A concrete mixer is a device used to mix cement, sand, stone and water to make concrete. Its history dates back to the early 19th century.
In the early days, concrete mixing was done manually. Workers use shovels and sticks to mix the concrete, an arduous and time-consuming job.
In 1846, British engineer Stephen Stepanian invented the first steam-powered concrete mixer. It’s a rotating bucket that pours the concrete outward as it mixes it. This invention greatly improved the mixing efficiency of concrete.
The design and performance of concrete mixers have continued to improve over time. In the early 20th century, electric mixers began to appear, replacing steam power. Later, mixers driven by internal combustion engines were also widely used.
In the mid-20th century, the design of concrete mixers was further improved with more efficient mixing devices and more powerful drive systems. These improvements improved the quality and yield of concrete, allowing the concrete industry to grow rapidly.
Modern concrete mixers typically feature a rotating drum design, where the mixing unit can be rotated and tilted for better mixing and discharge of concrete. Some mixers are also equipped with an automatic control system, which can accurately control the mixing time and speed.
In general, the history of concrete mixers has evolved from manual mixing to steam power to electric and internal combustion engine drives. As technology continues to advance, the efficiency and performance of concrete mixers continue to improve, providing better support for construction and infrastructure development.