​​​​Other Considerations​

Expensive Raw Materials

When process expensive materials consider a smaller chambered mill like the Mini 100 where typical batch range is 100 to 300 ml's. Smaller chambers are available.

Realistic Sample Volumes to Complete Tests & Retain Small Periodic Samples

The model number represents the chamber void volume and the minimum sample size that can be produced by recirculation milling. The funnel volume plus chamber volume equals the maximum sample size when recirculation milling. It allows the user to take sample retains during processing to determine the best results quickly.

Hazardous Materials

Explosion proof and intrinsically safe electrical controls and motors are available to meet international electrical codes. 

Larger Lab Samples or Small Batch Production

The Mini 750, Mini 1000 and Mini 2000 mills with larger chambers and feed funnels will increase your sample or small production volumes. The mills can be set up to recirculate of single pass products.

Abrasive Slurries

Abrasive slurries can be processed using mills with special materials of construction. These include wear resistant alloy steels, stainless steels, ceramics, polyurethane's and special materials. Hard chrome plating is included on standard arrangements. Hard faced mechanical seals can also be included for long seal life.

Ceramic Milling Chambers

Components made from toughened TYZ ceramic materials avoid metal contamination and discoloration in abrasive products and metal sensitive dispersions.

Nano Particle Grinding

Special components are available to operate with bead sizes from 0.05 mm t0 0.6 mm diameter. In this bead size range exploratory work can be completed to see what might be possible when Nano particles are required. These parts can be easily adapted to existing Mini Mills or supplied on new equipment.

PLC Controls and Process Monitoring

Digital Multifunctional color display for operating, viewing current operation and collecting of historical data is available. A PLC is programed to operate the mill while monitoring mill functions during operation. Safety controls and process limits are integrated into the program. Monitor: RPM, amperage, power, temperature, time and total kWh used during operation.

Electrical Controls to Meet All Environments

  • Standard Electrical Controls 
  • Explosion Proof 
  • Intrinsically Safe 
  • Purged Electrical Cabinets
  • HMI / PLC Color Monitor & Control

Mini Mills

(847) 548-0044


Re-Circulation Milling Minimizes Raw Material Use

lab mill - bead mill - mini mill

Laboratory Mini Mills – Small Sample Processing 

lab mill with feed funnel

* Note: Larger feed funnels available to increase sample size

​Mills for Special Applications - Contamination Free Milling and Abrasive Slurries

Explosion Proof Mills Using Standard NEMA 7 Enclosures or Intrinsically Safe Controls

lab mill for slurries

Self-contained laboratory bead mills for wet milling, fine grinding and dispersing of fluid type dispersions. The Mini Mill includes its own two stage internal pumping mechanism for feeding product to the milling chamber. 

​​​Recommended for product research, quality control of raw materials and assisting with technical service applications. Mini Mills use grinding media to develop the high shear and impact forces required to reduce agglomerates or finite particles. These mills are capable of producing sub-micron particles using limited amounts of raw material.

  • Ideal for screening formulations with limited amounts of raw materials 
  • Capable of producing sub-micron particles. 
  • The Mini Mill includes its own built in pump and pre-disperser. 
  • Information gained will assist in scaling to production. 
  • Chamber sizes to meet most small sample requirements.
  • Single pass or re-circulation milling 
  • Variable speed agitator - 0 to 5000 rpm. - 0 to 18 ml's. 
  • General purpose, explosion proof and intrinsically safe electrical controls
  • PLC diagnostic controls available for operating, monitoring process variables and data collection 
  • Quick release latches allow easy removal of components.  
  • Capable of producing Nano range particles using bead sizes down to 0.1 mm diameter. 


Operation
 

  • Samples are premixed either by hand or by a high speed disperser then poured into the feed funnel with the mill running at a low rpm.
  • With the end plate set to re-circulate the rpm is increased to the desired level and product is allowed to circulate until the degree of product quality is achieved. ​
  • Product from the feed funnel is pumped into the milling chamber and through an agitated bed of grinding beads. These beads can be glass, ceramic or steel and range in size from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm in diameter. The agitator rotational speed is electronically controlled. Product quality is determined by the chamber residence time, the agitator rotational tip speed and the product formulation.
  • The chamber and seal housing are water jacketed for efficient cooling. 
  • Additional end plate cooling is available. 
  • Product is removed either by swinging the circulation pipe away from the funnel or by the diverter valve located in the chamber end plate. 
  • The mill can also be operated by single passing product through the mill in discrete passes. ​
  • The through put rate can be adjusted by turning the end valve. 
  • Cleaning is achieved by passing a compatible solvent through the feed funnel and milling system
  • ​With the quick release chamber and end plate closures dismantling can be achieved in minutes for further cleaning


Mill Selection

Consider what your ideal batch volume range would be. Selecting a smaller chambered mill will reduce the raw materials required and clean up. 

Are there any special process requirements, i.e. water or solvents, hazardous location, purity or contamination free milling? What is the particle size requirement? ​Are expensive raw materials involved?​​

Mills for Larger Laboratory Samples & Small Batch Production - Interchangeable Feed Funnels  

lab mill with explosion proof controls

Model Sizes
25, 50, 100, 250, 750, 1000, & 2000 ML Chambers
Sample Size Range From 25 ML – 10 Liters

lab mill - bead mill - mini mill - chamber
Mini Mills
Self Pumping
Variable Speed

 0 to 16 meter per second





Model
Chamber ml
Sample size ml range *
HP
Agitator RPM
M25
25
25 to 100
1
0 to 5000
M50
50
50 to 250
1
0 to 5000
M100100100 to 300
20 to 5000
M250250250 to 1000
30 to 5000
M7507501000 to 2000
50 to 3500
M100010001200 to 3000
50 to 3500
M200020002200 to 7000
7.50 to 3500