Cole Parmer ShatterBox SM-200 User manual

1300-87017-1M, REV 5
SM-200 Shatterbox
Rock and Mineral Grinder (Ring and Puck Mill) for Spectroscopy Applications
Operation Manual
For 115V (04578-25)

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Copyright 2023 by Cole-Parmer
All rights reserved. No part of the work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical; including photocopying and recording, except as may be
expressly permitted by the 1976 Copyright Act or in writing from the publisher. Requests for
permission should be addressed in writing to Cole-Parmer, 65 Liberty Street, Metuchen, NJ
08840.
SPEX SamplePrep is now part of Cole-Parmer®.
The Cole-Parmer® SM-200 Shatterbox was formerly known as SPEX 8530 Shatterbox.
Over the years, we’ve acquired many high-quality and reputable brands. After many years
of continual growth, we realize our brands are all as brilliant as each other. Rather than
have a portfolio of complementary brands, we felt consolidating them under one world-
class brand name enabled us to offer a single and significant brand experience. Through
one brand we can speak in one voice through our team of experts who provide support in
product selection, usage and troubleshooting to empower laboratories to run efficiently
throughout the world.
Same Great Quality!
One World-Class Brand Name!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
PAGE
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................3
2.0 Specifications ......................................................................................................................4
3.0 Unpacking ...........................................................................................................................5
4.0 Setting Up............................................................................................................................7
4.1 Locking Casters ...................................................................................................................7
4.2 Pneumatic Cylinders ...........................................................................................................7
4.3 Safety Interlock...................................................................................................................8
4.4 Cam-Action Clamp ..............................................................................................................8
4.5 Controls...............................................................................................................................9
5.0 Operation..........................................................................................................................11
6.0 Maintenance.....................................................................................................................15
6.2 Cleaning the Shatterbox ...................................................................................................15
7.0 Changing the Fuses...........................................................................................................16
8.0 Troubleshooting Guide.....................................................................................................17
9.0 Warranty...........................................................................................................................18
9.1 Product Specifications ......................................................................................................18
9.2 To Arrange a Return Shipment.........................................................................................18
10.0 Instrument Disposal..........................................................................................................19
11.0 Contact Us.........................................................................................................................20

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Since its introduction three decades ago, the Shatterbox has become the most popular “swing
mill” in America. Now as then, it remains the most efficient way to pulverize up to 100 ml in
volume (or 100 g in weight) of brittle material to analytical fineness. The SM-200 has many
advanced features, including an electronic timer, a cam-action clamp, a safety-interlocking lid
with pneumatic cylinders, and lockable casters.
The Shatterbox swings a dish-shaped grinding container, with a puck and (often) a ring inside, in
a tight high-speed circle; the sample is quickly crushed between the wall and floor of the
container and the moving puck/ring grinding elements. Smaller grinding containers and those
made with ceramics have a puck-shaped grinding element; larger containers add a ring. Most
grinding containers are fitted with a gasket to prevent sample loss during grinding.
Since grinding containers are chosen for specific tasks, there is no “standard” Shatterbox
grinding container. In general, grinding times average two-to-five minutes, with resultant
particle size well below 200 mesh, and in some cases below 10 microns. Typical samples
include cements, soils, ceramics, slag, rocks, and ores, but the Shatterbox has also ground sulfur
pellets, dried marsh-grass, pharmaceuticals, and many other materials. To maximize grinding
capability and minimize contamination, grinding containers are available in hardened steel,
tungsten carbide, alumina ceramic, and zirconia ceramic. The full range of Shatterbox grinding
containers is described in detail in the Cole-Parmer Accessories Manual.
The Shatterbox’s advanced design features:
1. A cam action clamp lever assembly that engages the end of the clamp bar, and holds
it down firmly as the lever is pushed into place. The clamp must be carefully adjusted
for each grinding container and should never be overtightened. (See instructions before
use. Overtightening the clamp voids the warranty.)
2. A programmable digital timer with Run, Stop, and Pause functions and visual display.
Indicates minutes and seconds up to 10:00, the program time limit. Timer is
programmed in 10-second intervals, counts down in 5-second intervals. The pause
function freezes a run, retains time left to run.
3. Safety features include a safety lid interlock and gas cylinders for the lid, as well as a
sound-insulated steel cabinet and lockable casters with which the mill can be fixed in
place. The lid stays locked and timer displays RUN COMPLETE for 5 seconds after the
motor stops.

