Retsch MM400 User manual

Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany 12/20/2016 0004
Operating Instructions for Oscillating Mill MM400

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Notes on these operating
instructions
These operating instructions for the oscillating mill, type MM400,
give all the necessary information on the areas mentioned in the
contents.
They instruct the target group(s) for each of the defined areas, in
order to ensure safe handling of the MM 400 when used for the
intended purpose. Knowledge of the relevant section is an
essential precondition for safe, proper use of the machine.
This technical documentation is a reference work and also a set of
teaching instructions. The individual sections are complete in
themselves.
These operating instructions do not include instructions for
repairs. In case of possible defects or necessary repairs please
contact your suppliers or Retsch GmbH direct:
Retsch GmbH, www.retsch.de/

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Contents
Notes on these operating instructions ..................................... 2
Contents.................................................................................. 3
Safety...................................................................................... 4
Safety instructions ............................................................................4
Warning signs...................................................................................5
Repairs ............................................................................................5
Confirmation ....................................................................................8
Technical data ......................................................................... 9
Use according to the intended purpose ................................................9
Protective equipment ................................................................ 10
Emissions....................................................................................... 10
Protective systems .................................................................... 11
Rated power:.................................................................................. 11
Machine dimensions ........................................................................ 11
Required floor space........................................................................ 11
Transport and installation ..................................................... 11
Packing.......................................................................................... 11
Transport ....................................................................................... 11
Intermediate storage....................................................................... 11
Conditions for the place of installation ............................................... 12
Installation..................................................................................... 12
Electrical connection ........................................................................ 12
Operation .............................................................................. 14
Operating elements and operation..................................................... 14
Graphical representation .................................................................. 14
General table.................................................................................. 15
Display and operating unit................................................................ 16
Inserting / replacing the milling cups ................................................. 17
Setting the milling time ................................................................... 17
Setting the frequency ...................................................................... 18
Starting the milling process .............................................................. 18
Stopping the milling process............................................................. 18
Storing the milling parameters.......................................................... 19
Operating hours display ................................................................... 19
Operating software display ............................................................... 20
Replacing the machine fuses............................................................. 20
Working instructions ............................................................. 20
General.......................................................................................... 20
The milling process.......................................................................... 21
Quantities of milling material and grain sizes ...................................... 21
Safety instructions for handling liquid nitrogen.................................... 22
Safety functions and fault displays........................................ 23
Safety functions .............................................................................. 23
General ................................................................................. 24
Cleaning ........................................................................................ 24
Maintenance ................................................................................... 24
Wear ............................................................................................. 24
Wearing parts................................................................................. 24
Checks........................................................................................... 24
Copyright ....................................................................................... 24
Alterations ..................................................................................... 25
Accessories for MM 400.................................................................... 25
Safety regulations for the MM 400 - summary..................................... 26
Appendix ..........................................................following pages

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Safety
Target group: All persons concerned with the
machine in any way
The MM 400 is a modern, highly efficient product of Retsch
GmbH, corresponding to state of the art. If the machine is
used according to the intended purpose with a knowledge of
this technical documentation it is completely safe and reliable
to operate.
Safety instructions
As the operating authority it is your duty to ensure that all
persons charged with working on the MM 400:
have read and understood all the instructions on
safety,
before beginning work know all the instructions
and regulations for the target group relevant to
their work,
have access to the technical documentation for
this machine at all times, without problems.
New personnel should be familiarized with safe,
proper handling of the machine before beginning
work on the MM 400, either by verbal instruction
from a competent person or through this
technical documentation.
Improper operation can cause injury to persons
or damage to the equipment. You are responsible
for your own safety and that of your employees.
Ensure that no unauthorised persons have access
to the MM 400.
For your own protection have your employees confirm that
they have been instructed in operation of the MM 400. The
draft of a suitable form is given at the end of the section on
safety.
We exclude any claims for damages of any kind for
injury to persons and damage to equipment arising
from non-observance of the following safety
instructions.

