Masonry Magazine December 2010 Page. 34
MIXERS, PUMPS & DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Lately, other opportunities emerged for the Mason Mate and modified versions of it. For example, several machines have been sold to stucco and plaster contractors. And, recently, the Mason Mate technology has been used for applications in asphalt and concrete overlay materials, more specifically Tensar International Corp's Endurablend Polymer Cement Slurry Surfacing system. Endurablend is used primarily as a pavement preservation solution for asphalt and concrete surfaces, as well as crack-filling applications, and provides an aesthetically pleasing and durable new surface. Tensar's patent-pending material is unique in that it has significant bond characteristics on both asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Demand for a product like the Mason Mate was clearly evident. Everyone at Blastcrete believed in the product, and Farrell still hadn't given up on it. As he and his crew would soon learn, others saw potential and weren't ready to give up either.
Finding a way
By 2009, a leading manufacturer of pre-blended mortar and grout had developed interest in the use of a continuous mixer for its silo systems. Two representatives from the company led the group to help modify ASTM C476, specifically item 5.2.1.1 in Section 3. This allows for the use of a continuous mixer for masonry mortar and grout, provided these pre-blended materials are mixed with water, based on the recommendation from the manufacturer of the pre-blended materials. One employee from the manufacturing company is also a member of the C12 committee, which helped make the change. Thanks to the help from all these industry leaders, ASTM, as a group, recognized the benefit of continuous mixing.
These changes now allow Blastcrete to continue with the original 2006 plan-and the goal of revolutionizing the masonry industry with the Mason Mate.
"It's exciting to see that things finally might work out for the Mason Mate as originally intended, and really see if it can change and modernize our industry," Jollay says. "I think the machine meets the original criteria of being very portable and safe, while emitting less dust, and being quick and easy to clean." And, Jollay feels its cost-effectiveness will be icing on the cake.
Always looking on the bright side, Farrell feels the delay to the original design, as a result of ASTM rules, was actually a blessing. "It provided other opportunities and helped us gain confidence in a radical change on how we mix the water with mortar and grout," he says. "Mason contractors have our assurance that the Mason Mate will put more profit in their pockets, and that's the bottom line."
Additional information about Mason Mate can be found by visiting www.blastcrete.com, calling 800-235-4867 or emailing info@blastcrete.com. IMAS
Scott Knighton is business manager with Blastcrete Equipment Co. He can be reached at 800-235-4867 or scott@blastcrete.com.
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December 2010 www.masoncontractors.org
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