If you’re choosing a paint mixing machine for a paint shop, trade counter or production environment, two of the most versatile options are an automatic shaker and an automatic gyroscopic mixer.
For many Exzel customers, the choice comes down to the Santint S5 Automatic Shaker and the Santint GH360 Automatic Gyroscopic Mixer.
The S5 uses a fast vibrational shaking action and is a compact, robust option for businesses mixing a range of paint cans throughout the day. The GH360 uses gyroscopic mixing with automatic clamping and can accommodate a broad range of containers, including many 20L buckets, depending on their dimensions.
Both are commercial paint mixing machines, but they achieve the result differently. The right choice depends less on which technology is “better” and more on the containers, products and volumes you handle.
How the S5 Automatic Shaker works
The Santint S5 is an automatic vibrational paint shaker.
Rather than rotating the container through multiple axes, it uses a high-speed shaking action to rapidly redistribute pigments and other settled components throughout the product.
The S5 operates at 680 rpm, accommodates loads up to 35 kg, and can accept containers up to 350 mm in diameter and 370 mm high. It also offers selectable shaking cycles, making it a practical and flexible option for regular commercial use.
That combination makes the S5 particularly suited to paint retailers, trade counters and other businesses that need a dependable machine for repeatedly shaking cans throughout the working day.
Its isolated shell and core design is also intended to contain the vibration generated by the high-speed shaking action.
The S5 is a good fit when:
- You want a dedicated commercial paint shaker.
- You regularly mix standard paint cans and containers.
- Fast shaking action is important.
- You need to accommodate containers up to 350 mm in diameter and 370 mm high.
- You need a machine capable of handling heavier containers, with a maximum shaking weight of 35 kg.
How the GH360 Automatic Gyroscopic Mixer works
The Santint GH360 takes a different approach.
Instead of rapidly shaking the container, the machine clamps it between two plates and uses gyroscopic movement to thoroughly mix the contents.
Loading and operation are automatic, with the machine assigning the appropriate mixing speed and clamping pressure. A standard mix cycle is approximately 60 seconds, with available mixing speeds of 150, 210 and 240 rpm.
One of the GH360’s biggest advantages is its container versatility. It accepts containers up to 360 mm in diameter and 420 mm high, which means it can accommodate many common 20L paint buckets as well as smaller tins and pails.
However, 20L bucket dimensions are not universal. Some taller or wider 20L containers may fall outside the GH360’s physical limits, so compatibility should be checked against the actual container being used.
The GH360 is a good fit when:
- You regularly mix a broad range of paint cans and buckets.
- You want the ability to handle many common 20L containers.
- You want automatic clamping and simple operation.
- A fast mixing cycle is important for throughput.
- You want one versatile gyroscopic mixer to cover a large proportion of everyday paint-shop requirements.
S5 vs GH360: what’s the real difference?
The main difference isn’t simply “small cans versus big cans”.
It’s the way the machines mix.
The S5 is a high-speed vibrational shaker. It is a straightforward, heavy-duty solution for businesses that predominantly need to shake paint containers quickly and consistently.
The GH360 is an automatic gyroscopic mixer. The container is clamped and moved through a controlled gyroscopic mixing action, making it particularly attractive where a broader range of tins, pails and larger buckets need to be mixed.
For many paint retailers, either machine could potentially handle a substantial proportion of their work. That’s why it’s worth looking at the actual containers you use rather than choosing solely from the litre capacity printed on a specification sheet.
S5 vs GH360 at a glance
| S5 Automatic Shaker | GH360 Automatic Gyroscopic Mixer | |
| Mixing method | Vibrational shaking | Gyroscopic mixing |
| Maximum load | 35 kg | 36 kg |
| Speed | 680 rpm | 150 / 210 / 240 rpm |
| Typical cycle | Selectable timed cycles | Approx. 60 seconds |
| Operation | Automatic shaker | Automatic clamping and mixing |
| Maximum container height | 370 mm | 420 mm |
| Maximum container diameter | 350 mm | 360 mm |
| Container range | Standard paint cans and compatible containers | Broad range of tins, pails and many 20L buckets |
| Best suited to | Paint shops and businesses regularly shaking standard paint containers | Paint shops and businesses wanting greater container flexibility, including many 20L buckets |
What if you regularly mix 20L containers?