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Warning signs
Warnings are given by the following signs:
Injury to persons
Damage to equipment
Observe instructions for use
Repairs
These operating instructions do not include repair instructions.
For your own safety repairs must be carried out only by Retsch
GmbH or an authorised agent (service technicians).
In this case please contact:
The Retsch agency in your country
Your supplier
Retsch GmbH directly
Your service address:
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________

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Safety instructions
We exclude any liability for claims for damages in any form whatsoever for injury to persons or damage
to the machine caused through non-observance of the following safety instructions.
Use according to the intended purpose
Do not make any alterations to the machine and use only spare parts and accessories approved by
Retsch. Otherwise the Declaration of Conformity with European directives made by Retsch will lose its
validity. Furthermore this will also lead to the loss of any guarantee claims.
Packing materials
Please keep the packing material for the duration of the guarantee period, since, in case of a complaint
and return of the machine in unsuitable packing material your guarantee claim will be at risk.
Transport
The MM 400 must not be jolted, shaken or thrown during transport. Otherwise the electronic and
mechanical components may be damaged.
Temperature variations
If subjected to high temperature variations (e.g. during transport by aircraft) the MM 400 must be
protected against condensed water. Otherwise the electronic components may be damaged.
Supply schedule
If the delivery is incomplete and/or transport damage is found, you must inform the transporter and
Retsch GmbH immediately (within 24 hrs). Later complaints may possibly be no longer considered.
Conditions for the place of installation
If the temperature drops below or exceeds the ambient temperature the electronic and mechanical
components may be damaged; the performance data are then altered to an unknown extent.
At high atmospheric humidity the electronic and mechanical components may be damaged and the
performance data are altered to an unknown extent.
Electrical connection
If the values on the rating plate are not observed the electrical and mechanical components may be
damaged.
Inserting / replacing the milling cups
Ensure that the milling cups are inserted correctly in the milling cup holder –otherwise they can become
damaged when starting the machine.
Both milling positions must always be used since otherwise this will cause considerable unbalance.
When removing and opening hot milling cups always wear protective gloves.
Danger of burning the hands.
General
Observe the relevant regulations and directives of your country for handling chemicals and hazardous
materials.
Apply these when working with the MM 400.
Materials
Milling of materials with the MM 400 which give a risk of fire or explosion is prohibited.
Please take the necessary measures, depending on the hazardous nature of your sample, to prevent
danger to persons.
Note also that the properties, and therefore the hazardous nature of your sample, can change during the
milling process.

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Safety instructions for handling liquid nitrogen
Always wear protective goggles and protective gloves when handling liquid nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen has a temperature of –196°C and can cause frostbite or injury similar to burns if it comes
into contact with the skin or eyes.
Follow the safety regulations of the cooling liquid supplier.
Retsch GmbH accepts no liability whatsoever arising from the use of liquid nitrogen or similar materials.
Cleaning
Do not clean the MM 400 under running water. Danger to life through current surge.
Use only a cloth moistened with water. Cleaning agents and solvents should not be used –not for
cleaning the milling tools either.
Accessories for the MM 400
Do not make any alterations to the machine and use only spare parts and accessories approved by
Retsch.
Otherwise the Declaration of Conformity with European directives made by Retsch will lose its validity.
Furthermore this will also lead to the loss of any guarantee claims.
Wearing parts
These operating instructions do not include any repair instructions. For your own safety repairs should be
carried out only by Retsch GmbH or an authorised agent (service technicians).

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Confirmation
I have taken note of the sections „Notes on these
operating instructions” and “Safety”
_______________________________________
Signature of operating authority
_______________________________________
Signature of service technician

