol viscosity increases and, when reaching temperatures of over 160ºC, it can change from a liquid to a solid state after cooling as a result of process known as gelation.

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Paint & Coatings, an international event bringing together the main companies working in the surface treatment and paint technology sector, will be held on 16 and 17 November at Fira Barcelona.

As a company specialised in developing machinery for manufacturing paint and related products, Oliver + Batlle will be present at the event, not only on the expo -where you can visit us at Stand 108-, but also at online events and webinars that will take place during the months leading up to the event. Let’s have a look at some of them.

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tixotropia thixotropy

Thixotropy is a property of some products which change their viscosity and become more fluid when subject to constant shear force, e.g., in the mixing stage. The longer the fluid is under shear stress, the less its viscosity.

In normal conditions, a thixotropic fluid is highly viscous (equilibrium viscosity) but becomes liquid or more fluid when subject to shear force. This type of product takes certain time to reach its equilibrium viscosity when an instantaneous change in shear rate occurs. For example, when a mixer’s shear work is stopped or slowed down, the fluid tends to reach equilibrium viscosity, which is always higher than its viscosity when it is being mixed. Read more