Concrete Mixing Plant

Concrete Mixing Plant: The Definitive Buying Guide

One of the most important aspects of any construction project is using quality concrete. Most projects need high-quality concrete in high quantities and in a limited time.

While making concrete manually or purchasing it from suppliers are viable options, the best option to get the highest quality of concrete in large quantities in the fastest time possible is through the use of concrete mixing plants.

What are the Parts of a Concrete Mixing Plant?

Materials Batching System

The batching system is where raw materials are stored and batched according to the specification of the project. The batching system is very important because it allows the easy manipulation of the aggregates to comply with the concrete production requirements.

Without proper batching, the quality of concrete can be compromised. Placing the raw materials in batches also allows a more efficient weighting system which is faster and more accurate.

The most commonly used batching system is the PLD concrete batching machines. Depending on the size of the project, it gives you the option of having up to four separate storage bins, allowing you to place a wider variety of raw materials.

The PLD series starts with the PLD 800, with up to 3 storage bins, and continues up to the PLD 1200, 2400, and the 3200, which has 4 huge storage bins that allows the automated batching of up to 6 types of raw materials simultaneously.

Materials Weighting System

The weighting system ensures that the aggregates, cement, and other additives are dispatched accurately on the set proportions. The two different types of weighting systems are the independent and cumulative weighting system.

The cumulative weighting system measures the weight of the raw materials in its entirety. It is easier to execute the cumulative measuring system and it helps that the feeding height is low.

The independent measurement system weights each aggregate individually. This makes the consistency and quality of concrete more accurate and closer to the set parameters.

The materials weighting systems are commonly automated and is usually incorporated with the materials batching system.

Materials Conveying System

This is the main transportation system of the entire concrete mixing line. It is divided into three categories.

Aggregate Transportation is the means of transportation of the raw materials. The materials are transported from their silos to the aggregate batchers, and then transported into the main mixer.

The most common type of transportation system is through the belt conveyor. It is used in large scale projects due to its efficiency, speed, and ability to reach further distances.

The lift hopper system is apt for smaller scale projects. It is very easy to assemble and operate, and leaves very little noise and dust pollution.

Powder Conveying System is the means of dispatching cement, fly ash, and other powdered additives from their batchers to the main mixer. The most common means of powder transportation is through the screw conveying system.

Liquid Conveying System is simply the means of how water and other liquid additives are dispatched to the concrete mix. It is usually done through automated dispatch pumps.

Concrete Mixing System

This is where the main action takes place. This is where all the raw materials are mixed to create concrete. There are several types of concrete mixing system; the planetary mixer, the pan mixer, the single horizontal shaft mixer, and the double horizontal shaft mixer. The most popular type of mixer used widely in large projects is the double horizontal shaft mixer.

The JS series is the most popular line of concrete mixing system used in concrete mixing plants. For small scale projects, you can have the best output with the JS500 twin shaft mixer. You can go as up to the JS4000 mixer for large scale high output projects.

Control System

This is the main brain of the concrete batching plant. Without a stable control system, the quality of concrete is compromised.

The control system is where the entire production line can be set up to be fully automated. Parameters can also be adjusted based on the quality of concrete the project requires.

Aside from the automation and the adjustment capabilities. The control system also provides you with error warning systems and error location detection. It can also allow you to produce real-time reports and have it printed for reference.

Hongge, Schneider, Fuji, Omron, and Hequan are the best international brands to integrate with your control system. You should make sure that the control system system uses an original Taiwan Advantech PC bus industrial control computer.

Although you can use any dot matrix printer, it is best for you to use Epson or Panasonic. These brands are reliable and has a continuous supply of cartridges and spare parts.

What are the Types of Concrete Mixing Plants?

Concrete mixing plants are categorized based on their mobility, which is the stationary concrete mixing plant and the mobile concrete mixing plant.

You can also categorize a concrete mixing plant in their concrete output. The dry mix and the wet mix concrete mixing plant are in this category.