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2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Type of mill: Grinding Mill
Grinding mechanism: Grinding containers with ring and puck
Weight: 225 lbs. (102 Kg)
Dimensions: 19 in (48 cm) x 19 in (48 cm) x 40 in. (102 cm)
Grinding Containers:
8501 Hardened Steel Grinding Container
8504 Tungsten Carbide Grinding Container
8505 Alumina Ceramic Grinding Container
8506 Zirconia Grinding Container
8507 Small Hardened Steel Grinding Container
8508 Small Tungsten Carbide Grinding Container
8521 Large Hardened Steel Grinding Container
NOTE: In practice, the sample capacity of any grinding container depends on the properties of
the sample, particle-size requirements, and other considerations.
Electrical: CE Approved. Available in 115V/60Hz (15-amp fuse) or 230V/50Hz (8-amp fuse).
Cord: 115V 60Hz version, 3-prong grounded cord supplied.
230V 50Hz version, with European CEE 7/7 two-prong plug supplied.
NOTE: Operator is responsible for supplying alternate line cord/plug if required.
Fuses:115V/60Hz version, 15-amp slow-blow fuse in inlet module,
230V/50Hz version, 8-amp slow-blow fuse in inlet module
Important: these fuses are "slow-blow" fuses, meant to withstand a temporary voltage
peak in excess of the fuse's current rating. (Electric motors of the type used in the
Shatterbox draw more amperage than normal while getting up to speed.) When
replacing a fuse, remember to unplug the Shatterbox first, and always use a "slow-blow"
type fuse.
Motor: 1/3 horsepower dual-winding 825-RPM motor powers the SM-200 Shatterbox.
The low horsepower rating of the motor is based on its low fixed speed, but the motor
has high torque (especially when starting up) and is more powerful than its HP power
rating implies.
Safety Features: Lid Interlock prevents mill from running if lid is not closed and keeps lid locked
down for 5 seconds after motor shuts off to allow mechanism to come to a stop.
Recommended operating conditions: Indoors, in ambient air, temperature between 40oand
90oF. (4o–35oC), humidity between 0% and 95%.

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3.0 UNPACKING
The SM-200 Shatterbox mechanism and its cabinet are shipped assembled, and carefully
packed to avoid damage during shipping. Any visible damage to the shipping container should
immediately be reported to the carrier. If there is no visible damage, remove all packing
documents from the exterior of the box, and after completion of your inspection, file in your
records.
Before unpacking the SM-200 Shatterbox, place the shipping carton upright and as close as
possible to the mill intended location. Open the top of the shipping box. Remove the top and
body of the carton. Note that if the tape holding the carton’s bottom piece together is slit on
one side, that flap can be folded down and the Shatterbox rolled off after unlocking the casters.
A plug-in line cord, an extra set of 51793 drive belts, an extra set of fuses, and a 31688 Friction
Disc are included with your new Shatterbox. One Friction Disc (a circle of thin rubber matting)
should always be kept in the recess off the capsule container, to cushion the grinding container,
reduce the noise of the grinding, and prevent unnecessary and rapid wear of the clamp and
capsule retainer.
Move the mill to the location where it is likely to stay, lock the casters, and open the lid. Please
note that the Shatterbox should always be installed and operated on a level surface. Check the
power switch, which is on the back of the cabinet, next to the electrical inlet (Diagram C, Item
48); this switch should be in the off position (the 0 should be pushed in) when the power cord is
first attached. Look for any hidden damage that may have occurred during shipping.
The SM-200 Shatterbox comes fully assembled. However, before plugging the Shatterbox in
and using the controls for the very first time, first inspect the drive mechanism to make sure
it is properly linked and aligned. The Shatterbox was tested before shipment, but there are
four flexible belts connecting two drive arms, one on the motor and one on the capsule
retainer. The belts can become dislodged during shipping. If the Shatterbox is run with the
drive mechanism uncoupled or misaligned, damage can result.
To inspect the drive mechanism, remove the access panel on the back of the case. (Note that in
general this panel should not be removed without unplugging the power cord.) Check the belt
linkage between the arm on the motor and the arm on the rotating funnel on the bottom of the
capsule assembly. The two arms should be parallel and unbent, connected by four belts (O-
rings) in a diamond pattern that overlaps at the corners (Diagram B, item 34). (The coupling arm
is attached to the top of the motor shaft. The eccentric arm is attached to the bottom of the
rotating funnel.) Spin the arms by hand; the motor arm and the funnel arm should rotate
together smoothly.
If the drive belts have come off, replace them as pictured in Diagram B: in a diamond pattern,
two belts up and two belts down. Spin the arms by hand.

