Retsch PM400 User manual

Operating Instructions for Planetary Ball Mill
Type PM400
Retsch GmbH, 42781 Haan, Retsch-Allee 1-5, Germany, 08.02.2012 0002

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 2 0002
NOTES ON THESE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.......... 3
Warning instructions ................................................................ 3
Repairs........................................................................................ 3
SAFETY...................................................................................... 4
Safety instructions.................................................................... 4
Safety instructions –summarised, part 1 ............................ 5
Safety instructions –summarised, part 2 ............................ 6
Confirmation.............................................................................. 7
TECHNICAL DATA .................................................................. 8
Use according to the intended purpose ................................ 8
Number of milling positions .................................................... 8
Maximum charged quantity .................................................... 8
Maximum charged grain size.................................................. 8
Driving power: 1500 W............................................................ 8
Emissions ................................................................................... 8
Noise characteristic values PM400 :...................................... 8
Conditions for measurement:................................................. 8
Materials and analyses of milling tools ................................. 8
Systems of protection .............................................................. 8
Protective equipment ............................................................... 9
Mode of operation..................................................................... 9
Machine dimensions ................................................................. 9
Required floor space................................................................. 9
TRANSPORT AND INSTALLATION.................................. 10
Packing ..................................................................................... 10
Transport.................................................................................. 10
Temperature variations ......................................................... 11
Intermediate storage ............................................................. 11
Assembling............................................................................... 11
Parameters for the place of installation .............................. 11
Ambient temperature: ............................................................11
Installation height:..................................................................11
Serial interfaces ...................................................................... 12
OPERATION ........................................................................... 13
Connecting the power supply ............................................... 13
Opening / closing / emergency unlocking of milling
chamber ................................................................................... 13
Open ..........................................................................................13
Closing ...................................................................................... 13
Emergency unlocking ............................................................. 14
Insertion and clamping of the milling cups......................... 14
Unclamping the milling cup clamping device ..................... 16
in the PM400............................................................................ 16
Safety instructions when starting the PM400..................... 17
Power failure during milling................................................... 18
Suitable milling cups in the PM400 ...................................... 18
Milling cup filling level ............................................................ 18
Guide values for material quantity and balls...................... 18
Stacking of 50 ml milling cups of type “C” ......................... 19
Stacking procedure................................................................. 19
Stacking of milling cups less than 50 ml............................. 19
Stacking procedure................................................................. 19
Handling milling cups of type “C”......................................... 19
Carrying and gripping............................................................. 19
Protection against twisting .................................................... 19
Heating up of the milling cups.............................................. 19
Milling cup identification ........................................................ 20
Milling cup labelling by the customer .................................. 20
Cleaning the milling cups....................................................... 20
Drying the milling cups.......................................................... 20
Tips for ultra-fine milling ....................................................... 20
Use of the closing device for milling cups........................... 21
Operation via the display unit of the PM400 ...................... 22
Symbols in the display unit ................................................... 22
Setting possibilities via the display menu........................... 23
FAULT SIGNALS IN THE DISPLAY.................................. 28
F03 to F23 ................................................................................ 28
F24 to F26 ................................................................................ 28
GENERAL................................................................................. 29
Cleaning.................................................................................... 29
Maintenance (monthly).......................................................... 29
Wearing parts .......................................................................... 30
Copyright.................................................................................. 30
Alterations................................................................................ 30
APPENDIX ..................................FOLLOWING PAGES

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 3 Doc. Nr. D 98.535.9999
Notes on these operating instructions
These operating instructions for the ball mill, type PM400,
give all the necessary information with regard to the areas
mentioned in the contents.
Instructions are given for the definite target group(s) in
each area, in order to ensure safe operation of the PM400
for its intended purpose. Knowledge of the relevant section
is essential for safe, proper handling in each target
group(s).
This technical documentation is intended as a reference and
instruction manual. The individual sections are complete in
themselves.
These operating instructions do not include repair
instructions. If repairs are necessary please contact your
supplier or Retsch GmbH direct: http://www.retsch.com
Warning instructions
Warnings are given by the following symbols:
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, an authorised agent or by Retsch
service technicians.
In this case please contact:
The Retsch agency in your country
Your supplier
Retsch GmbH directly
Your service address:

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 4 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Safety
The PM400 is an ultra-modern, highly efficeint 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 operating authority it is your duty to ensure that all
persons charged with working on the PM400:
have read and understood all the instructions on safety,
from the beginning of 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
PM400, 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
PM400.
For your own protection have your employees confirm that
they have been instructed in operation of the PM400. 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.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 5 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Safety instructions –summarised, part 1
Safety instructions
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.
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 to the European Directives will lose its validity.
Furthermore this will lead to loss of any kind of guarantee claims.
Packing
Please keep the packing material for the duration of the guarantee period, since if you have a complaint and the equipment
is returned in inadequate packing your guarantee claim is at risk.
Transport
Lifting above head height is not allowed.
The PM400 must not be knocked, shaken or thrown during transport. Otherwise the electronic and mechanical components
can be damaged.
Temperature variations
If the PM400 is subjected to high temperature variations (e.g. during air transport) it must be protected against condensed
water. Otherwise there may be damage to the electronic components.
Supplied items
If the supplied items are incomplete and/or there is transport damage you must inform the transporter and Retsch GmbH
immediately (within 24 hrs). Later complaints may possibly be no longer considered.
Ambient temperature
If the temperature drops below or exceeds ambient temperature the electrical and mechanical components can become
damaged and performance data can change to an unknown extent.
Atomospheric humidity
At high atmospheric humidity the elctrical and mechanical components can become damaged and performance data can
change to an unknown extent.
Important instructions
If the values on the type plate are not observed electrical and mechanical components can become damaged.
Serial interface
The serial interface cables must not be longer than 2.5 m.
If the cables are longer this can result in disturbances during transmission of data.
Connecting the power supply
If the values on the type plate are not observed electrical and mechanical components can become damaged.
Opening / closing / emergency unlocking the milling chamber
The emergency unlocking device must not be operated when the machine is running. Disconnect the machine
from the power supply before emergency unlocking. High danger of injury through long, unbraked after-running of
the drive can result. The after-running time of the drive is < 10 secs.
Insertion and clamping of the milling cups in the PM400
Always insert 2 opposite or 4 milling cups. All cups must have the same gross weight.
If loading of the PM400 is unbalanced the machine can generate undesirable vibrations and noises. In this
case switch the machine off immediately and check the arrangement and gross weight of the cups.
Before starting the machine make sure that the milling cup is clamped. Milling cups can be ejected –danger of
injuries and damage to equipment.
Always insert 2 opposite or 4 milling cups. All cups must have the same gross weight.
Use only milling cups of type „C“. This type, in combination with the milling cup holder, is a safety component. If other
types or old milling cups are used in the PM400 this may result in unforeseen danger.
Never leave the milling cup clamping device (3) loose, without clamped milling cups, in the milling cup holder. Danger of
ejection.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 6 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Safety instructions –summarised, part 2
Check firm fitting of the milling cups, particularly with long-term milling operations, according to the following time
schedule: after 3 mins, after 2 hrs, after 5 hrs then every 10-12 hrs. A clamping force of 10 Nm for the milling cup
clamping device is optimum. Danger of ejection of milling cup.
Always ensure that the red sleeve is properly locked in place. Otherwise the milling
cup is not clamped adequately.
Danger of ejection.
Safety instructions when starting the PM400
Before starting the machine ensure that the milling cup is clamped.
Milling cups can be ejected –danger of injuries and damage to equipment.
We recommend that this safety instruction is not faded out.
Always insert 2 opposite or 4 milling cups. All cups must have the same gross weight.
Milling cup filling level
If the filling level of the milling cup is too high or too low this impairs the milling result and can cause damage (increased
wear) to the milling fittings.
Handling milling cup type „C“
Please take necessray measures to prevent danger to persons, according to the dangerous nature of your milling material.
When removing and opening hot milling cups it is essential to wear protective gloves.
Danger of burning the hands.
Identification of milling cups
Do not subject milling cups with ceramic inserts to sudden temperature differences when rinsing.
The ceramic inserts can crack through sudden temperature differences.
Tips for ultra-fine milling
When using easily flammable materials it is essential to observe the section „Wet milling of easily flammable materials”.
Danger of explosison.
Wet milling of easily flammable materials
Before using easily flammable materials as milling auxiliary agents it is absolutely essential to specifiy in writing explosion
protection documentation with supplementary organisational measures, and to make this available to operators. In the EU
this procedure is stipulated in directive 89/391/EEG, according to articles 118 and 118a.
For wet milling operations in milling cups with material inserts do not use old closing devices which clamp only the gripping
edges of the milling cups. If an internal pressure is developed the material inserts can be pressed out.
Cleaning
Do not clean the PM400 with running water.
Danger to life through current surge.
Use only a cloth moistened with water. Solvents are not permitted.
Maintenance (monthly)
Easy running of the threaded spindle and locking sleeve is essential for reliable clamping of the milling cups.
Locking sleeves which do not slide downwards automatically through spring tension cannot reliably prevent loosening of the
threaded spindle. The milling cups can then be ejected.
Easy running of roller 1 on the closing pin is the prequisite for reliable closing of the housing lid of the PM400.
If the values drop below D1 and H1 operating reliability is no longer guaranteed.
The milling cups can be ejected.
Wearing parts
These operating instructions do not include repair instructions. For your own safety repairs should be carried out only by
Retsch GmbH, an authorised agent or service technicians.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 7 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Confirmation
I have taken note of the section “Notes on
these operating instructions” and the section
on “Safety”.
__________________________________
Signature of operating authority
__________________________________
Signature of service technician

