Laboratory drum mill for large sample volumes
Handling large sample volumes in a laboratory setting can be challenging, especially when fine grinding is required. Achieving reproducible and contamination-free results is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the analysis, especially in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.

High-capacity grinding with minimal contamination
The Drum Mill TM 500 by RETSCH is designed for grinding large sample volumes up to 35 liters. It accommodates feed sizes up to 20 mm and achieves grind sizes down to 15 µm through friction and impact, using a 150-liter drum filled with 80 kg of grinding balls. The variable speed range of 10 to 50 rpm and the capability for long-term grinding sessions up to 100 hours enable precise adaptation to different sample properties. The TM 500 is available in a food-grade version featuring a stainless steel 316L drum and hopper for contamination-free processing. The system’s electronic tilt function simplifies the handling of grinding balls and sample materials, and programmable grinding breaks allow processing of heat-sensitive samples. Safety is enhanced with an emergency switch for instant shut-off. RETSCH provides an optional sieve section for easy separation of grinding balls from the ground sample, supporting further processing.
Benefits
- Handles large sample volumes up to 35 liters
- Achieves fine grind sizes down to 15 µm
- Variable speed range and long-term grinding for sample adaptability
- Food-grade version available for contamination-free applications
- Enhanced safety features and ergonomic design