7 Ways To Help You Learn How To Operate Volumetric Concrete Mixers
Unsure what’s the best way to learn to operate a volumetric mixer? Cemen Tech shares several ways to help you and other operators get up to speed.
1. On-Site Training
Operators train on-site with a service technician and learn the appropriate way to calibrate, maintain, and operate the unit. With hands-on training, you will start pouring to learn the basics. The technician also demonstrates how to wash out the mixer — a critical area of daily operations. The more time you run the unit, the easier it becomes and more natural it feels.
2. Training DVDs
Watching calibration, maintenance, and operation videos demonstrate the steps needed to run the unit. Videos can be a great way to review the steps if you have questions after a service technician leaves. But, a hands-on operation to understand the feel of the unit and how it works is also necessary.
3. Attend A Training Class
Cemen Tech offers a spring and fall class on operation, calibration, and maintenance. With these classes, you’ll learn the steps to running a unit along with hands-on experience. These classes are a good complement to on-site training.
4. Attend American Concrete Institute Field Technician Grade 1 Class
Learn how to test concrete, understand slump, the importance of controlling the water-cement ratio, and the proper way to take cylinders and how to handle them. Using a concrete testing lab is another way to receive proper cylinders and test data. This class helps operators better understand what concrete is and what high-quality concrete looks like. Check out what ACI offers for guides.
5. Use The VMMB For Basic Resources.
Look for the Volumetric Mixer Manufacturers Bureau (VMMB) registration plate on your volumetric mixer. Only volumetric mixers built to meet these standards and pass all required tests are eligible to receive and display the registered rating plate. Each plate is numbered and can’t be transferred to another unit. It’s a guarantee that the represented unit met all requirements for capacity, accuracy, and consistency established for the industry at the time of manufacture.
6. Understand ASTM C-685
This standard governs all concrete made by volumetric batching and continuous mixing. It also outlines what and how aggregates, cement, and other materials are expected to meet specifications.
7. Read The Portland Cement Association Design & Control Of Concrete Mixtures Handbook
This handbook goes through all the fundamentals of concrete, aggregates, cement, admixtures, testing, weather cold and hot, curing methods, and special types of concrete.
Why On-Site Training Provides The Most Benefit To Volumetric Operators
On-site training is the really best tool because the service technician works with you and other operators one-on-one. They make sure you understand the equipment and its capability to do the job. Yet, running the unit is the best teacher. Go out and run the unit. Build the experience and every day you’ll become better at what it takes to operate the mixer and to provide the best quality concrete.
Have more questions about about how to learn to operate a volumetric mixer? Contact Cemen Tech today or call (800) 247-2464 to talk to a volumetric concrete expert.
