SPEX SamplePrep 8000 Series User manual

15 Liberty Street ∙ Metuchen, NJ ∙ 08840
732-623-0465
www.spexsampleprep.com
8000M MIXER/MILL®
OPERATING MANUAL
For 8000M-115 and 8000M-230 with Serial Numbers 10115 and higher;
this manual is Part No. 87011

8000M Mixer/Mill
Page 2 of 27 SPEX SamplePrep LLC January 2010
Copyright © 2010 by SPEX SamplePrep LLC
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 SPEX SamplePrep LLC, 15 Liberty Street,
Metuchen, NJ 08840.

8000M Mixer/Mill
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION
DESCRIPTION
PAGE
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................4
2.0 Specifications ......................................................................................................................5
3.0 Unpacking ...........................................................................................................................6
4.0 Setting Up............................................................................................................................7
4.1 Electrical Hookup................................................................................................................7
4.2 Standard Safety Features....................................................................................................7
4.3 CE Safety Features ..............................................................................................................8
4.4 Control Panel.......................................................................................................................8
5.0 Operation..........................................................................................................................11
5.1 Mixing and Grinding..........................................................................................................12
6.0 Maintenance.....................................................................................................................14
6.1 Changing the Fuses...........................................................................................................15
7.0 Accessories........................................................................................................................16
8.0 Parts List & Item Locator ..................................................................................................20
9.0 Assembly Diagrams & Parts..............................................................................................21
10.0 Trouble Shooting...............................................................................................................25
11.0 Warranty...........................................................................................................................26
11.1 Product Specifications ......................................................................................................26
11.2 To Arrange a Return Shipment.........................................................................................26
12.0 Contact Us.........................................................................................................................27

8000M Mixer/Mill
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The SPEX SamplePrep 8000-series Mixer/Mills are efficient, compact laboratory mills capable of
pulverizing samples in the 10-gram range. Functionally described as shaker mills or high-energy
ball mills, these Mixer/Mills shake containers back and forth approximately 1080 cycles per
minute (60 Hz model). These multi-purpose mills are capable of reducing hard, brittle samples
to analytical fineness, blending powders, making emulsions, and performing mechanical
alloying.
The vial, which contains a sample and one or more balls, is shaken in a complex motion that
combines back-and-forth swings with short lateral movements, each end of the vial describing a
figure-8. The length of that swing is the same as the internal length of a standard 8000 series
vial, about two inches. With each swing the balls impact against one end of the vial,
simultaneously milling the sample to a powder and blending it. Because of the amplitude and
velocity of the clamp’s swing, each ball develops fairly high G-forces, enough to pulverize the
toughest rocks, slags and ceramics.
The single-clamp 8000M Mixer/Mill, known simply as “the Spex Mill” to thousands of users, has
served spectroscopists and analytical chemists for over forty years. The clamp mechanism has
changed little since the earliest versions, simply because it has proven extremely durable. Many
of the earliest 8000 Mixer/Mills are still in service. An electronic 100-minute timer has replaced
the original wind-up timer and the mill’s safety features have been improved: the lid is now
locked down until the clamp stops moving.
8000-series Mixer/Mills have been used for pulverizing rocks, minerals, sand, cement, slag,
ceramics, catalyst supports, and hundreds of other brittle, often hard samples. Early in its
market introduction, the 8000 was used to grind samples, then blend them with graphite for
arc/spark spectroscopy; now similar samples are ground, then blended with binder before
being pressed into sample discs for XRF. The vigorous motion of the clamp is also excellent for
making emulsions, such as paints, inks and pharmaceuticals. 8000M Mixer/Mills have also
achieved notoriety for their ability to mechanically alloy small quantities of materials in fields
such as superconductor research.
For assistance in choosing the SPEX SamplePrep grinding or blending containers which would be
best for your application, please call SPEX SamplePrep at 1-800-522-7739 or 732-623-0465.