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 8 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Technical data
Machine type designation: PM400
Use according to the intended purpose
Retsch ball mills are used for milling and mixing soft, medium-hard
up to extremely hard, brittle and fibrous matierals. Both dry and
wet milling operations can be carried out. Minerals, ores, alloys,
chemicals, glass, ceramics, plant parts, soils, sewage sludge,
domestic and industrial waste and many other substances
can be milled, easily, quickly and without losses. These ball mills are
used successfully in practically all areas of industry and
research, particularly where stringent requirements are set on
purity, quickness, fineness and reproducibility.
Only milling cups of type “C” from the firm Retsch GmbH may be
used.
The mills are not designed as production machines, but as
laboratory equipment, intended for 8-hour single shift operation.
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.
Furthermore this will result in the loss of any kind of
guarantee claims.
Number of milling positions
2 or 4, depending on the type of machine. The milling positions
must be operated with identical milling cups and at the same weight
for every millling operation.
Maximum charged quantity
PM400 = up to 4 times 300 ml, depending on the machne volume.
Maximum charged grain size
PM400 up to < 10 mm, but depends on material.
Driving power: 1500 W
Emissions
Noise characteristic values PM400 :
Noise measurement according to DIN 45635-31-01-KL3
The noise characteristic values are influenced mainly by the
machine speed, milling cup size and diameter of the milling
balls used.
Emission value related to workplace LpAeq = up to 85 dB(A)
Conditions for measurement:
Milling set: 4x 500ml special steel each with 5 balls of dia.
30 mm, tungsten carbide
Milling material: quartz sand, 135 g each
Rotary speed: 380 min-1
Materials and analyses of milling tools
See : www.retsch.com/english/docs/grinding_tools.pdf
Systems of protection
IP40

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Protective equipment
The PM400 is fitted with an automatic lid shutting device which
prevents the machine being started in an unsafe condition. The
machine can be started only with the lid closed.
The lid can be opened only when the machine is at a standstill.
Mode of operation
S1
Operation with constant load, the duration of which is sufficient for the
thermal steady state condition to be reached. (DIN VDE 0530 T1)
Machine dimensions
Height: up to approx. 1220 mm / width: 836 mm / depth: up to
approx. 780 mm
Weight : PM400 net approx. 290 kg
Required floor space
Height (open hood): 1900 mm / width: 1400 mm /
depth: 900 mm;
A safety distance of 100 mm on the rear side is necessary so that
the ventilators can fulfil their function.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 10 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Transport and installation
Packing
Packing is adapted to the transport route and conforms to
the 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 PM400 is to be lifted and transported only by the
transport screws TS supplied with the machine.
Fig. 1
Net weight of PM400 = approx. 290 kg
Lifting above head height is not permitted.
The PM400 must not be knocked, shaken or thrown
during transport. Otherwise the electronic and
mechanical components can become damaged.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 11 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Temperature variations
It temperature variations are high (e.g. during air
transport) the PM400 must be protected against
condensed water. Otherwise the electronic components
can become damaged.
Intermediate storage
Ensure also that the PM400 is stored dry during
intermediate storage.
Assembling
Assemble the PM400 on a firm base. Further parameters are
given in the section „Technical data”.
Net weight of PM400 approx. 290 kg
The machine must be locked in position before starting up.
For this purpose press the locking lever F of the two front
rollers downwards.
Parameters for the place of installation
Ambient temperature:
5°C to 40°C
If the ambient temperature drops below or exceeds these
values the electrical 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 humidty at 40°C.
At higher atmospheric humidity the electrical and mechanical
components can become damaged, and performance data are
changed to an unknown extent.
Installation height:
max. 2000 m above sea level
Electrical connection
Voltage and frequency for the PM400 are given on the type
plate.
Ensure that these values correspond to the available power
supply system.
Connect the PM400 to the power supply system using the
supplied connection cable.
Protection by external fusing is to be carried out when
connecting the mains cable to the power supply, according
to the regulations at the place of installation.
F

