Hockmeyer

What are the key considerations when procuring equipment for particle processing to meet industrial demands? Do you prioritize equipment efficiency, reliability, consistency, quality or durability?

Hockmeyer has it all.

Over a long-standing reputation of 80 years, Hockmeyer has established itself as a leader in Immersion milling and dispersion technology. It provides custom-designed processing equipment for mixing, blending, dispersing and particle size reduction.

The equipment is recommended after a thorough assessment. A discussion between its R&D and processing experts and the clients allows Hockmeyer to understand their current processes and challenges in obtaining product specifications. Based on these insights, it formulates relevant recommendations.

The company also proposes an attended trial at its testing facility, which allows it to assess the material firsthand, understand its behavior, determine the required horsepower and ascertain its rheology properties. This ensures precise design and customization of the equipment to meet client needs.

Hockmeyer’s custom-designed equipment is used for developing inks, paints & coatings, adhesives, personal care products, renewable energy materials, and agrochemicals, to name a few. Material assessment and formulation verification improve the transition from laboratory to large-scale production.

The company prioritizes flexibility in equipment development for a seamless transition from laboratory to production sizes. The equipment is designed to easily adjust according to batch sizes and accommodate changes in dimensions or incorporate vacuum operations, providing versatile solutions for diverse needs.

This approach enables clients to optimize formulations and processes, reducing risks and enhancing product quality throughout the production lifecycle.

Driving Efficiency through Streamlined Nano-Particle Processing

Efficiency is paramount in particle processing, especially when dealing with nanometer-sized particles. Hockmeyer, recognizing the challenge, has made efficiency its hallmark. The research and development laboratory conducts extensive trials, adapting formulations for nano-sized particles to ensure peak performance and linear scalability with remarkable precision at a small scale. Hockmeyer’s mills demonstrate proficiency in handling media from 3mm down to 0.03mm. The equipment leverages high flow rates facilitated by maximizing the open surface areas of screens. The Inline Nexgen™ vacuum recirculation mill operates at high tip speeds and high flow rates, achieving tight particle distributions rapidly in recirculation mode, surpassing conventional horizontal mills.

“At Hockmeyer, we take clients’ problems and make them our own. We approach every challenge with a personal commitment to finding solutions,” says Dustin Thomas, Process Optimization & Technical Design Manager at Hockmeyer. This legacy of efficiency and customer satisfaction positions it as a trusted partner in the industry.

Maximizing Results with Automated Program Controls

Innovation is a necessity ingrained in Hockmeyer’s equipment designs; automated controls are managed via a tablet interface, enabling autonomous machine operation overseeing speed and temperature for optimal performance and safety. Hockmeyer specializes in programming, particularly with Allen Bradley systems and can adapt to various programmable logic controllers based on customer preferences.
The company’s commitment to innovation was demonstrated when a customized 400-gallon disperser with automated mobility and filling capabilities was requested. Despite being uncharted territory, Hockmeyer developed a tailored solution, including a computerized rail system and filling mechanism.

Hockmeyer incorporates self-monitoring and self-adjusting functionalities into its equipment, ensuring compliance with facility requirements and operator peace of mind. Additionally, the company understands the importance of space optimization, offering customized equipment dimensions to integrate seamlessly into existing facilities.

Comprehensive Customer Support and Partnership

Hockmeyer prioritizes long-term partnerships by providing comprehensive support, including troubleshooting, parts replacement, equipment upgrades and operator training.

Sara Fulford, VP of sales and marketing at Hockmeyer, emphasizes their commitment beyond equipment provision, stating, “We invest in long-term partnerships with expert guidance and post-sale support.”

The company offers free lab trials, allowing customers to test machines with their materials and ensure alignment with specific needs. Hockmeyer’s technical team provides expert guidance during trials, improving performance beyond machine capabilities. This support was evident when a customer, facing viscosity and rheology challenges benefited from Hockmeyer’s expertise, resulting in a 20 percent increase in solid concentration and greater finished product output. The optimization reduced the need for a larger, more expensive machine and minimized long-term expenses for the customer.

Hockmeyer’s customer support spans from initial inquiries to post-purchase assistance. Detailed documentation, including reports and standard operating procedures, equips customers with the knowledge to operate efficiently. Bridging capabilities, like tolling services in their testing lab, support urgent equipment needs, ensuring seamless operations.

A versatile team with expertise in chemicals, machining and welding executes the support system. Specialization in machines tailored for the industry allows Hockmeyer’s team to refine and perfect products. It is a leader in particle processing and milling with engineers, chemists, assemblers and designers, driving efficiency and productivity through innovation and long-term partnerships across industries.