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3.0 UNPACKING (Cont’d)
If either arm has become bent, straighten it; the arms are made of a soft alloy which can be
bent without harming it. Spin the coupling arm by hand; the eccentric arm and the funnel
should rotate together freely. The hubs of the coupling arm and the eccentric arm should be
between 1/16” and 1/8” apart; if they are not, the coupling arm may have ridden up or down
the motor shaft. Correct this by loosening the setscrews holding the coupling arm, and
adjusting its position on the motor shaft. When the drive belts are aligned and the hubs of the
two arms properly separated, tighten the setscrews (use a 1/8” Allen wrench).
As re-installing the access panel, note the electrical inlet, on/off switch, and the fuse holder on
the left side of the access panel opening. The 115V 60Hz Shatterbox takes two 15-amp “slow
blow” fuses; the 230V 50Hz unit takes two 8-amp “Slow Blow” fuses.
Plug the cabinet power cord into an approved electrical outlet: in North America, a 3 prong
grounded 115V outlet on a circuit fused at 20 amps. The 230V/50Hz Shatterbox is equipped
with a standard European 2 prong plug that in some countries may have to be replaced to suit
local electrical codes. The 230V power cord conforms to European wiring color codes.
If everything seems to be okay, proceed to the next section “SETTING UP.”
Control Panel
Electrical Inlet
Module at Rear
Figure 1 - SM-200 Shatterbox (exterior)
Casters
Lid

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4.0 SETTING UP
After the initial unpacking and setup of the Shatterbox, you are ready to prepare the unit for
actual use.
As you make the Shatterbox ready to grind samples, become familiar with the grinding
Container you will use. The sample is placed in a container with a puck (and sometimes a ring);
then the container is swung in a tight circle while the puck (and ring) crushes the sample against
the bottom and wall of the container. Most of the Shatterbox containers have an O-ring or
gasket that prevents leakage during grinding. Grinding containers are available in several sizes
and in a range of materials to minimize objectionable contamination: hardened steel (Cat. Nos.
8501, 8507, and 8521), tungsten carbide (Cat. Nos. 8504, 8508), alumina ceramic (Cat. No.
8505), and zirconia ceramic (Cat. No. 8506).
Before operating your new SM-200 Shatterbox, it is important that you become familiar with its
special features. This section explains in detail how each part of the Shatterbox works.
Directions for operation (minus these detailed descriptions) are given in “Operations.” There
are four important conditions of operation, which bear repeating:
1. ALWAYS CLAMP A CONTAINER IN PLACE WHEN RUNNING THE SHATTERBOX.
2. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE CLAMP.
3. DO NOT OPEN THE LID UNTIL THE LID LATCH IS DISENGAGED.
4. ALWAYS UNPLUG THE MILL BEFORE OPENING THE CABINET ACCESS PANEL.
While familiarizing yourself with the operation of the Shatterbox you may wish to clamp in
place a grinding container without its puck/ring. Read the clamp instructions first.
4.1 Locking Casters
All four casters swivel, and can be locked and unlocked with the foot. Each caster has a
downward sloping pedal with a small tab projecting up. To lock the casters, press the pedal
down. To unlock the casters, push the tab back. To move the SM-200 Shatterbox easily, unlock
the casters; to keep it in place, lock them. Always lock the casters before operating the
Shatterbox.
4.2 Pneumatic Cylinders
There is one on either side of the lid, to hold it firmly in the open or closed positions. Open and
close the lid several times to get the “feel” of lowering the lid gently. Keep fingers and objects
off the rim of the Shatterbox cabinet when lowering the lid, as the pneumatic cylinders will not
slow its descent during the last few inches.

