Today’s basket mills have been re-developed to achieve optimal results in the coatings industry.
When providing samples for mill equipment testing, coatings manufacturers often submit large batches of the most challenging products to grind. Their logic is that if a machine can handle the hardest materials in large amounts, it can handle virtually anything. If the test returns unacceptable results, a machine is often removed from a manufacture’s vendor list, even though it may be suitable for many of its other products.
But this typical process is flawed when sourcing basket mills for coatings dispersions because they excel at small batch production. Consequently, some manufacturers have the misconception that basket mills do not work well with hard-to-grind materials, and unfortunately they may end up purchasing a less-effective piece of equipment.
The truth is quite the opposite. Basket mills offer easy operation, fast cleanup with little waste, repeatable performance and high production rates, while still providing high-quality grinding for coatings. Some of today’s designs have even addressed environmental concerns by reducing solvent emissions.
The basket mill concept has improved since its introduction in the 1980s. New designs offer improved productivity and even finer dispersion quality. With these enhancements and the proper pilot testing, coatings manufacturers should be convinced that a basket mill can produce the ideal dispersion.