--- title: "How to choose a static mixer | Lineside Dispensing" url: https://lineside-dispensing.com/guides/static-mixer-guide/ description: "Choose a static mixer in the right order: match the cartridge inlet system first, then pick element count, ratio fit and outlet size for the material." --- 1. [Guides](/guides/) 2. How to choose a static mixer # How to choose a static mixer Updated September 25, 2026 On this page 1. [Start with the cartridge, not the mixer](#start-with-the-cartridge-not-the-mixer) 2. [The four inlet systems](#the-four-inlet-systems) 3. [Element count: mix quality against waste](#element-count-mix-quality-against-waste) 4. [Matching the mixer to ratio and interface](#matching-the-mixer-to-ratio-and-interface) 5. [Square and helical elements](#square-and-helical-elements) 6. [When to send us a sample](#when-to-send-us-a-sample) 7. [Where to go next](#where-to-go-next) [Get a quote](/quote/) Short answer Match the mixer to the cartridge inlet first (A-system bayonet, B-system, C-system bell or F-system), then choose the shortest element count that gives a uniform, fully cured test bead. The cartridge sets the ratio, but 4:1 and 10:1 materials need a mixer built for high ratios. ## Start with the cartridge, not the mixer A static mixer has two jobs, in a fixed order. First it has to seat on the cartridge or machine outlet. Then it has to blend the two components fully before they leave the outlet. A mixer that blends well but does not fit the cartridge is scrap. So the inlet system is the first decision, and element count is the second. The mixer does not set the mix ratio. On a cartridge system the two chambers set the ratio, and the mixer blends whatever it receives. Ratio still affects which mixer you choose, as covered below, but changing the mixer never changes the ratio. ## The four inlet systems We group our mixer range by inlet. The letters are widely used in the trade, but connection details vary between cartridge makers. Treat the letter as a starting point and confirm the fit. | System | How it connects | Used on | Elements in our range | | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | --------------------- | | [A-system bayonet](/dispensing/static-mixers/#a-system-bayonet) | Twist-lock bayonet inlet that seats on the cartridge | 50 ml A-system style cartridges | 7 to 24 | | [B-system](/dispensing/static-mixers/#b-system) | Inlet for cartridges whose resin and hardener outlets stay apart until the mixer | 50 ml B-system style cartridges | 16 to 20 | | [C-system bell](/dispensing/static-mixers/#c-system-bell) | Threaded bell inlet with a retaining nut | Larger cartridges and meter-mix equipment | 8 to 24 | | [F-system](/dispensing/static-mixers/#f-system) | Inlet for separated outlets; the components meet only inside the mixer | F-system style cartridges | 12 to 20 | ### A-system bayonet The bayonet inlet pushes on and twists to lock. We carry two A-system families. Our square bayonet tubes have 2, 3 and 3.5 mm outlets and 8 to 24 elements, from 61.8 mm to 231 mm long. The second family is sized for fine beads and dots of mixed epoxy, acrylic or polyurethane. Its outlets are 1 or 1.5 mm, and lengths run from a 7-element stub at 33.6 mm to a 21-element tube at 154 mm. ### B-system B-system style cartridges keep the resin and hardener outlets apart until the material enters the mixer. Distributor literature credits that layout with removing cross contamination and plugged cartridges. We list MB series tubes at 1:1 with 16 or 20 elements, both with a 1.5 mm outlet. We also carry four short 1:1 tubes where body color identifies the size in our range, from yellow with a 3.4 mm outlet to purple with a 6.7 mm outlet. Those colors are ours only. ### C-system bell Bell inlets generally fit the most common large cartridges and meter-mix equipment, which makes this the broadest-fitting family we carry. Our bell tubes span 4.8 to 17 mm body diameters, 3 to 13 mm mixing cores and 1 to 4 mm outlets, with 8, 16 or 24 elements. On a meter-mix machine, fit a shroud. At machine pressures the shroud stops the housing from swelling, which would otherwise let material bypass the elements and run down the inner wall unmixed. ### F-system F-system style cartridges also use separated outlets, so the components cannot react at the cartridge nose. That keeps the outlet from curing shut between uses. Every F-system tube in our range shares a 12.7 mm OD body, a 9.4 mm mixing core and a 3 mm outlet. Element counts of 12, 14, 16 and 20 give lengths from 145 mm to 217 mm, so element count is the only choice to make. ### When the cartridge and mixer were not made for each other Bell and threaded interfaces are broadly shared. Proprietary quick-connect systems need an adapter made for that system, and no single adapter fits everything. Our [adapters and connectors](/dispensing/static-mixers/#adapters-and-connectors) include AB cylinder adapters with hole spacings of 23.5, 35 and 35.5 mm, and 1:1 and 10:1 converter heads for 400 or 490 ml cylinders. To identify an adapter, measure the center-to-center spacing of the two outlet holes and the outside diameter of the outlet interface. ## Element count: mix quality against waste Each element divides the flow and folds it back on itself. More elements give the material more passes to blend. That rule only holds within one element design, so element counts do not compare across different designs. More elements also cost something: - **Back pressure.