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4.3 Safety Interlock
The SM-200 Shatterbox is designed so the lid cannot be lifted while the capsule retainer is
moving. When the Run button is pushed, it activates a solenoid that locks down the lid. Not
until the lid locks down will the Shatterbox motor start. At the end of a run when the timer
reaches zero, the motor shuts off, the timer displays RUN COMPLETE, and the lid stays latched
for 5 seconds to allow the grinding mechanism to slow down. After 5 seconds the lid unlatches
with an audible click, and the timer re-sets. Always wait until the lid is unlatched before
opening it.
If the safety interlock cannot engage, the mill will not start, and ERROR: LATCH FAILURE appears
in the timer display. When the problem has been corrected and the Interlock can engage, the
ERROR display will continue until the stop button is pushed. Only when the time setting
(example: 3:00 REMAINING) reappears in the display can the Shatterbox be started.
4.4 Cam-Action Clamp
The cam-action of the clamp makes it possible to hold any Cole-Parmer Shatterbox grinding
container firmly in place without applying excessive pressure to the lever. The clamp can also
be adjusted easily for containers of different heights, or to compensate for wear. It is
absolutely necessary to adjust the clamp properly before using it, as overtightening the clamp
can damage it. Such damage is not covered by the warranty. The different parts of the clamp
are illustrated in Diagram A.
To use the clamp, first swing the clamp lever to the right and the clamp arm to the left side of
the cabinet. Then place a grinding container squarely in the recess of the capsule retainer. (If
the container is not firmly seated, it can work loose during grinding.) The use of a 31688
Friction Disc in the capsule retainer recess, under the grinding container, is recommended at all
times; it lessens noise, aids the gripping action of the clamp, and prevents rapid wear of the
capsule retainer.
When the grinding container is in place, swing the clamp arm to the right, so the guide fits over
the boss (raised protuberance) in the center of the container lid. Then bring up the clamp lever
so that the open gate at its base fits over the end clamp arm; the roller in the clamp lever
assembly should rest in the curved recess of the clamp arm. Swing the clamp lever over to the
left. If the lever meets strong resistance, STOP! The clamp is not properly adjusted and must
be loosened. Overtightening the clamp can break the cam mechanism.
The best way to adjust the clamp is to screw the guide back into the clamp bar until contact
with the grinding container is loose. Then extend (unscrew) the guide until the clamp becomes
snug. The ideal tightness for the clamp is just past the point where the grinding container can
be rotated with the clamp lever down. When the clamp is perfectly adjusted, the lever will
meet moderate resistance as it is pushed through the top of its arc, then close easily.

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4.4 Cam-Action Clamp (Cont’d)
If the guide is set too loose, the lever will meet little or no resistance, and the grinding
container can be rotated in place; disengage the lever and tighten the guide. If the guide is set
too tight, the lever will meet strong resistance as it approaches the vertical. We repeat, never
force the lever, but disengage it and loosen the guide.
The guide may be tightened or loosened by screwing it away from, or toward the clamp arm.
First disengage the locking pin by pushing its flange toward the spring. Then screw the guide
away from the clamp arm to tighten it, or toward the clamp to loosen it. Test the fit by closing
the clamp. When the clamp is adjusted, make sure the locking pin is engaged.
4.5 Controls
4.5.1 Main Power Switch (Diagram C, Item 48)
This is the rocker switch on the back of the cabinet, next to the electrical inlet. It controls the
flow of current to the controls and motor. When you press this switch to the on position (I) the
timer display will light up. The timer can now be programmed. Pressing this switch to the off
position (0) will switch off power to the mill.
4.5.2 Digital Timer
The timer includes minutes: seconds numerical display, pushbuttons for the run, stop and
pause functions, and buttons to change the timer setting. The display indicates the
programmed grinding time when the mill is not running: 3:00 REMAINING means the
Shatterbox is programmed for a 3-minute run. During a run, the timer counts down the time
remaining in 5-second increments: 2:05, 2:00, 1:55, etc. The time is displayed in minutes and
seconds; for example, 1:30 equals one minute and thirty seconds.
Time is programmed in 5-second increments, by pressing the minus (-) or plus (+) buttons
below the timer display.
The timer display also includes three status screens:
•PAUSED is displayed when the pause button has been pressed.
•RUN COMPLETE is displayed for 5 seconds after the run is over; and
•ERROR: LATCH FAILURE is displayed when the lid interlock cannot engage.
NOTE: Before setting the timer and operating the SM-200 Shatterbox, clamp a grinding
container firmly in place. Also, while learning how to operate the Shatterbox you may
want to use a grinding container with its puck/ring grinding elements removed.

