Over 3,000 peer-reviewed papers indexed on Google Scholar reference THINKY Mixers, reflecting thousands of independent researchers choosing the same planetary centrifugal mixing technology to solve challenging materials problems
Introduced to the UK and Ireland 20 years ago by Intertronics, THINKY Mixers use a non-contact planetary centrifugal mixing action, rotating sample containers around their own axis at a 45-degree angle while revolving them around a central point.
Running at speeds of several thousand RPM, the process generates mixing forces of roughly 400 G, producing a homogeneous mix in seconds to minutes without introducing air. Some models include an integrated vacuum pump, enabling users to mix and degas simultaneously when an air-free result is essential.
One example is the development of a diagnostic glove for monitoring musculoskeletal conditions by the Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering team at the University of Sheffield. Their process involved mixing nanoparticles into a viscous-filled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixture to produce a graphite composite. By using the THINKY Mixer, the team removed the need for solvents as mixing aids, reduced process steps, improved health and safety, and increased repeatability.
Tom Paterson, Postdoctoral Research Associate at The University of Sheffield, said, “The THINKY Mixer is a huge improvement on our previous process and means we can achieve consistent outcomes more quickly. The mix quality is extremely good, the mixer doesn’t introduce air into the mix, and we’re making a substantial time saving.”
Darren Rea, lead sales specialist at Intertronics, said, “Passing 3,000 paper citations for the THINKY Mixer is a meaningful milestone as it represents an entirely independent measure of trust in the technology. Researchers rarely mention equipment unless it mattered to the experiment. Three thousand citations suggest this isn’t simply another laboratory instrument. It’s become part of the methodology for preparing difficult materials, from battery slurries and conductive inks to pharmaceutical formulations and advanced composites.”
20 years after its launch, the technology still supports emerging research areas without requiring laboratories to invest in different mixing technologies as research priorities evolve. For manufacturers moving from laboratory research into production, technologies with this depth of published experience can reduce technical risk because other researchers have already explored their capabilities and limitations.
To learn how researchers at the Universities of Sheffield and Birmingham are using THINKY Mixers to improve repeatability, reduce preparation time, and overcome common sample preparation challenges, read the full case study: Accurate, repeatable mixers in scientific research – Intertronics
