The Exotic Grinding Media Section lists materials of construction that are not commonly used as a grinding media.
They are used for special applications mostly due to the level of tolerated contaminants. Exotic medias are comparatively expensive.
For more detailed information on this subject, please visit the Education & Information section.
For a quote or discussion, complete the Grinding Media Specification Form.
DIAMONDS & CUBIC BORON CARBIDE:
Industrial Diamonds & CBN can be used as a grinding media for the most severe applications when trying to grind extremely hard materials. The shape is irregular aggregates. The cost is very high. However, it is worthwhile to consider as it will grind down very slowly and only introduce carbon as a contaminant.
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Tungsten Carbide:
Tungsten carbide has extremely high density and hardness for efficient particle size reduction of hard to grind products. Tungsten Carbide media is available as beads, satellite balls, flat top cylinders and wide band satellite balls as round top cylinders are difficult to find.
Density 17.2
Hardness 74 HRC
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Silicon Carbide:
Silicon Carbide, also known as carborundum, makes an excellent media due to its low weight and very high durability and temperature tolerance.
Density 3.10
Hardness 2400 Vickers
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Silicon Nitride:
Silicon Nitride is an excellent grinding media due to its high strength, durability, good wear/corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, electrical insulation and non-magnetic. Compared with other grinding medias, it has lighter weight (60% less than steel), lower thermal expansion and lower operation cost due to its long life.
Density 3.25
Hardness 1300 Vickers
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Polymers
Polymers are counter intuitive due to the low density for use as grinding media. However, if the product is low viscosity and shear thinning, it can be quite effective.
Silicas
Silicas are one of the oldest materials for use as a grinding media. They are still used where low viscosity, low temperatures, low wear rates on equipment and lower costs are required.
Aluminas
Aluminas are one of the most versatile medias used for grinding as it is available in a wide range of purities, sizes, shapes and formulations depending upon the type of mill and product being ground.
Zirconia Silicates
Zirconia Silicates were the first major advancement in improved density and durability without sacrificing price when compared to alumina for a grinding media used in small media mills.
Zirconia Oxides
Zirconia Oxide is one of the fastest growing categories of grinding medias due to its high hardness, durability, smooth surface, value and multiple options for users.
Steels
Steel is an excellent grinding media as long as the product can tolerate metal contamination and graying.
