Practical Guide
Using WIWA FLEXIMIX 1 / 1 ND Correctly: Stable 2K Mixing, Fast Color Changes, Less Waste
When 2K materials fluctuate in daily operations (mixing errors, unclear processes, unnecessary flushing losses), it immediately costs time and money. The WIWA FLEXIMIX 1 (High-Pressure) and FLEXIMIX 1 ND (Low-Pressure) are electronic mixing & dosing systems for solvent- and water-based paints – developed for precise mixing ratios and efficient coating.
Note: All setting values in this guide are guidelines. The material data sheet, process requirements, and specific system configuration are authoritative.
Quick Overview: What can the FLEXIMIX 1 Series do?
- Electronic mixing & dosing system for solvent- and water-based paints.
- For Low-Pressure and High-Pressure applications – depending on the version.
- Fast color changes with multiple paints (typically up to 10).
- Processes coatings with very different viscosities (from ml to l range per minute, depending on design).
KPI #1
0.5:1 to 50:1
Volumetric mixing ratio with wide range – ideal when many 2K systems are used.
KPI #2
up to 400 bar (HP)
High-Pressure window of the FLEXIMIX 1 – for robust industrial setups and high demands.
KPI #3
up to 10 Components
Controllable components (application-dependent) – useful for color/material variety in operation.
Product Overview: FLEXIMIX 1 vs. FLEXIMIX 1 ND (Variants, Uses, Advantages)
| Criterion | WIWA FLEXIMIX 1 (HP) | WIWA FLEXIMIX 1 ND (LP) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Pressure Range | High-Pressure applications up to 400 bar (Guideline/Max.) | Low-Pressure applications up to 15 bar (Guideline/Max.) |
| Mixing Ratio | 0.5:1 to 50:1 (volumetric) | 0.5:1 to 50:1 (volumetric) |
| Color Change / Material Variety | Fast color change with multiple paints (up to 10) | Fast color change with multiple paints (up to 10) |
| Material Base | Solvent- & water-based paints | Solvent- & water-based paints |
| Best Fit | When you need industrial throughput, high-pressure spray processes, and robust reserves for demanding applications. | When you operate at Low-Pressure, want to remain compact, and still require precise 2K dosing plus color changes. |
Practical Tip (Quick Implementation): Ratio Check Without Guesswork
Establish a fixed "Start-Check" during setup:
Set the Material Data Sheet mixture, then use a short test application (e.g., cardboard/test plate) to validate the spray pattern and curing.
Once this runs cleanly, document the parameters as a Recipe (Material, Ratio, Flushing Program, Color Channel). This prevents every shift from having to "re-learn" the process.
Recommended Basic Settings (as Guidelines)
- Mixing Ratio: always according to material data sheet – within the system window of 0.5:1 to 50:1 (guideline).
- Pressure: as low as possible for a clean spray pattern – for FLEXIMIX 1 up to 400 bar, for FLEXIMIX 1 ND up to 15 bar (respective maximum/guideline values).
- Color Change Logic: fixed sequence (light → dark or vice versa) plus defined flushing time so that transition colors disappear reproducibly.
- Viscosity/Temperature: for highly fluctuating viscosity, it is better to stabilize the process (condition material) rather than "overdriving" the pressure.
- Throughput: consider in planning that, depending on design, throughputs from a few ml to several liters per minute are possible (guideline/configuration dependent).
Pro Workflow (5–7 Steps): From Setup to Color Change
- Clarify Material & Recipe: Check data sheet (mixture, pot life, thinning). Define ratio as recipe (guideline note).
- Select Suitable Variant: High-pressure process → FLEXIMIX 1; Low-pressure process → FLEXIMIX 1 ND (by application/requirement).
- Initial Operation: Flush lines/material paths, then pump base and hardener sides individually until stable material flow is achieved.
- Ratio Check on a Small Scale: Create a short test spray pattern, validate curing/appearance, then proceed to mass production.
- Stabilize Production: Run pressure not at "maximum" but "process-safe"; for viscosity fluctuations, improve material conditioning instead.
- Standardize Color Changes: Defined change channel + flushing program; consistently discard the transition phase (mixing zone/hose package).
- Documentation: Store recipe + flushing steps + "Do/Don’t" per material – this reduces dependency on specific setup personnel.
Troubleshooting: 4 Typical Problems – and Immediate Fixes
1) Coating stays soft / cures poorly
- Check recipe: Set mixing ratio according to data sheet, within the system window.
- Consistently discard the transition area after color changes (residual mixture).
- Check material condition: Stabilize temperature/viscosity.
2) Uneven spray pattern / Streaks / Orange peel
- Re-adjust pressure as a guideline: as low as possible, as high as necessary.
- Stabilize viscosity/material temperature instead of "cranking up the pressure."
- Process standard: Keep distance, nozzle selection, and speed consistent.
3) Color change takes too long / High solvent consumption
- Establish change sequence (e.g., light → dark) and use fixed flushing programs.
- Only flush as much as necessary – but always reproducibly (same times/volumes).
- Dispose of the transition phase separately; do not try to "save it" into production.
4) Process fluctuates between shifts (Quality not reproducible)
- Document recipe set (ratio, pressure window, flushing sequence, color channel).
- Use a setup checklist (short test application, release criteria).
- Standardize material conditioning (container, temperature, stirring).
Maintenance (5 Points That Really Count)
- Strictly follow the flushing routine – especially after color changes and shift ends.
- Regularly check seals/mixing zone (particularly relevant for 2K materials).
- Keep filters/material paths clean – deposits are a common quality killer.
- Treat material containers and preparation (stirring/tempering) as part of process maintenance.
- Keep recipes & parameter logs up to date (version changes, do not introduce them "silently").
FAQ (Practice-Oriented)
1) Which variant is right for me – FLEXIMIX 1 or 1 ND?
If you need high-pressure spray processes and robust reserves, the FLEXIMIX 1 is more typical. For low-pressure setups, the FLEXIMIX 1 ND is appropriate.
The key is your application pressure and process requirements.
2) Can I run water-based paints?
Yes – the FLEXIMIX 1 series is designed for both solvent- and water-based paints. Material compatibility, cleaning, and a clean flushing process are decisive.
3) How do I prevent mixing errors after a color change?
Standardize the flushing program, consistently discard the transition area, and introduce the ratio check via a short test application as a mandatory step.
4) What mixing ratios are possible?
The system window is very wide (0.5:1 to 50:1). The material data sheet remains authoritative – settings are to be understood as guidelines and must be validated per recipe.
5) Is the system worth it even with frequently changing colors?
That is exactly why the series is attractive: fast color changes with multiple paints plus defined recipe management – this reduces downtime and makes quality more reproducible.
Video: FLEXIMIX in Action
Tip: Use the video to compare against internal setup standards (procedure + checklist).
Conclusion
The WIWA FLEXIMIX 1 / 1 ND provides a strong foundation when you want to run 2K coatings reproducibly and standardize color changes. With clear recipes, a short ratio check, and a fixed flushing workflow, you reduce mixing errors, save material, and increase line stability – exactly what counts in daily operations.
Get Configured Now
Tell us your material, throughput, application (LP/HP), color change requirements, and environment (e.g., water-based paint) – we will put together the right FLEXIMIX configuration for you.
Start Configuration Request