Retsch vibratory mill MM 500 nano
The Retsch vibrating mill MM 500 nano combines high performance with a compact design and enables dry, wet and cryogenic grinding for a wide range of applications in research and production. The device is particularly impressive in mechanochemical processes and nano-grinding thanks to its high vibration frequency and powerful drive - a performance that classic ball mills often only achieve with significantly greater effort. Similarly designed devices such as the Retsch CryoMill show how important a stable design and user-friendly operation are in everyday laboratory work in order to achieve reliable measurement results.
Performance features and applications
This mill offers a very wide range of applications from sample preparation applications in agricultural science to high-precision comminution processes in mechanochemistry. With an oscillation frequency of up to 35 Hz, particle sizes down to the nanometer range can be achieved - without significant heat generation. This makes the device ideal for temperature-sensitive substances and long-term grinding for up to 99 hours. The robust design ensures high stability and reduces vibrations. As a result, handling remains safe and user-friendly, even when different grinding bowl sizes are used.
In order to meet the frequently changing requirements in the laboratory and production, both large grinding balls (high impact mode) and several small balls (high friction mode) can be used. This allows sample materials such as hardened steel, stainless steel, tungsten carbide or zirconium oxide to be processed in a targeted manner - depending on the required hardness, brittleness or elasticity of the sample material. The Screw-Lock grinding bowl with safety lock makes clamping particularly convenient and reduces the risk of accidents.
Technical highlights
- Vibration frequency range: 3 - 35 Hz
- Max. Feed quantity: 2 x 45 ml
- Final fineness: up to 0.1 µm (depending on material)
- Grinding modes: dry, wet and cryogenic grinding
- Maximum grinding time: 99 h
- Up to 12 standard operating procedures (SOP) can be stored
- Power supply: 100-120 V or 200-230 V, 50/60 Hz
In addition, special program cycles with up to 99 repetitions can be stored, making it easy to automate routine work processes. The digital touch display simplifies parameter input and increases process reliability. The geometry and position of the grinding tools can be reproduced exactly with each repetition, enabling precise and reliable results.
Certifications and standards
This model is CE-certified, meaning it meets all the essential safety and quality standards. Users can rely on a dependable design that has proven itself in daily use over many years. The IP 30 protection rating shows that the device is designed for use in a laboratory environment and offers reliable protection against external influences.
Concrete application examples
- Mechanochemistry: Targeted high-energy grinding can be used to shorten reaction paths and change substance properties - for example in alloys or catalyst precursors.
- Nano-milling in the pharmaceutical industry: heat-sensitive substances, such as some active ingredients and tablet bases, can be reduced to nano-size thanks to the low temperature development.
- Environmental analysis: Soil and waste samples can be processed to a homogeneous fineness in order to carry out precise residue analyses.
- Cryogenic grinding in the food sector: the use of liquid nitrogen preserves aromas so that spices and plant material, for example, can be reliably homogenized.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How can a constant temperature be set for longer grinding processes?
Cryogenic grinding is recommended for sensitive samples. This involves working with liquid nitrogen, for example, to keep the temperature stable and prevent thermal damage.
Can different grinding bowl sizes be used flexibly?
Yes. The appliance supports 50 ml, 80 ml and 125 ml beakers. The oscillation frequency and grinding time are set digitally to achieve optimum results for each size.
How do I benefit from the programmable SOPs?
By saving up to 12 standard operating procedures, recurring work processes can be reproduced exactly. This is particularly helpful if the same parameter combinations are used regularly or several users work in the laboratory.
Which sample materials are suitable for this device?
Hard, medium-hard, elastic or fibrous material can be processed without any problems. Whether grain, minerals, plastic or bone - the powerful drive delivers consistently high grinding quality, even with challenging samples.
How is the grinding fineness controlled?
The combination of digitally selectable oscillation frequency and the corresponding number and size of grinding balls allows the final fineness to be precisely controlled down to the nanometer range. Sampling or visual inspections can then be carried out without removing the buckets from the clamping system.
Conclusion
This model enables particularly powerful and efficient comminution of sample materials down to the nanometer range. The digital control and robust design combine precise process control with maximum flexibility. Thanks to the variable operating modes, the secure screw-lock system and the option of a long grinding time of up to 99 hours, nothing stands in the way of precise and reproducible grinding. Even demanding applications such as mechanochemistry and nano-grinding can be reliably implemented in the shortest possible time.
