Laboratory drum mill for large sample volumes

Efficiently process large volumes of diverse materials into precise particle sizes, ensuring consistent and reproducible results while integrating seamlessly into laboratory workflows.

Grinds and Homogenizes Large Sample Volumes

The Drum Mill TM 500 from Retsch is a laboratory ball mill that distinguishes itself by its capacity to handle large sample volumes up to 35 liters. Designed to pulverize, mix, and grind materials ranging from activated carbon to fine art paper, it operates on a principle of friction and impact within a rotating drum. The TM 500 excels in environments like research labs and production lines across industries such as pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and metallurgy, offering optimal integration with semi-automated laboratory setups. It supports a variable rotation speed from 10 to 50 rpm, allowing fine tuning of grinding processes for precise final particle sizes, down to 15 µm. Constructed from high-grade materials, including a 316L stainless steel option for food-grade applications, this mill ensures corrosive resistance and long-term reliability. Safety features like an emergency switch and an electronic tilt function enhance user operation. The TM 500’s programmability and optional sieving section streamline batch processing and ball/sample separation, facilitating seamless cleanup and maintenance.

Benefits

  • Enhances productivity by efficiently processing large sample volumes up to 35 liters.
  • Achieves precise and reproducible particle sizing, essential for quality control in research and production settings.
  • Minimizes contamination risk in sensitive applications with a stainless steel 316L food-grade option.
  • Facilitates straightforward integration into semi-automated labs, improving workflow efficiency.
  • Increases safety and ease of use with features like programmable grinding parameters and an emergency stop function.

General


Applications
Activated carbon,Tobacco,Chemical products,Sewage sludge,Paper,Minerals,Pigments,Catalysts,Semi-precious stones,Slag,Polymers,Cement clinker,Glass,Coal,Kaolin,Compost,Soil,Clay minerals,Ceramics,Limestone,Hydroxyl apatite,Bentonite,Electronic scrap,Pharmaceutical products,Wood,Fibers,Ores,Carbon fibers,Cellulose,Quartz,Waste,Gypsum,Alloys,Metal oxides,Concrete
End products
Fine art paper,Industrial catalysts,Drilling mud,Lime-based mortar,Gemstones,Organic fertilizer,Industrial solvents,Pigment powders,Bone graft materials,Steel components,Textile fibers,Pharmaceutical tablets,Briquettes,Carbon fiber components,Portland cement,Water filters,Transparent ceramics,Semiconductor wafers,Earthenware pottery,Jewelry stones,Landfill cover,Porcelain tiles,Circuit board materials,Porcelain insulators,Clay bricks,Drywall boards,Paint pigments,Mdf panels,Plastic products,Cigarette fillers,Nanocellulose films,Precast concrete panels,Concrete aggregates,Compost fertilizer,Metal coatings,Glass bottles
Steps before
Crushing,Pre-mixing,Sample Collection
Steps after
Sieving,Separation,Homogenization,Packaging
Input ingredients
activated carbon,alloys,bentonite,bones,carbon fibers,catalysts,cellulose,cement clinker,ceramics,chemical products,clay minerals,coal,coke,compost,concrete,electronic scrap,fibers,gypsum,glass,hair,hydroxyl apatite,kaolin,lime stone,metal oxides,minerals,ores,paint and varnish,paper,pharmaceutical products,pigments,plants,polymers,quartz,seeds,semi-precious stones,sewage sludge,slag,soil,tissue,tobacco,waste,wood,gravel,gentian roots
Output ingredients
D90 = 15 µm,D90 = 21 µm,D90 = 37 µm,D90 = 98 µm,D90 = 130 µm
Market info
RETSCH is known for its high-quality laboratory equipment for sample preparation and particle size analysis, including mills, crushers, and sieve shakers, praised for their precision, durability, and reliability in research and industrial applications.

Technical Specifications


Material feed size
,lt
20 mm
Final fineness
,lt
15 µm
Batch size
1–35 L
Rotation speed
10–50 rpm
Grinding drum size
150 L
Drive power
2.2 kW
Electrical supply data
200–240 V,50/60 Hz
Power consumption
~ 2200 W (VA)
Net weight
~ 460 kg
Material of grinding tools
Hardened steel,stainless steel,steel 316L
Setting of grinding time
00

Operating Characteristics


Working Mechanism
Impact and friction
Batch Operation
Batch
Automation Level
Programmable digital interface
Speed Range
10 - 50 rpm
Drum Emptying Method
Electronic tilt function
Heat Sensitivity Processing
Programmable grinding breaks
Reversible Operation
Forward and reverse mode
Sample Separation
Optional sieve section
Safety Features
Emergency switch

Material Compatibility


Abrasion resistance
Yes
Biological compatibility
Food Grade
Stainless Steel 316L
Cleanability
Easy to clean
Stainless Steel Construction
Corrosive resistance (e.g. acids)
Stainless Steel 316L
Density/particle size
Varies
Depending on sample material

Physical Characteristics


Machine footprint
1100 x 1604 x 936 mm (W x H x D)
Drum size
150 L
Material feed size
< 20 mm
Batch size / feed quantity
1 L / 35 L
Net weight
~ 460 kg
Rotation speed
10 - 50 min-1
Material of grinding tools
Hardened steel,stainless steel,steel 316L
Grinding ball sizes
10 mm,20 mm,30 mm

Custom Options


Control panel type
Programmable digital display
Speed control
Variable,10 to 50 rpm
Material of construction
Stainless steel 316L
Grinding ball sizes
10 mm,20 mm,30 mm
Drum capacity
150 L
Feeding system
Feed hopper with optional separating screen
Rotation direction
Forward and reverse mode
Emergency switch
Instant turn-off
Separation unit
Optional sieve section