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Technical data
Target group: Operating authority, operator
Machine type designation: MM 400
Use according to the intended purpose
This machine is not designed as a production machine. It is a
laboratory machine intended for 8 hour single-shift operation
with a 30% on-period.
The MM 400 is a laboratory machine and is suitable for milling
and homogenising soft, fibrous, hard and brittle materials in
the wet and dry state.
The MM 400 is designed for use with screw-type milling cups
with a steel casing and a milling set with clamping centerings
of dia. 36 mm and a min. clamping length of 60 mm. It is used
for fast, super fine milling of 2 samples simultaneously.
Ceramic milling cups without a complete steel casing must not
be used.
The closed milling system guarantees complete recovery of the
samples. Owing to the extremely short milling time and the
high final fineness of the material to be milled the MM 400 is
also ideally suitable for sample preparation for all spectral
analyses.
Final finenesses of down to 1 µm can be achieved, depending
on the milling time and the specific properties of the sample
material. The optimum milling cup filling is as a rule 1/3 of the
milling cup volume.
Exceptions to this are voluminous materials, such as wool,
leaves, grasses and suchlike. In these cases a filling level of
70-80% is necessary.
The sample quantity should not be less than 25% of the
milling cup volume.
The milling ball/s may otherwise damage the
milling cups.
The milling cup materials and milling ball materials
must always be identical.
The milling ball/s may otherwise damage the
milling cups.
Do not make any alterations to the machine and use
only spare parts and accessories approved by Retsch.
Otherwise the Declaration of Conformity with the
European directives by Retsch loses its validity.
Futhermore this will result in the loss of any kind
of guarantee claim.
Do not clamp any ceramic milling cups of the MM 2/200
or any milling cups without a complete steel casing.
Clamping by the metallic components of the
milling cup holder of the MM 400 can cause
damage to the ceramic parts.

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Do not use ceramic or natural stone milling cups for
milling graphite or graphite mixtures.
The high lubricating properties of graphite cause high
milling ball speeds, the energy of which cannot be
absorbed by the material owing to its low density.
For this reason there is a danger that the ceramic
or natural stone inserts of the milling cups will be
destroyed by the ball/s.
For further information our application laboratory will
be pleased to assist you.
Protective equipment
The milling chamber of the laboratory mill MM 400 is
enclosed by a strong covering hood.
Starting the machine is possible only with the hood
closed.
Emissions
Noise characteristic values :
The noise characteristic values are also influenced by
the properties of the material to be milled.
Example 1:
Intensity of sound LWA = 71.4 dB(A)
Emission value related to
workplace LpAeq = 61 dB(A)
Operating conditions:
Container:
2 steel milling cups of 25 ml
Milling organ:
1 steel ball 20 mm
Material charged:
Quartz crushed pebbles approx.
4.0 –6.0 mm
Charged quantity:
8ml
Example 2:
Intensity of sound LWA = 76 dB(A)
Emission value related to
workplace LpAeq = 65 dB(A)
Operating conditions:
Container:
2 steel milling cups of 5 ml
Milling organ:
2 tungsten carbide balls 8 mm
Material charged:
Quartz crushed pebbles approx.
1.0 –1.5 mm
Charged quantity:
1.5ml

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Protective systems
IP30
Rated power:
150 Watt
Machine dimensions
Height: 266 mm up to approx. 524 mm with hood opened
Width: 371 mm
Depth: 461 mm
Weight: approx. 26 kg without milling cups
Required floor space
400 mm x 500 mm; no safety distance required.
Transport and installation
Target group: operating authority, transporter,
operators
Packing
Packing is adapted to the transport route and
conforms to generally applicable packaging guidelines.
Please keep the packing material for the duration of the
guarantee period since if there is a complaint and the
machine is returned with inadequate packing your
guarantee claim will be at risk.
Transport
The MM 400 must not be knocked, shaken or thrown
during transport. Otherwise the electronic and
mechanical components can become damaged.
Temperature variations
If temperature variations are high (e.g. during air
transport) the MM 400 must be protected against
condensed water. Otherwise the electronic components
can become damaged.
Intermediate storage
Ensure that the MM 400 is also stored dry during
intermediate storage.