The GH360 can accommodate many common 20L paint buckets, provided they fit within its maximum container dimensions of 360 mm diameter and 420 mm height.
Because there is no universal 20L bucket size, some containers may still be too wide or too tall for the GH360.
If 20L buckets are a regular part of your operation, the best approach is to check the dimensions of the actual container before selecting a machine.
Where larger 20L buckets, oversized containers or greater flexibility are required, the Santint GH400 Automatic Gyroscopic Mixer may be the better option.
It accommodates containers up to 400 mm in diameter and has a maximum mixing weight of 40 kg, giving businesses more room to work with larger-format containers.
What about heavier or more specialised applications?
Not every application fits neatly into the S5 or GH360 category.
Exzel also offers larger and more specialised Santint mixing equipment for businesses with different production requirements.
The GH550 Automatic Gyroscopic Mixer is designed for heavier-duty applications, while the GN650 High Viscosity Mixer provides a more specialised solution for high-viscosity products.
There is also the G36M Manual Clamping Gyroscopic Mixer for applications where automatic clamping isn’t required, as well as the compact V100 Vortex Mixer for smaller containers.
The important part is matching the machine to the products and containers you actually use rather than simply buying the largest mixer available.
Which paint mixer should you choose?
Choose the S5 if:
Most of your work involves conventional paint containers and you want a compact, fast and robust automatic shaker capable of accepting containers up to 350 mm in diameter and 370 mm high.
Choose the GH360 if:
You work across a broader range of cans and buckets and want automatic gyroscopic mixing, including the ability to accommodate many common 20L containers.
Consider the GH400 if:
Your 20L buckets are too large for the GH360, or you regularly work with wider containers and want additional flexibility.
Talk to us about the GH550 or GN650 if:
You’re handling particularly heavy containers, high-viscosity products or more specialised production requirements.
FAQ
What’s the difference between an automatic paint shaker and a gyroscopic mixer?
An automatic shaker such as the S5 uses a rapid vibrational action to mix the contents of a container. A gyroscopic mixer such as the GH360 clamps the container and moves it through a controlled gyroscopic mixing action. Both can provide thorough mixing when matched to the correct container and product.
What size containers can the S5 take?
The S5 can accommodate containers up to 350 mm in diameter and 370 mm high, with a maximum shaking weight of 35 kg.
Is the S5 only for small paint cans?
No. The S5 is a commercial automatic shaker with a maximum shaking weight of 35 kg and generous container dimensions. The suitability of an individual container depends on its size, shape and application, not simply its stated litre capacity.
Can the GH360 mix 20L buckets?
Yes, many common 20L buckets will fit the GH360. The machine accepts containers up to 360 mm in diameter and 420 mm high. However, 20L bucket dimensions vary between manufacturers, so some may be too wide or too tall. If you’re unsure, Exzel can confirm compatibility from the dimensions of your actual container.
What should I choose if my 20L buckets don’t fit the GH360?
The GH400 is the next option to consider. Its larger container capacity allows it to accommodate wider buckets and gives more flexibility for businesses regularly working with larger-format containers.
Is a gyroscopic mixer better than a paint shaker?
Not necessarily. They use different mixing actions and suit different applications. A shaker can be the simpler and more practical solution for one business, while another may benefit from the container flexibility and automatic operation of a gyroscopic mixer.
What information do you need to recommend a machine?
The most useful information is the size and dimensions of your containers, the type and viscosity of the products you’re mixing, the approximate weight of the filled containers and how many you expect to mix each day.
Still not sure which machine suits your business?
You don’t need to work it out from specifications alone.
Tell us what you’re mixing, your common container sizes and approximately how many cans or buckets you process each day. If you regularly use 20L buckets, send through the container dimensions and Exzel can confirm whether they’ll suit the GH360 or whether a larger machine would be more appropriate.
View the Exzel range or contact Exzel to discuss your requirements.