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Trial Program

Try Before You Invest

Experience Kawata’s Machines Firsthand

Our trials are especially important when considering mixing equipment since many mixing and blending processes are product-dependent and do not purely rely on mathematical models or calculations. Empirical testing is the surest way of determining the most suitable mixer technology for a particular application. This hands-on approach works best when the main variables – raw materials, temperature, pressure, batch size, etc. – are simulated as close as possible to the actual process.

Where You Can Run Trials

Trial renting to run tests on your production floor or R&D lab is advantageous in that you can perform virtually unlimited mixing trials under normalized process conditions. Immediately after mixing, you would also be able to analyze the finished product according to your quality check procedures. Testing at the manufacturer`s laboratory has the benefit of allowing you to evaluate multiple equipment designs and utilize the expertise of mixing engineers who can make valuable suggestions based on their observations of your product`s behavior during and after mixing.

How to Prepare for Testing

If you’re planning to test at our location or your facility, here are a few important things to prepare:

Attend the trial in person.

Your expertise on the characteristics and properties of your specific product will boost the trial`s chances for success. Plus, you will be able to observe how the mixer is operated, learn useful techniques and identify any potential issues well before the equipment is delivered to your facility.

Share detailed information.

Discuss your current method of processing, mixing objectives and application in detail with your sales or technical representative to narrow down the mixer configurations and parameters which would be useful for you to test.

Clarify your batch size.

Indicate the batch size or flow rate that you will require on the actual process. To obtain reliable data for scale-up, a good rule of thumb is to test on a mixer no smaller than 10% of the capacity you are looking to eventually purchase.

Bring a control sample.

Prepare a control sample for comparison with the trial batches. Check if the manufacturer`s laboratory has analytical equipment that you can use for checking end product quality (particle size analyzer, microscope, moisture balance, Hegman gauge, pH meter, picnometer, etc.). Specialized tests may have to be done back at your facility so be ready with sample containers or boxes/pails for the finished product, MSDS`s and return shipping information.

Pre-weigh your materials.

If possible, pre-weigh all raw materials for each batch. This will save a lot of time and leave more room for testing and discussion, as needed. Send enough raw materials for an extra run or two, just in case.