Milling

Optimizing Particle Size Reduction Techniques for Enhanced Product Quality and Efficacy

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Milling, as a critical process in pharmaceutical manufacturing, involves the mechanical reduction of particle sizes of raw materials to create a uniform blend of ingredients essential for consistent drug quality. This reduction is particularly significant in ensuring that the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients are evenly distributed within a drug formulation, facilitating effective drug delivery and absorption.


Among the various milling techniques employed, pin mills and hammer mills are specifically utilized for the coarse milling of particles. These techniques are particularly suited for the initial size reduction of large particles, typically greater than 1 millimeter in diameter. The objective is to break down these particles into a finer powder, generally aiming for particle sizes below 100 microns.

Both pin and hammer mills are distinguished for their robustness and versatility, handling a wide variety of materials. These mills are not only effective in reducing particle size but also promote better mixing and homogenization of the formulation components. This is crucial in pharmaceutical applications where the consistency of particle size affects not only the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug but also its manufacturability and stability.


Cryo milling is another notable technique used across these industries for materials that require careful handling to prevent degradation at higher temperatures.

Understanding and optimizing milling conditions according to the specific properties of the material and the desired final product characteristics are vital in achieving optimal product

quality and ensuring therapeutic effectiveness.

Schedio offers a milling body predisposed for the installation of both pin and hammer mill within.

Pin Mill


A pin mill consists of two discs facing each other; one is stationary while the other rotates at high speeds. The rotating disc is equipped with pins that collide with the particles. This collision results in particle fragmentation. The centrifugal forces generated by the spinning action propel the particles outward from the center of the disc to the periphery, ensuring further size reduction. This type of mill is known for its ability to achieve uniform particle sizes and a high level of fineness, which can be adjusted by altering the speed of the rotor and the proximity of the discs. It is particularly beneficial for materials that require delicate treatment or intensive grinding.


Cryo Milling


Cryo milling is a specialized technique that involves cooling materials to cryogenic temperatures before and during the milling process. By making the materials brittle, they can be fractured more easily with minimal energy. This method is particularly useful for processing temperature-sensitive or difficult-to-mill materials, as it prevents thermal degradation and preserves the structural integrity of the material. Industries dealing with complex materials like polymers, certain metals, and temperature-sensitive organic compounds benefit from cryo milling's capacity to maintain the quality and functionality of the end product.

Hammer Mill

In contrast, a hammer mill employs a series of hammers typically mounted on a rotating shaft. As the shaft spins, the hammers swing outward, striking the particles and breaking them apart upon impact with the hammers or the mill casing. This impact leads to size reduction. The particle size output can be controlled by the speed of the rotor, the size and number of hammers, the configuration of the grind plates, and the screen size used at the discharge area of the mill. It's a go-to choice for industries that require rugged equipment capable of handling diverse particle size reduction tasks.

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Technical Info

Milling
PIN & HAMMER MILLS PIN MILL SPM 100 PIN MILL SPM 160 PIN MILL SPM 250 HAMMER MILL SHM 100 HAMMER MILL SHM 160 HAMMER MILL SHM 250
nominal productivity (Kg/h) 1 min - 50 max 3 min - 150 max 5 min - 00 max 1 min - 50 max 3 min - 150 max 5 min - 00 max
Technical schematics of industrial milling equipment, showcasing various views and detailed components.

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