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 12 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Important instructions:
1. Electrical connection without a protective conductor PE is not
permissible.
2. The drive of your PM400 is fitted with a frequency converter. To
fulfil the EMC directive this is fitted with a line filter and shielded
cables to the motor. If your PM400 includes a fault-current
protective system, fault throwing may result through the anti-
interference wiring of the frequency converter when this is
switched on (switching on takes place each time the milling
chamber hood is closed). This can occur without there being a
fault on your PM400 or your mains installation.
According to state of the art selective a.c.-d.c. sensitive fault-
current protective systems are recommended for such cases.
The tripping current must be adequately dimensioned since
capacitive compensating currents occuring only for a short time
(shielded cables, line filter) when switching on can easily cause
fault throwing.
Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to operate the
PM400 without a fault-current protective system. In this case,
however, it should be checked whether this is inconsistent with
the local regulations of the electricity supply company or other
applicable institutions or standards.
If the values on the type plate are not observed this can
result in damage to the electrical and mechanical
components.
Serial interfaces
RS 485 –inactive interface Sc 1 for optional data
communication with an external device. This
necessitates updating of the softwear.
RS 232 - interface Sc 2 for updating the softwear.
The interface cables must not be longer than 2.5 m.
Longer cables can cause disturbances during transmission of
data.
Sc 1
Sc 2

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Operation
Connecting the power supply
Ensure that the voltage and frequency of your mains supply
correspond to the values on the type plate of the PM400.
Plug the mains cable in the receiving socket Au on
the rear side of the equipment.
Plug the mains plug into the mains socket.
Switch on the main switch H
If the values on the type plate are not observed this can
result in damage to the electrical and mechanical
components.
D A E
When the PM400 is switched on for the first time the
language menu is displayed.
The language of your country must now be selected by
turning the control knob E. By pressing this knob selection is
confirmed and the display shows “Open lid”.
Opening / closing / emergency unlocking
of milling chamber
Open
The following steps are necessary in order to insert the milling
cup or milling cups and to clamp these:
Connect PM400 to the mains supply
Switch on the main switch on the rear side
Press button A
The safety closing device opens and the lid D can be swung
open. The milling chamber is now freely accessible.
Closing
Locking the milling chamber is possible only if the PM400 is
connected to the mains supply and the main switch on the
rear side of the machine is switched on.
Close the housing lid D
A sensor senses the closing pin of the housing lid and the
motor-driven lid closing mechanism is switched on.
The housing lid Dis automatically closed.
H
Au

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 14 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Emergency unlocking
A key for the machine is included in the delivery with which
the PM400 can be manually opened if there is a power failure.
Remove cap K
(I) Insert the (S) key into the O opening on the
right-hand side.
(II) To unlock the gear, the key must be pushed in
further with some degree of force. While pushing the
key in, turn it in a clockwise direction as far as it will
go.
The lid can now be opened.
The emergency unlocking device must not be operated while
the machine is running. Disconnect the machine from the
mains supply before emergency unlocking.
Considerable danger of injury through long, unbraked
after-running of the drive. The after-running time of
the drive is < 10 sec.
Insertion and clamping of the milling cups
in the PM400
Always insert either 4 grinding jars or 2 jars opposite
each other. All jars must have the same gross weight.
When 2 grinding jars are used, each of the two grinding
stations must be secured with a clamping pin and a
spider.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 15 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
When grinding with 2 grinding jars, the two must be placed
opposite each other. Each of the two unoccupied grinding
stations must be secured with a clamping pin and a spider
(see illustration). The safety slider function will otherwise
prevent the device from starting.
A high level of vibration by the mill indicates wrong taring or
incorrectly clamped grinding jars!
If unevenly loaded, the PM400 can generate
undesirable vibrations and noises! Turn the mill off
immediately and check the jars’ positioning and gross
weight!
If necessary, clean the grinding jar
turntable 1and torsion lock pin 2.
Turn the grinding jar label 3to the same
side as the torsion lock pin, where the
grinding jar’s borehole is.
Insert the grinding jar into the grinding
jar holder.
Pay attention to the torsion lock when using
250-ml and 500-ml grinding jars. The
borehole in the bottom of the grinding jar into
which the torsion lock pin 2fits is on the side
of the labelling panels 3.
Insert the spider 4into the three brackets
5.
When using two grinding jars, insert a
clamping pin and the spider into each of
the two opposite unoccupied grinding
stations.
Inserting and clamping the spider presses the
safety slider 6upwards and activates it. Once
the mill has been started, the PM100 checks
this safety function for up to approx. 15
seconds long. If you
have not clamped the spider,
not inserted any spider or
the grinding jar is missing,
the PM100 will stop the starting procedure and
emit the error message F10.
1
2
3
4
5