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4.5 Controls (Cont’d)
Figure 2 - Digital Timer Screen and Controls
4.5.3 Setting the Timer
When power is switched on, the timer will first display the Cole-Parmer logo, followed by:
COLE-PARMER
SM-200 SHATTERBOX
The timer will then display the default timer setting of three minutes (3:00). Assuming a
grinding container is clamped into the capsule retainer and the lid is down, pressing RUN will
initiate a run of 3 minutes. First there will be a delay of several seconds for the lid latch to
engage, then the timer will start counting down in 5-second increments: 2:55, 2:50, 2:45, etc.
Every time power is turned off and back on, the timer will revert to the 3:00 default setting. To
keep another timer setting, leave the power on. If power is not interrupted, the timer will
display the most recently programmed setting.
Set the grinding time with the four buttons below the timer display. There are Plus (+) and
Minus (-) buttons for minutes, and Plus (+) and Minus (-) buttons for seconds. The MIN buttons
will change the minute setting 1 minute at a time, and the SEC buttons will change the seconds
setting 5 seconds at a time. 10:00 is the maximum running time; increasing the minutes setting
past 10 will take the setting to zero. 50 is the maximum setting for seconds; increasing the
seconds past 50 will take the setting to zero. If a button is pushed and immediately released, it
will change its setting by one unit.

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4.5.4 Starting and Running the Shatterbox
Push the run button to begin a grinding cycle. There will be a short pause while the lid interlock
engages, and then the Shatterbox motor will start. The timer counts down 5 seconds at a time,
showing the time left in the run. When the timer reaches zero and the motor shuts off, the
timer will display RUN COMPLETE for 5 seconds while the lid latch stays locked. This allows the
capsule retainer mechanism to slow down. When the interlock releases the lid (with an audible
click), the timer display will return to its prior setting. Never try to open the lid before the
interlock releases; this can damage the lid latch.
4.5.5 Using the Stop and Pause Buttons
To stop the mill during a run, push the stop button. This will shut off the motor and re-set the
timer. RUN COMPLETE will be displayed for 5 seconds and the lid will stay latched. After 5
seconds the original timer setting will re-appear and the lid latch will release.
To have the mill pause during a run and retain the timer setting, push the pause button. The
motor will shut off and PAUSED will appear in the display. The lid latch will not release. To
resume the run, push RUN; the timer will briefly display the exact number of seconds left in the
run and then count down in 5-second increments. To abort the run, push STOP; RUN
COMPLETE will be displayed for five seconds and the lid latch will release.
4.5.6 Timer/Lid Latch Interlock
The timer is connected to the safety interlock, a latch in the lid that hooks under the front edge
of the cabinet when the RUN button is pressed, and locks the lid down. If the Shatterbox lid
cannot be locked down when RUN is pressed, the motor will not start and ERROR: LATCH
FAILURE will appear in the timer display. When this happens, correct any problems with the
interlock latch, then press STOP to clear ERROR: LATCH FAILURE from the display, and restore
the timer setting. Only when the timer setting is restored can the Shatterbox be started again.
5.0 OPERATION
The following sequence is typical. It supposes familiarity with the chief features of the
Shatterbox, as described in “SETTING UP.” First, these cautions:
Never operate the Shatterbox without a grinding container and friction disc clamped firmly in
place. (If it is necessary to run the Shatterbox without grinding a sample, remove the grinding
element(s) from the container.) Never remove the access panel in the back of the cabinet
unless the mill is first unplugged.
1. Switch the power on. The timer display will light up. Initially it will flash the Cole-Parmer
logo and then display Cole-Parmer SM-200 SHATTERBOX, but this will shortly change to the
default timer setting of 3:00.
2. Program the timer, using the buttons immediately below the numerical display. The left
minus (-)/plus (+) buttons control the minutes, and the right minus (-)/plus (+) buttons
control the seconds.

