How It's Made Kitchen Mixers

Summary

This video explores the intricate process behind the production of modern mixers, from their early industrial designs to today's sleek models. It highlights the step-by-step assembly of key components, including wire whips, motor shafts, speed governors, and electrical control boards. The video showcases the detailed craftsmanship involved in creating both home and commercial mixers, with a focus on precision, lubrication, and quality control. The assembly process is carefully timed and tested to ensure the mixers are durable and functional, ready to deliver consistent results in kitchens for years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Whipping up desserts was physically demanding before the invention of the motorized mixer in the early 20th century.
• 😀 Early mixers were industrial-looking and far different from today's sleek models.
• 😀 The mixer whip attachment is made by shaping wire between wheels and using a punch mechanism to secure the wires into an aluminum hub.
• 😀 Components like dough hooks and beaters are polished using metal nuggets to remove sharp edges.
• 😀 A band of aluminum is used to create the trim around the mixer, which is labeled with the brand name.
• 😀 The speed governor is created by attaching weights to a spring assembly, which helps maintain consistent mixer speed.
• 😀 The motor shaft is carved with spiraling grooves that allow it to drive the internal gears of the mixer.
• 😀 Electrical contacts are attached to control boards, allowing the flow of electricity to the motor.
• 😀 The mixer parts undergo a special painting process where paint is electrostatically applied to zinc parts.
• 😀 In the final assembly, components like the motor, gears, and grease compartments are installed to ensure smooth operation.
• 😀 Each mixer undergoes a speed test to ensure it meets the required 200 rotations per minute, and a final inspection is done before packaging.

Q & A

How did mixers evolve from earlier designs?

Mixers evolved from manual, muscle-intensive tools to motorized versions in the early 20th century, making baking easier and more efficient.

What is the purpose of the wire arcs attached to the aluminum hub?

The wire arcs are used to create attachments such as whips and dough hooks for the mixer, and they are fitted into the hub to form a functional tool.

How are the mixer attachments, like whisks and dough hooks, polished?

The attachments are polished by being dropped into a vibrating bowl full of metal nuggets, which creates friction and smooths out the sharp edges.

What role does the speed governor play in the mixer?

The speed governor regulates the mixer’s speed by controlling the movement of weights, ensuring that the motor runs at a constant speed despite changes in load.

How is the motor shaft prepared for installation?

The motor shaft is lowered onto a revolving cutter that carves spirals into the end of the shaft, allowing it to drive the internal gears of the mixer.

What is the purpose of the control board in the mixer?

The control board manages the electrical connections that drive the motor, and works in conjunction with the speed governor to control the mixer's speed.

Why is the painting process highly charged?

The painting process is highly charged because the paint has a positive electrical charge and is attracted to the negatively charged zinc parts of the mixer, ensuring a uniform coat.

What is the function of the planetary gear in the mixer?

The planetary gear rotates the mixer attachments around the bowl, ensuring even mixing of ingredients.

How is the mixer's speed tested and adjusted?

The mixer’s speed is tested by using a speed-setting tool that monitors the RPM, ensuring the mixer can reach the required 200 rotations per minute.

What distinguishes the commercial type of mixer from the home version?

The commercial mixer has a bowl that lifts to meet the beater, whereas the home version uses a tilt-head design, which lowers the beater into the bowl.