** A longer mixer is harder to push, which operators feel first on a manual gun. - **Waste.** More material stays in the tube at every change or cure-out. - **Placement.** A longer tube is harder to guide into tight spots. Harder-to-mix materials and higher ratios tend to need more elements. Published selection guidance puts acrylics at the low end of the range and polyurethanes and polysulfides at the high end. The working rule is simple. Pick the shortest mixer that gives a uniform color and a full cure in a test bead. Streaks at the outlet, or a bead that cures unevenly or stays soft, mean the mixer is too short. ## Matching the mixer to ratio and interface Check three things before you order: 1. **Inlet.** A, B, C and F inlets are not interchangeable. Confirm the cartridge system first. 2. **Ratio.** At 4:1 and 10:1 the minor component arrives as a thin stream. Those ratios need a mixer shaped to steer it toward the center before mixing starts. The B-system sizes we list are 1:1, so tell us your ratio and we will point you to a high-ratio mixer. 3. **Outlet.** Match the outlet bore to the bead or dot you need. A wider outlet gives more flow; a narrower one gives a finer bead. Do not rely on color. Mixer color does not identify the ratio across brands, and some systems use color for size, caps or series. ## Square and helical elements Two element families dominate cartridge mixers. Helical elements are short twisted strips, alternating right-hand and left-hand, each set across the edge of the one before. Square elements have a square cross-section and a different folding pattern. Both work by dividing and recombining the flow. The points that are not in dispute: - Element counts do not transfer from one design to the other. - Square designs are marketed as reaching a full mix in a shorter tube. - Helical elements remain in wide use, including from makers that also sell square designs. How large the square advantage really is remains contested between manufacturer literature and independent trade press. We suggest choosing on fit and a test bead, not on geometry claims. Our square bayonet tubes use square elements. ## When to send us a sample Send a sample or part number when: - The cartridge comes from another brand and you are not sure of the interface. - The cartridge uses a proprietary quick-connect outlet. - You are replacing a mixer your customer already uses and need the same outlet and element count. Include the cartridge part number or a sample cartridge, the mix ratio and the material. We confirm the fit and suggest element counts to test. For an adapter, add the hole spacing and interface OD. ## Where to go next Browse the full range on our [static mixers](/dispensing/static-mixers/) page, grouped by [A-system bayonet](/dispensing/static-mixers/#a-system-bayonet), [B-system](/dispensing/static-mixers/#b-system), [C-system bell](/dispensing/static-mixers/#c-system-bell), [F-system](/dispensing/static-mixers/#f-system) and [adapters and connectors](/dispensing/static-mixers/#adapters-and-connectors). For matching cartridges and guns, see [cartridges and applicators](/dispensing/cartridges-and-applicators/). Ready to price a list? Send your part numbers through our [quote page](/quote/). Pricing is quoted per SKU and quantity. ## Questions Does the static mixer set the mix ratio? No. On a cartridge system the two chambers set the ratio, and the mixer only blends what it receives. The ratio still matters when choosing a mixer, because 4:1 and 10:1 materials need a mixer shaped to steer the minor component. How many mixing elements do we need? It depends on the material, the ratio and the element design. Start with the shortest mixer that gives a uniform color and a full cure in a test bead, and step up if you see streaks. Will an A-system mixer fit a B-system or F-system cartridge? No. A, B, C and F inlets are not interchangeable. Confirm the cartridge system before choosing a mixer, or send us the cartridge part number or a sample. Does mixer color tell us the ratio? Not across brands. Some systems use color for size, caps or series, so select by inlet, element count and ratio rather than color. ## Related products - [Static mixers](/dispensing/static-mixers/) - [Static mixers: adapters and connectors](/dispensing/static-mixers/#adapters-and-connectors) - [Cartridges and applicators](/dispensing/cartridges-and-applicators/) - [Resources: mixer guide](/resources/#mixer-guide) ## Send us your part list. We quote each line. Samples before the first lot. Quoted per SKU and quantity. [Get a quote](/quote/)[All guides](/guides/)