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 16 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
6up = free
6 down = closed
Pull the red sleeve 6upwards and clamp the grinding jar
by turning the three-point grip to the right.
Let the red sleeve 6move downwards and lock audibly in
place; if necessary, tighten a bit more by means of the
three-point grip.
It must not be possible to turn the three-point grip any
further.
The red locking sleeve, which is now in the locked position,
prevents the threaded spindle from working loose.
Before starting the machine ensure that the milling cup
is clamped.
Milling cup can be ejected, danger of injury and damage to
equipment.
Always insert 2 opposite or 4 milling cups. All cups
must have the same gross weight.
Use milling cups only of type „C“.
This, in combination with the milling cup holder, is a safety
component.
If other or old milling cups are used in the PM400 this
can result in unforeseen danger.
Never leave the milling cup clamping device 3 loose, without
clamped milling cups, in the milling cup holder.
Danger of ejection.
Check firm fitting of the milling cups, particularly with long-
term milling operations, according to the following time
schedule: after 3 min, after 1 hr, after 5 hrs then every 10-12
hrs. A clamping force of 10 Nm for the milling cup clamping
device is optimum.
Danger of ejection.
Always ensure that the red sleeve is locked in place properly.
Otherwise the milling cup will not be clamped adequately.
Danger of ejection.
Unclamping the milling cup clamping device
in the PM400
Pull the red sleeve 5 upwards and unclamp the milling
cup by turning the 3-star handle to the left.
Continue to turn the 3-star handle to the left until the
milling cup clamping device can be removed.

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 17 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Safety instructions when starting the PM400
The milling cup clamping device is easy and reliable to handle
and has proved itself for many years. The basic precondition
both for safety of the operator and for long service life of the
machine components is conscientious clamping of the milling
cups.
Please consider that the PM400 is a milling machine with a
very high power input into the milling material. For this
reason the milling cups must be fixed conscientiously.
In order to avoid operating faults correct milling cup fixing is
interrogated before starting the machine.
Personnel who have been particularly well trained and are
familiar with operation of the PM can permanently fade out
this safety instruction. However, if operating personnel are
changed frequently we do not recommend this procedure.
The software of the PM400 is set up in such a way that
when operating the start button the following display
appears, in which clamping of the milling cups has to
be confirmed before every machine start up.
After confirmation the milling process is started.
This safety instruction can be faded out in the “Settings”
menu.
Ensure that the milling cup is clamped before starting the
machine.
Milling cups can be ejected –danger of injury and
damage to equipment.
We recommend that this safety instruction is not faded out.
Always insert 2 opposite milling cups or 4 milling cups.
All cups must have the same gross weight.
YES
MILLING CUPS CLAMPED ?
NO

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 18 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Power failure during milling
If the mains supply fails during the milling process the milling
operation is interrupted. All parameters are retained and the
residual running time is stored. After switching on the
machine again the instructions shown on the left appear in
the display (display 1).
You can continue the process by pressing the START button.
Through automatic storage of the residual running time the
milling process is continued up to the end of the originally set
milling period.
For safety reasons the PM400 must be opened and the milling
chamber checked. After closing the lid milling is continued
automatically (display 2).
By pressing the STOP button the process is stopped.
Suitable milling cups in the PM400
The PM400 is suitable only for milling cups f rom the firm
Retsch GmbH, of type “Comfort”, with a nominal volume of 12
ml –500 ml.
These are available in the following materials:
Agate
Sintered corundum
Zirconium oxide
Stainless steel
Special steel
Tungsten carbide
The „Comfort“ milling cup range has been developed specially
for extreme test conditions, such as long-term trials, high
mechanical loading and maximum rotary speeds –and also
for mechanical alloying.
Milling cup filling level
Guide values for material quantity and balls
Nominal
volume
Useful
volume
Max.
charging grain
size
Recommended ball filling
dia. 10mm
dia. 20mm
dia. 30mm
dia. 40mm
12 ml
- 5 ml
1 mm
5 balls
-
-
-
25 ml
- 10 ml
1 mm
8 balls
-
-
-
50 ml
5 –20 ml
3 mm
10 balls
3 balls
-
-
80 ml
10 –35 ml
4 mm
25 balls
5 balls
-
-
125 ml
15 –50 ml
4 mm
30 balls
7 balls
-
-
250 ml
25 –120 ml
6 mm
50 balls
15 balls
6 balls
-
500 ml
75 –220 ml
10 mm
100 balls
25 balls
8 balls
4 balls
If the filling level of the milling cup is too high or too low the
milling result will be impaired and damage (wear increase) to
the milling equipment can result.
PROCESS INTERRUPTED
POWER FAILURE
STOP = DISCONTINUE
START = CONTINUE
START = FORTFAHREN
1. OPEN MACHINE
2. CHECK MILLING
CHAMBER
3. CLOSE MACHINE
ASCHINE SCHLIESSEN
Display 1
Display 2