What is a Stationary Concrete Mixing Plant?

A stationary concrete mixing plant is as its name suggests, a concrete mixing plant that is designed to be in a single particular space for a long period of time. This type of mixing plant is commonly used for large scale projects since it has a very high output and saves a lot of time and personnel.

What is a Mobile Concrete Mixing Plant?

A mobile concrete mixing plant is designed for small to medium scale projects, and also where there is no permanent location to set it up, meaning, it has to be moved around most of the time. Since the plant is mobile, the components often installed in it are not high capacity yet easy to assemble and operate.

What is the Difference Between a Dry Mix and a Wet Mix Concrete Mixing Plant?

A dry mix concrete mixing plant is where aggregates and powder additives are batched, measured, and transported into the main mixer. The water is then added on the mixer truck where the dry mix is processed along the way to the project site.

A wet mix concrete mixing plant is where all the raw materials are batched, weighted, and mixed on the plant. The concrete is then poured into the mixer truck, where it will be continued to be mixed until it arrives to the project site.

Also called the ready-mix, the wet mix concrete is the most sought-after concrete mix of projects due to its consistency, accuracy, and easier batching and installation.

Why Should You Buy A Concrete Mixing Plant?

Aside from getting high-quality concrete, there are several reasons why you should opt to use a concrete mixing plant.

The first reason is for saving money. It is more expensive to purchase concrete from suppliers instead of making your own. Also, concrete bought from external suppliers often has compromised qualities or tend to disregard specifications required for your projects.

Getting a concrete mixing plant also saves you construction time. When you make your own concrete, you have full control of your time and pace, thus affecting the overall construction time.

You can also benefit from a high production rate with minimal manpower requirements by using a concrete mixing plant. The entire production line is fully automated, thus reducing the need for too much personnel.

What is The Concrete Mixing Plant Price?

There are several factors that determine the price of a concrete mixing plant. The main factor is the size and capacity of the plant.

For example, the simplest and smallest of the stationary concrete mixing plants, the HZS25, can range at the least $53,000, including the JS500 mixer and the PLD800 aggregate batcher.

The largest capacity concrete mixing plant, the HZS240, can cost at the range of $300,000. This is including the JS4000 twin shaft compulsory mixer and the PLD6400 aggregate batcher.

Also, stationary concrete mixing plants tend to cost more than mobile ones. The price of the mobile plant model YHZS25 can range around $10,000, while the largest mobile plant model, the YHZS75, ranges within the $90,000 mark.

Modifications, improvements, and other additional works on the plant can add to its initial costs. Duties and taxes, warranties, and technical support can also add up to its price.

How Can You Find the Best Concrete Mixing Machine Supplier from China?

China is known to be the world’s best exporter of construction equipment. Countries around the globe acquire their construction machineries in China despite having local suppliers. Although most Chinese companies provide exemplary products and services, it is still imperative to be thoughtful while making purchases abroad.

The first thing to consider is if you would want to make deals and bargains to suppliers yourself or to cater the service of an agency or middlemen. Having an agency look for your preferred machinery is safe and reliable. They will definitely find a credible supplier that will provide you with the concrete mixing plant that fits your specification. You only need to pay them a fee for their services.

Getting to make deals on your own has its advantages. For one, you get to save money by not paying agencies to look the machinery for you. Plus, Chinese suppliers provide further discounts to those that deal with them personally, something that you could not get through agencies.

You can look for reliable suppliers online. Do your research and try to look for suppliers that has global credibility and presence. Make sure that the company you are dealing with has years of international experience and excellence.

How Can You Purchase a Concrete Mixing Plant from China?

As soon as you have concluded your search and found the company you want to purchase your concrete mixing plant from, it’s time to sit with them and discuss the contract of sale. You will definitely get discounts  and added value during the negotiations.

