Crushing of solids

Why is it shredded?

Solids and bulk materials must be ground if their grain size is too coarse for processes such as analysis, mixing, or further processing. Methods such as spectroscopy and chromatography are used for quality assurance. Since grain size often influences product properties (e.g., extraction, filtration, absorption), ground material is also essential in the laboratory for product development and production processes.

Required fineness

It is often required that materials be ground to a “powder-fine” state – a term that, however, has no clear definition, since bulk materials such as washing powder, coffee powder and baking powder vary greatly in grain size and distribution.

Likewise, laboratory samples are required to be ground "as finely as possible," which, however, requires high energy consumption, a long time, and thus increased costs. The motto is therefore: not finer than possible, but only as fine as necessary.

In addition, the sample material must have the required fineness for the respective analysis method, which is usually between 20 µm and 2 mm.

Required fineness - to be ground to powder fineness

Crushing process

For optimal comminution, the device's mechanism must be tailored to the material's fracture behavior. Therefore, the material properties—such as density, hardness, consistency, residual moisture, fat content, temperature sensitivity, agglomeration behavior, and surface reactions—must be carefully examined before processing. Subsequent analysis must also be considered.

Further detailed information can be found here:

sample preparation

Learn how to test your sample material before comminution – including tips on pretreatment, consideration of moisture, agglomeration, and determining the ideal sample size.

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Crushing principles

Learn how different comminution principles determine the use of crushers, shredders, and mills. Discover which mill is best suited for hard, brittle or soft materials.

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Grinding tools

Learn all about the high-quality materials used in LITech grinding tools, from steel and tungsten carbide to ceramic, natural stone, and plastic. Discover how the right choice of materials maximizes the performance and longevity of your grinders.

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Grinding aids

Use of grinding aids in sample preparation: Which additives are available, how solid, liquid and gaseous grinding aids work and when they are indispensable in laboratory and industrial applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Coarse crushing: Breaking down large pieces into smaller, coarse fractions.
Fine crushing: Further crushing of the coarse fractions.
Crushing: Grinding of coarse materials.
Fine grinding: Crushing to very fine particles.
Fine grinding: Crushing into the micrometer range.
Colloidal grinding: Crushing down to the nano range.

Solids and bulk materials must be ground if their original grain size is too coarse for analytical procedures, mixing processes, or further processing. Comminution is particularly essential in laboratories, as grain size directly influences product properties such as extraction, filtration, or absorption.

The required fineness depends on the chosen analytical method. Typically, the requirements are between 20 µm and 2 mm. Overgrinding should be avoided, as it consumes unnecessary energy and time.

For effective shredding, the material properties Factors such as density, hardness, moisture content, fat content, consistency, temperature behavior, and agglomeration must be taken into account. The selected analytical method also plays an important role in selecting the appropriate comminution process.

The selection of the appropriate grinding material (e.g., steel, ceramic, tungsten carbide) significantly influences the service life and performance of the mill. Depending on the analysis objective, possible material contamination due to abrasion should also be considered.

Ing. Klaus Ebenauer

info@litechgmbh.com
+43 1 99 717 55

Crushing of solids

Why is it shredded?

Required fineness