8000M Mixer/Mill
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2.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Type of mill: High-Energy Shaker Mill
Grinding Containers: Canister type vial with one or more balls
Weight (empty, without vial): 70 lbs. (31 kg)
Dimensions: 19 in (48 cm) x 14 in (36 cm) x 18 in (46 cm)
Grinding Vials Available:
Plastic Vials Available:
8001
Hardened Steel Vial Set.
3111
Polystyrene Vial with Cap
8003
Alumina Ceramic Vial Set
3116
Polystyrene Vial with Cap
8004
Tungsten Carbide Vial Set
6133
Polystyrene Vial with Cap
8005
Zirconia Ceramic Vial Set
6133PC
Polycarbonate Vial with Cap
8006
Methacrylate Vial Set
6134
Polystyrene Vial with Cap
8007
Stainless Steel Vial Set
6135
Polystyrene Vial with Cap
8008
Silicon Nitride Vial Set
8002
Polystyrene Vial with Cap
8009
Round-Ended Hardened Steel Vial Set
8006
Methacrylate Vial Set
8014
Agate Vial Set
3114
Stainless Steel Vial Set
3117
Hardened Tool Steel Vial Set
3127
Hardened Tool Steel Vial Set
3118
Agate Vial Set
5004
Tungsten Carbide Lined Vial Set
NOTE: In practice, the sample capacity of any particular vial depends on the properties of the
sample, particle-size requirements, and other considerations.
Electrical specifications: available in 115V/60Hz or 230V/50Hz. Meets European CE Directives
Cord: 115V/60HZ version, 3-prong grounded cord supplied.
230V/50HZ version, with European two-prong plug supplied.
NOTE: Operator is responsible for supplying alternate line cord/plug if required.
Fuses:115V/60HZ version, two 10 Amp slow-blow fuses in the power input module
230V/50HZ version, two 5 Amp slow-blow fuse in the power input module
Motor: 1/3 Hp, 1725 RPM (115V), 1425 RPM (230V)
Safety Features: Lid Interlock prevents mill from running if lid is not closed, locks down lid until
clamp stops moving.
Controls: Start and Stop buttons; programmable timer with digital display, factory-set for 100
minute range. Adjustable to 175 hour range with special chip, but extended use may void
warranty. (Call SPEX SamplePrep Sales for terms & conditions.)

8000M Mixer/Mill
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3.0 UNPACKING
The 8000M Mixer/Mill is 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 inspection, file with your records.
Open the top of the shipping box. Remove the foam packing material. Carefully grasp the straps
on the mill from both sides, exercising caution while using proper lifting techniques to remove
the unit from the carton (the unit weighs 70 lbs). Place the mill on the bench top where it will
likely stay, remove the straps and open the lid. Look for any hidden damage that may have
occurred during shipping.
Follow a logical sequence of steps as you inspect the unit (see Figure 1). For example:
1. Inspect the outside of the cabinet for any visible damage.
2. Inspect the electrical input module and On/Off switch for any visible damage.
3. Ensure that the latch mechanism is working properly (see Section 4.2).
4. Open the lid and inspect the interior of the Mixer/Mill.
5. Check that the motor has not been damaged.
6. Check that the springs and mounting points appear undamaged.
7. Inspect the accessory pack. Compare with the packing list.
If everything seems to be in proper order, store the packaging materials in case there is a need
to return the unit for service or repair.
Figure 1 - 8000M Mixer/Mill
Shipping bolts
underneath the unit
must be removed
(see Section 4.0).
Electrical Inlet
Module at Rear
Control Panel
Lid Assembly