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5.0 OPERATION (Cont’d)
3. Load the grinding container with sample. If running the Shatterbox without grinding
anything, remove the grinding element(s) from the container. Clamp the container into the
capsule retainer. Make sure that the friction disc is properly placed and the grinding
container is firmly seated. If the clamp is properly adjusted, the clamp lever should work
smoothly with some resistance at the top of its arc, but you should not be able to rotate the
container in place once the clamp lever is down. If the clamp is too tight or too loose,
adjust it.
4. Shut the lid, and press the run button. There will be a brief pause while the lid locks down,
and then the Shatterbox motor will start. As it runs, the timer display will count down the
minutes and seconds remaining, in 5-second increments. When the timer reaches zero,
RUN COMPLETE will appear in the timer display for five seconds while the lid remains
latched; this gives the grinding mechanism time to slow down. Then the timer setting will
re-appear and the lid will unlatch, with an audible click. Always wait for the lid to unlatch
before opening it.
Open the lid, unclamp the grinding container, and remove it for emptying and cleaning.
If ERROR: LATCH FAILURE is displayed instead of numerals when the run button is pressed, the
interlock is not properly engaged. Clear the timer by pressing the stop button, and correct the
problem.
5.0.1 Loading a Shatterbox Grinding Container
Before using a Shatterbox grinding container, check to make sure that it is clean and that the
gasket or O-ring is in good condition. Before it is loaded into the container, the sample should
be crushed to proper feed size as discussed previously: approx. 1/4" for the steel and tungsten
carbide containers, and 1/8" for the alumina and zirconia ceramic containers.
Place the sample in the grinding container AFTER the ring or ring-and-puck is in place. Do not
overload the grinding container. If loading a steel or tungsten carbide grinding container with a
ring as well as a puck, place the sample evenly on both sides of the ring.
Before putting the cover on the grinding container, check the position of the O-ring, and make
sure no sample is on the rim of the container, or underneath or on top of the ring and puck. A
good way to tell whether the cover is firmly seated is to rotate it slightly, or slide it from side to
side; if sample particles are preventing the cover from closing tightly, this will be apparent.
If the cover of the grinding container is not firmly seated when the container is clamped into
place, it is likely that the clamp will loosen during grinding. At best the grinding container will
leak. At worst, the container can leave the clamp, causing damage to both the mill and
container.

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5.0 OPERATION (Cont’d)
5.0.2 Emptying and Cleaning the Grinding Container
The grinding container is usually emptied by brushing out the ground sample. Typically, a
technician will start by brushing the sample off the underside of the cover into the container,
and brushing off the tops of the puck and ring. Then the ring is lifted partway out of the
container and brushed off, followed by the puck. Finally, the container is tilted and the entire
sample brushed out. Some technicians recommend coarse-bristled brushes (for example,
inexpensive Nylon paintbrushes) because they are easy to clean.
WARNING: Finely pulverized sample always presents a respiratory hazard; a dust mask or
other protection should be worn when working with it.
Grinding containers should be cleaned after use. Methods have included wiping with a damp
paper towel, blowing out with an air hose, rinsing with water or alcohol, etc. Most of these
methods are not very effective, and blowing the dust out of a container with an air hose causes
a respiratory hazard. We recommend a two-minute period of grinding with a mixture of clean
quartz sand, hot water, and soap or laboratory detergent. The residue is easily and safely
washed out of the container, which then may be dried.
Technicians who are particularly concerned about cross-sample contamination may adopt the
"grind and discard" technique. After sample A has been ground and the grinding container
nominally cleaned, a portion of sample B is ground and discarded, and the container cleaned
again. Now it should be possible to grind a portion of sample B without contaminating it with
sample A.
A cleaned grinding container, which will not be used for some time, should be stored in a plastic
bag. Hardened steel grinding containers should always be dried and stored carefully, as they
are prone to surface rusting.
5.0.3 Grinding Hints
It is risky to give exact formulas for sample grinding because there are so many variables. Few
types of sample have the same grinding characteristics. Grinding containers are made of
different materials, all of which grind differently; furthermore, a worn grinding container will be
less efficient than a new one. While there are many analytical techniques that require finely
ground samples, the necessary particle size for proper analytical results may vary from
instrument to instrument and from sample to sample. Consequently, these guidelines are
general.
For any grinding container, the smaller the overall sample size, the finer it can be ground in a
given time. Unless a sample cakes during grinding, the longer it is ground, the finer it will get.
Particle size can almost always be lowered further by reducing the sample size or lengthening
the grinding time, or both.
Dry grinding is relatively efficient for most brittle materials, but at small particle sizes (below 50
microns) there is a tendency for particles to agglomerate, or "cake." There are many