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Conditions for the place of installation
Ambient temperature:
5°C to 40°C
If the ambient temperature drops below or exceeds
these values the electronic and mechanical components
can become damaged and performance data are
changed to an unknown extent.
Atmospheric humidity:
Maximum relative humidity 80% at temperatures up
to 31°C,
decreasing linearly down to 50% relative humidity at
40°C.
At higher atmospheric humidity the electronic and
mechanical components can become damaged and
performance data are changed to an unknown extent.
Installation height:
max. 2000 m above sea level
Installation
Mount the MM 400 on a firm, stable laboratory bench
since otherwise vibrations can be transmitted.
Remove transport safeguard:
A transport safeguard, which is marked with an arrow,
is located on the underside of the MM 400.
Unscrew the screw and remove.
Keep the transport safeguard device for transport at
a later date.
Operation with the transport safeguard or transport
without the transport safeguard can cause damage to
the mechanical components.
Electrical connection
The voltage and frequency for the MM 400 are
given on the type plate.
Ensure that these values correspond to the
available power supply system.
Connect the MM 400 to the power supply system
using the supplied connection cable.

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Protection by external fusing is to be used when
connecting the mains cable to the power supply,
according to the regulations at the place of
installation.
If the values on the type plate are not observed this can
result in damage to the electrical and mechanical
components.

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Operation
Target group: operators
Operating elements and operation
Graphical representation
Plan view
Front view
A
C
B
D

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Rear view
General table
Element
Description
Function
A
Display and operating unit: for
explanation see below
Time preselection, frequency preselection,
programme and starting / stopping the
machine
B
Hood
Closes the milling chamber
C
Milling cup holder - left
Holds the milling cup
D
Milling cup holder - right
Holds the milling cup
E
Switch ON / OFF
For switching the MM 400 on and off
F
Fuse compartment
Takes two visible type fuses
G
Machine socket
Connection for power cable of machine
H
Interface RS232
Enables operating software to be updated
I
Sign –Caution! unplug mains
plug
Safety instruction
J
Type plate
Information on the machine and connected
loads
K
Sign –Follow operating
instructions
Safety instruction
J
F
G
K
I
E
H

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Display and operating unit
Element
Description
Function
L
Memory , operating mode and
stand-by
The various operating modes, such as on,
programme and stand-by are displayed here.
PROG
Calls the stored programmes
SET
Stores the set milling parameters
M
Frequency display
The frequency can be set continuously from 3 to
30 Hz here.
Frequency –minus button
In the on mode and in the operating mode:
Reduction of the set frequency by 0.1
oscillaltions. Continuous pressing switches
on the digits fast running.
Frequency –plus button
In the setting mode and operating mode:
Increase of the set freuqency by 0.1
oscillations. Continuous pressing switches
on the digits fast running.
N
Time display
Shows the set milling time or, during operation,
the milling time still remaining.
Setting range: 10 seconds to 99 minutes.
Time –minus button
In the on mode and operating mode:
Reduction of the set milling time by one
second. Continuous pressing switches on
the digits fast running.
Time –plus button
In the on mode and operating mode:
Increase of the set milling time by one
second. Continuous pressing switches on
the digits fast running.
P
Start –button
Green LED
Starts the milling operation
Indicates milling operation
O
Stop –button
Red LED and ON
Interrupts or ends the milling operation,
Puts the machine into stand-by mode
L
M
N
P
O

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Inserting / replacing the milling cups
Place the milling cups, filled with the material to be milled and
the milling balls, into the centering points Zof the clamping
device and clamp firmly. Fig.1/2
Remove the locking pin SB upwards from the groove and
turn through 90°. Fig.1/2
This unlocks the locking device.
Turn the handwheel HD counterclockwise until the max.
clamping range is reached. Fig.1/2
Turn the locking pin SB back through 90° until it engages in
the groove again.
Insert milling cup and press lightly into the centering point Z
Turn the handwheel HD clockwise to fix the milling cup.
The engaged locking pin reliably prevents automatic opening of
the milling cup holder.
If the locking pin SB cannot be pulled upwards to release it,
unlocking should not be forced with a hammer or similar tool.
Otherwise the hardened locking pin can break off.
Briefly retension the handwheel HD in the clockwise direction –
the locking pin can then move freely again.
To remove the milling cup lift the locking pin and turn the
handwheel in the opposite direction to tighten.
In order to guarantee quiet running of the MM 400 both milling
positions must be loaded with approximately the same mass.
Ensure that the milling cups are inserted correctly in the
guides.
Otherwise the milling cup will be damaged when the machine is
started.
When removing and opening hot milling cups always wear
protective gloves.
Danger of burning the hands.
Setting the milling time
• Switch on the MM 400 with switch D
Preselect time:
• Set required milling time with + / - buttons N+ and N-
• Short pressing of N+ or N- adjusts the time by one second or
one minute. When pressed for longer the display runs
continuously without a pause.
If 99.0 minutes is exceeded the display Lshows 0.10
seconds again.
Z
SB
HD
N -
N +
Abb.1
Abb.2
Z
SB