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Stacking of 50 ml milling cups of type “C”
It is possible to stack two 50 ml milling cups one on top of the
other.
For stacking an adapter is required, which is available as an
accessory.
Stacking procedure
Place milling cup M1 in the milling cup plate
Place the adapter A1 on the lid of M1
Place milling cup M2 in position
Clamp the milling cups as described in the section “Clamping the
milling cups”.
Stacking of milling cups less than 50 ml
It is also possible to stack milling cups with a capacity of less
than 50 ml one on top of the other.
Stacking procedure
Place milling cup M2 on milling cup M1
Clamp milling cups as described in the section “Clamping the
milling cups”.
Handling milling cups of type “C”
X
H
Carrying and gripping
The gripping edges X on the milling cup lid and on the
milling cup facilitate safe handling.
Protection against twisting
All 250 and 500 ml milling cups of type „C“ have a drill hole
in the underside of the cup in which the pin for protection
against twisting is inserted. This drill hole is used only in the
PM400 and is located on the side of the milling cup casing
with labelling.
Heating up of the milling cups
The milling cups can become heated up to 150°C during
milling, depending on the milling time and the filling level.
This temperature change causes a pressure increase in the
interior of the milling cup. When removing the lid please
note that this increased pressure is reduced through the
suddenly escaping air. At the same time particles of the
material being milled can also be carried off.
A vacuum is produced in the interior of milling cups which
have been left to cool, and this can cause difficulty in
opening the milling cup. Therefore milling cups of type „C“
can be prised open by inserting, e.g. a wooden pin H
between the gripping edges of the lid and the milling cup.
Please take the necessary measures, depending on the
dangerous nature of your milling material, so that danger to
persons is excluded.
When removing and opening hot milling cups it is essential
to wear protective gloves.
Danger of burning the hands.
M2
M1
A1
M2
M1

08.02.2012 Retsch GmbH 20 Doc. Nr. GB 98.535.9999
Milling cup identification
All milling cups of type „C“ are easy to identify through the
labelling area SCH1 which shows the article no. and
material.
Milling cup labelling by the customer
In addition to the above mentioned labelling area you can
stick one of the labels supplied with the machine or
available as accessories on the area SCH2 marked on the
milling cup –for labelling e.g. milling cup contents etc.
The label is heat resistant up to 150°C and your inscription
can be cleaned with e.g. alcohol, petrol or acetone.
Cleaning the milling cups
For cleaning the milling cups the O-ring on the groove Z on
the underside of the lid can be easily prised off.
Milling cups, including also those with stuck-in ceramic
inserts, can be cleaned with alcohol, petrol or normal
domestic detergents.
Do not subject milling cups with ceramic inserts to sudden
temperature differences when rinsing.
The ceramic inserts can crack through sudden
temperature differences.
Drying the milling cups
After cleaning the milling cups can be dried at any time in a
drying oven at the temperatures given below.
Milling cup material
Temperature
Special steel
up to 200°C
Stainless steel
up to 200°C
Tungsten carbide
up to 150°C
Sintered corundum
up to 120°C
Agate
up to 120°C
Zirconium oxide
up to 120°C
Silicon nitride
up to 120°C
Tips for ultra-fine milling
In many cases high finenesses can be achieved only by wet
milling.
In dry milling processes an improved fineness of milling can be
achieved by the addition of a few drops of stearic or acetic acid,
and use of milling balls with a diameter < 10 mm and a filling
level of 70-80% of the milling cup volume.