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5.0.3 Grinding Hints (Cont’d)
grinding aids to prevent caking. Water, alcohol, solvents, and other liquids can be added to
create slurries whose mean particle size after grinding can be well below 10 microns, but for
most analytical techniques the liquid must be removed before analysis. Dry grinding aids
include soap powders, detergents, stearates, and aspirin, all added to comprise 1% to 10% of
the total sample weight. Cole-Parmer recommends a technique pioneered by Howard Kanare
of Construction Technology Laboratory: ethylene glycol or propylene glycol is added to the
sample in the amount of one drop for every five to ten grams of sample.
In most analytical work it is important to reproduce particle size from sample to sample. Like
other laboratory mills, the Shatterbox requires a fixed routine to accomplish this: a uniform
sample weight, grinding aid, grinding time, container, etc.
6.0 MAINTENANCE
6.1 Cleaning the Shatterbox
Depending on how dusty the working environment is it may be necessary to clean the
Shatterbox regularly. The clamp and capsule retainer should be vacuumed or wiped off. Any
spilled powders or liquids should be wiped up immediately with a slightly damp cotton cloth after
every use. This should minimize the buildup of any powders, mold/mildew, or unsightly gunk over
the life of the unit. To clean the Shatterbox mechanism, remove the access panel on the back of
the cabinet (after unplugging the mill) and vacuum the exposed surfaces.
For a properly functioning Cam-Action Clamp, it is absolutely necessary that the lever assembly
roller rotates smoothly. Clean off any excess dust or dirt from the outer segments of the clamp,
with special attention being placed on the hinge sections and on the roller. It may be necessary to
oil the hinge and the roller from time to time. If the roller locks up, the clamp can be easily
damaged.
NOTE: It is important to unplug the unit from its power source before beginning any cleanup
or maintenance work that is to be performed on the mill.

SM-300 Shatterbox
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7.0 CHANGING THE FUSES
If the Shatterbox will not operate when the run button is pressed, it is possible that one or both
fuses may have blown. To access the fuses, first remove the power cord from the back of the
Shatterbox. Then open the door on the fuse compartment by gently prying it open at the top
and flipping it down. Use a small screwdriver to gently pry the red fuse holder out of the
compartment, as shown in Figure 3. Remove the fuses and check them using a continuity
tester. If either fuse is blown or defective, replace both with 3AG 15-amp, 230V slow-blow
fuses for the 115V model, or 3AG 8-amp, 230V slow-blow fuses for the 230V model. Position
the fuse holder such that the appropriate operating voltage appears on top. Return the fuse
holder to the fuse compartment and close the access door. Check the window of the fuse
compartment to make sure that it shows the appropriate voltage. If not, the fuse holder is
upside down and must be turned around before attempting to operate the Shatterbox.
Figure 3 –Changing The Fuses