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Setting the frequency
• Set the frequency with + / - buttons M+ and M-.
• Short pressing of + or – adjusts the frequency in single steps.
With longer pressing the display runs faster. Selectable
frequency range is from 3 to 30 Hz.
Starting the milling process
• Shut the hood.
• Set the frequency.
• Set the time.
• The milling operation is started with start button P.
• The milling time is recorded and the milling time still
remaining is shown in display N.
The milling process can be started only when the hood is
closed.
Stopping the milling process
• Press the stop button O.
• Pressing once interrupts the milling process, for example in
order to assess the milled material. The milling time still
remaining is still visible in the display N. By repressing the
start button the mill continues to run until the milling time
has completely elapsed.
• Pressing the stop button twice stops the milling process. The
machine is now in the stand-by mode.
• Pressing the start button reactivates the display and the
milling time is reset to the last starting value.
During the milling process the time can be adjusted by pressing
the N+ or N- button.
When the milling time has elapsed the milling process is
automatically ended. The display is reset to the last started
value.
M-
M+
P
O
N

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Storing the milling parameters
Storing or calling the preselected milling parameters can be
carried out only in the on mode.
After switching on the MM 400 “on” appears in the display L.
By pressing the button PROG the next programme position P1
to P9 can be obtained. After programme position P9 „on“
reappears in the display. In the PROG mode all buttons, apart
from PROG, START and STOP are blocked.
When the display shows on
the frequency M and time N are freely adjustable.
When the display shows P1 to P9
milling parameters can be stored and called
Start = the milling process is started with the selected
programme or the parameters freely selected under
„on“ .
Allocating the storage location
Press button PROG once or several times until the
required storage location P1-P9 has been reached.
Press SET button –all displays flash.
Set frequency M and time N.
The programming mode can be discontinued by pressing the
button PROG –the values are not stored.
Press SET button –the values are stored.
Flashing of the display stops, the adjustment interlock is
activated and the milling parameters are stored.
Operating hours display
If the buttons described below are pressed in the stand-by mode
the complete running time of the machine is shown in hours and
minutes.
Display operating hours :
Press buttons -"frequency 1/s" (-M) and SET
simultaneously and keep pressed.
“bS” appears in the display “memory”.
hhh hhh
Leave operating hours :
Press STOP button.
PROG
SET
L

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Operating software display
When the buttons described below are pressed in the stand-by
mode the actual software version is displayed.
Display operating software:
Press buttons +"frequency 1/s" (+M) and SET
simultaneously and keep pressed.
„S“ appears in the display „memory“ and the actual software
version appears in the display “frequency 1/s”.
Leave operating software display :
Press STOP button.
Replacing the machine fuses
The following visible type fuses are required for the MM 400:
2 MT 3.15 A fuses
Replacing the fuses
• Unplug mains plug from the machine socket A
• By pressing the locking devices on the side of the fuse
compartment B these are released and can be pulled out.
• Replace fuses
• Insert fuse holder B so that it engages.
Working instructions
Target group: operators
General
The MM 400 is an ultramodern, high performance product
from Retsch GmbH.
Owing to the large selection of accessories the oscillation
mill, type MM 400, is a machine with many different
application possibilities in laboratories in industry and
research. It is used mainly in the chemical and
pharmaceutical sectors and in mineralogical and biological
applications etc.
B
A