Make sure to clearly state your specifications and preferences during the negotiations. Double check so that you are sure that all your demands and needs are understood. Once they start building your concrete mixing plant, any modifications and alteration will cost you, since the parts and components cannot be removed and reused if there are changes to be made with your equipment.

Ensure that installation assistance, after sales services, and warranties are included in the package before signing the sales agreement. Once you have signed the contract and paid the percentage of the price upfront, the company will then start the construction of the concrete mixing plant.

The loading, delivery, and other pertinent information will be provided to you in the following days.

What is the Shipping Process of the Concrete Mixing Plant from China to Your Country?

The shipping process is quite simple. In China, once the construction is complete, the concrete mixing plant will be loaded securely into the shipping container. You will be informed of the shipping details such as the date of loading and the estimated time of departure and arrival to your country.

Since customs and taxation laws vary from country to country, make sure to furnish all corresponding documentation to ensure smooth duties and taxes clearance procedures. The usual documentation are the bill of lading, invoice, and the packing list. Once everything is cleared, the shipment can be picked up from the port or delivered directly in your location.

What is the Installation Process of the Concrete Mixing Plant?

If you purchase your concrete mixing plant from a reputable company, just like Lontto, the installation of your concrete mixing plant will not be a problem. As soon as the plant arrives at your location, the company will send an engineer to help with the installation and setup of the plant.

The engineer will ensure that the concrete mixing plant is properly installed. He will also start it, test it, and run some trial production to ensure that everything is up and running.

The installation team will also provide training and support to your site staff and personnel on the startup, operation, and troubleshooting of the concrete mixing plant.

Why Should You Buy Your Concrete Mixing Plant from Lontto?

Lontto is a well-known construction company based in China, the world’s number one supplier of construction equipment in the world. Lontto has been in the construction business for over 30 years, providing quality, excellent, and top-notch products alongside its exceptional aftersales services.

Lontto has kept its standards high, maintaining its ISO 9001:2008 and CE standard certifications. The company makes sure that it complies to national and international standards of business processes and operations.

Lontto has been the trusted suppliers of construction equipment, such as concrete batching plants and brick making machines in over 100 countries that includes Russia, Kenya, Uganda, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and South Africa.

The best thing about Lontto is that we do not just consider you are clients, but valuable partners as well. Lontto will be there from the shipping, installation, and full operation of your concrete mixing plant, making sure that everything is running efficiently and maximizing your project’s potential.

What are the Aftersales Services Provided for the Concrete Mixing Plant?

The best part of the Lontto’s after sales service is the assurance that all of our equipment is of top quality, with components made with top international brands, and built with the sturdiest of materials. This is to ensure that Lontto machines will optimize your project’s efficiency and production rate.

The after sales services include the installation service for the concrete mixing plant. The installation team, lead by a highly trained engineer, will ensure that the plant is working properly before endorsing it to your personnel.

For every inquiry, need of assistance, or troubleshooting, the company has a 24-hour hotline that can provide you with on-the-spot assistance or have a specialist come over to check on possible machine issues.

How Can You Choose the Right Concrete Mixing Plant?

The first thing you should do is to analyze and study your current and future projects. This way, you can align your choices of concrete mixing plants to complement your projects and ensure that the concrete mixing plant will help in maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Then you have to make a list of concrete mixing plants that you deem best fit for your current and future projects. Study each feature, strengths, and how it could provide the maximum benefit for your business.

Now you have to check on the available suppliers. Your choice could be local dealers or international suppliers. Study the pros and the cons, the prices, taxes, and other factors that can affect your decision making.

Then you have to study the price offers. The key here is not to automatically deal with the cheapest bargain, but to understand the value of each price. Ask yourself these questions: Does it come with free installation? Does the price cover warranty? Does the package include aftersales support?

Once you have narrowed your choices down, you can also possibly go and visit the plant personally. It is always best to see the plants personally before making a decision. The best suppliers will cover for your board, lodging, and food, especially if the plant visit is overseas.