SM-300 Shatterbox
1300-87017-1M, REV 5 Cole-Parmer® Page 17 of 20
8.0 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
POSSIBLE SOLUTION
The unit does not
turn on.
No current.
No current.
Blown fuse.
Power switch not turned
on.
Make sure the power cord is plugged
into the outlet.
Check outlet for power and correct
as required.
Replace fuses.
Press power switch to ON position.
Unit does not run.
Display shows
ERROR: LATCH
FAILURE.
Safety interlock switch
Make sure the lid is completely
closed. Press STOP to clear the
display. Adjust latch if necessary
(See Section 4.3).
Unit does not run.
No error message.
Disconnected harness.
Re-connect wiring harness to motor.
Display reads RUN
COMPLETE, but lid is
locked.
Lid opened too soon.
Wait 5 seconds before lifting lid.
Display reads RUN
COMPLETE, but lid
cannot be opened 5
sec. after motor
stops.
Lid latch jammed.
Push latch to off position with knife
blade, open lid, and adjust latch.
Grinding container
locked up, will not
grind.
Too much sample is in the
vial or sample pieces are
too large.
Reduce sample quantity or size of
sample pieces.
Excessive vibration,
unit “walks”.
Casters not locked.
Lock casters.
Grinding container
leaks.
Clamp loose.
Adjust clamp. (See Section 4.4).
Clamp will not close.
Clamp too tight.
Adjust clamp (See Section 4.4).

SM-300 Shatterbox
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9.0 WARRANTY
Cole-Parmer® guarantees its products against defects in materials or workmanship for three
years from the date of original shipment. Repairs, replacements, or parts are guaranteed for 30
days or for the remaining original warranty period (whichever is greater) for the item that was
repaired or replaced. Items not produced by Cole-Parmer® carry the manufacturer’s warranty
only.
The warranty excludes wear parts. These are parts that wear out through use and must be
replaced periodically for proper operation. SM-200 Shatterbox wear parts include the following
which can be changed by the user.
Wear Parts
Part No.
Description
51793
Drive Belt
38372
Gas Cylinder
In the event that these or other parts require service, please contact Cole-Parmer to arrange a
return shipment.
The customer pays return freight for warranty claims. If the warranty claim is valid, Cole-
Parmer® will pay return freight to the customer. However, Cole-Parmer® reserves the right to
judge whether a malfunction during the warranty period is due to defects in materials or
workmanship, or to wear, negligence, or misuse.
9.1 Product Specifications
Every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate product operation and
information in this manual. However, since specifications are subject to change without notice,
changes may be made from time to time to improve the performance of the product.
9.2 To Arrange a Return Shipment
We want you to be satisfied with your purchase from Cole-Parmer®. Please bring any problem
to our attention, but please DO NOT RETURN any item before contacting us for a Return
Authorization Number and instructions. Unauthorized returns will be refused. The cost for all
return transportation is the responsibility of the customer. Credit for returned merchandise
will be issued only after goods have been received and inspected. Returned goods are subject
to a 25% restocking charge.

SM-300 Shatterbox
1300-87017-1M, REV 5 Cole-Parmer® Page 19 of 20
10.0 INSTRUMENT DISPOSAL
In accordance to the EU Directive 2012/19/EU covering Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment, all equipment with the disposal symbol must not be disposed of with general
waste. (Figure 4)
Throughout the European Community, guidelines regarding disposal regulations may vary from
territory to territory. Please contact the national legislation or local authority for more
information on proper disposal of all equipment with this symbol.
Figure 4 - Disposal Symbol
Disposal Label is located
on the back of unit.

SM-300 Shatterbox
1300-87017-1M, REV 5 Cole-Parmer® Page 20 of 20
11.0 CONTACT US
Repair Service
Phone: [phone]
Cole-Parmer
65 Liberty St
Metuchen, NJ 08840
US
Attn: Service and Repair
Please include RA Number on the shipping label.
US
Germany
T: +1.800.323.4340 or
T: [phone]
+1.800.323.4340
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
W: coleparmer.de
W: coleparmer.com
Canada
India
Cole-Parmer®
T: +1.514.355.6100
T: [phone]
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
an Antylia scientific company
W: coleparmer.ca
W: coleparmer.in
625 East Bunker Ct.
China
Italy
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
T: 86.21.5109.9909
T: [phone]
US
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
W: coleparmer.cn
W: coleparmer.it
France
UK
T: [phone]
T: [phone]
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
W: coleparmer.fr
W: coleparmer.co.uk
Other
T: +1.847.549.7600