Mortar and cement are two commonly used materials in construction. However, many people who do not have a large amount of experience with both materials can sometimes think they are interchangeable. This is not true. Mortar and cement are two materials that should not be confused with one another. Due to their differences, the two substances have specific mixing needs. Without the proper knowledge, you can end up damaging your mixing equipment, or experience a host of problems. That’s why it is important to know the difference between a mortar mixer and a cement mixer.
Mortar vs. Concrete
Mortar and concrete are very similar substances, but due to their small differences in consistency and usage, they can be detrimental if used incorrectly.
Both mortar and concrete are made with sand, gravel, and rock chips. However, mortar is less coarse and has a thicker consistency than cement. Because of this, when cement is placed in a mortar mixer, it can damage the side and rubber strips, as well as clog the mixer. Similarly, if mortar is placed in a cement mixer, the thick consistency and smoother texture of the mortar will not combine as well.
Concrete is typically used during the structural portion of construction such as for the foundation, support beams, walls, etc. Mortar is typically used to glue other materials together such as bricks or tile.
Mortar Mixer vs. Concrete Mixer
Mortar mixers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because of this, there are a variety of ways to mix mortar. One of the methods to mix mortar includes a barrel that contains paddles that scrape the sides of the barrel and mix the materials together. Another method to mix mortar is to use a bucket and a drill with a paddle attachment. This method places the mixture into a bucket and uses a paddle attachment on a drill to mix it all together. Due to the paddle designs, large pieces of rock or gravel can damage the mixer or prevent it from functioning properly.
Concrete mixers typically have a rotating drum or barrel with no paddles. The rotation of the mixer is what is mixes the cement together. The movement also prevents the cement from settling in the barrel and becoming caked to the inside of the mixer.
Quikspray Mortar Mixers
A quality mortar mixer that is suited to your project size and budget can be hard to find. Thankfully, Quikspray has the solution to your mortar mixing needs. We have several products that are capable of mixing mortar including, The U-Blend Mixer, the Production Post Mixer, Barrel Mixer, the Batch Mixer, and the Post Mixer.
- The U-Blend Mixer is a large mortar mixer designed to tackle big projects, large amounts of mixture, and ease operator fatigue.
- The Production Post Mixer, also known as the 300DCVS, is a mortar mixer designed to make bucket mixing quick and efficient. The stand comes with a variety of speed options, is vertically adjustable, and has a limit switch.
- The Barrel Mixer allows for versatility and functionality. Built to last, this mixer includes removable blades (for easy clean up), adjustable blades, and fits standard mixing barrel rims.
- The Batch Mixer is perfect for large and pourable projects. This mixer is extremely versatile and thoroughly mixes mortar. The batch mixer also comes with a tippable barrel with a spout for easy pouring.
- The Post Mixer is similar to the U-Blend mixer. With a heavy-duty capacitor motor, this mixer is ideal for smaller projects that require the mortar to be mixed in a bucket. The triple mixing blades can reach multiple levels of the mixture, creating a smooth and evenly dispersed combination.
For all of your mortar mixing needs, Quikspray is here to help. Shop all of our mixers today!