8000M Mixer/Mill
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4.0 SETTING UP
Open the cabinet and remove the plastic bag(s) with the operating manual, spare fuses, rubber-
lined coil springs, and black rubber spacer.
Tilt the cabinet, and remove the two bolts on the bottom. They hold the floating base plate to
the cabinet for shipping. Save the bolts and washers in case you have to ship or transport the
mill.
Push the black rubber spacer down over the right rear tapered post. Aluminum spacers have
probably been installed on the front and left rear tapered posts; if there are plastic ties securing
those spacers, remove them. Then push the lined coil springs down on the posts –the long
spring on the front post, and the two shorter springs on the two rear posts. Lift the floating
base plate and place it on top of the springs; each bracket has a pin that fits into the
spring/hose assembly.
Cut the tie that holds down the clamp, and make sure the control cable is plugged into its
receptacle on the right inner side of the cabinet.
4.1 Electrical Hookup
The power inlet, a fuse tray, and the On/Off switch (controlling power to the motor and timer),
are located at the back of the unit. The On/Off switch is a rocker switch marked with a circle (0)
and a bar (|). To turn on the power, press down the bar (|) side of the switch. Before plugging
in the mill, set the power to Off by pressing down the circle (0) side of the On/Off switch, then
plug the power cord into the mill’s power inlet. Plug the mill into a standard 3-prong grounded
electrical outlet; a fused 20-amp circuit for the 115V/60 HZ version is recommended. The mill
uses 10-amp “slow-blow” fuses. The 230V/50 HZ model uses 5-amp “slow-blow” fuses and
comes with a European-style polarized plug; outside of Europe the 230V model’s cord should
be adapted to local requirements.
4.2 Standard Safety Features
Manual Lid Latch: The lid has a manual latch, just below the lid handle, which should be closed
whenever the mill is run. To close the latch, pull the tab up and out, engage it with the lid, and
push the tab down. To open the latch, pull the tab up and out.
Pneumatic Cylinder: When the lid is raised all the way, the pneumatic cylinder braces the lid
open, and keeps it from being closed accidentally or abruptly. However, when raising or
lowering the lid always hold the handle.
Clamp Locking Tab: The clamp is opened and closed by a knob on the end of its threaded shaft.
The locking tab is on the shaft between the knob and the clamp. Whenever the clamp is closed
on a vial, lock the clamp by tightening the locking tab clockwise against the clamp crossbar.
When opening the clamp, first loosen the locking tab.

8000M Mixer/Mill
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4.3 CE Safety Features
CE directives require that electricity to the motor and timer be interrupted whenever the lid is
open, and that the clamp arm must have stopped completely before the lid can open.
Safety Interlock: The Safety Interlock cuts off power when the lid is opened; the switch is under
the lid on the upper right-hand side. Do not disconnect or damage this switch!
Time-Delay Latch: The Time-Delay Latch keeps the lid latched while the mill is running, and for
5 seconds after the end of the run. The Time-Delay Latch consists of two pins, one on either
side of the manual lid latch, powered by a solenoid to engage two holes in the lid. When the
mill is started the Time-Delay Latch locks the lid immediately, and there is a delay before the
motor starts. When the timer reaches zero at the end of a run, the motor stops, the timer
displays RUN COMPLETE, and the latch stays locked for 5 seconds. At the end of 5 seconds the
latch unlocks with an audible click, and the timer re-sets.
NOTE: Never try to force open the lid before the Time-Delay Latch unlocks.
4.4 Control Panel
4.4.1 Digital Timer
The timer includes a minutes: seconds numerical display; push-buttons for the start, 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 means the Mixer/Mill 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 up or down, in 5-second increments, by pressing the up/down 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.

8000M Mixer/Mill
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4.4 Control Panel (Cont’d)
Figure 2 –8000M Mixer/Mill Digital Timer Screen and Controls
4.4.2 Setting the Timer
When power is switched on, the timer will first display:
SPEX SamplePrep
8000 Series
MIXER/MILL
The timer will then display the default timer setting of five minutes (5:00). Assuming a grinding
vial is clamped into the mill and the lid is down, pressing START will initiate a run of 5 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: 4:55, 4:50, 4:45, etc.
Every time power is turned off and back on, the timer will revert to the 5:00 default setting. To
maintain another timer setting, leave the power on. If power is not interrupted, the timer will
display the most recently programmed setting.
Set the mixing/grinding time with the four buttons below the timer display. There are up and
down buttons for minutes, and up and down buttons for seconds. The MIN buttons will change
the minute setting in 1 minute increments, and the SEC buttons will change the seconds setting
in 5 second increments. 100:00 is the maximum running time; increasing the minutes setting
past 100 will take the setting to zero. 55 is the maximum setting for seconds; increasing the
seconds past 55 will take the setting to zero. If a button is pushed and immediately released, it
will change its setting by one unit. If a button is held down, the setting will advance rapidly.

8000M Mixer/Mill
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4.4.3 Starting and Running the Mixer/Mill
Push the START button to begin a grinding cycle. There will be a short pause while the lid
interlock engages, and then the Mixer/Mill 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 clamp 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.
NOTE: Before setting the timer and operating the 8000D Mixer/Mill, always clamp a grinding
vial firmly in place.
4.4.4 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 START; 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.
4.4.5 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 START button is pressed, and locks the lid down. If the Mixer/Mill lid
cannot be locked down when START is pressed, the motor will not start and ERROR: LATCH
FAILURE will appear on 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 Mixer/Mill be started again.