PLANETARY BALL MILLS
JAR & MEDIA SELECTION
Control what touches your sample. Match the jar structure, contact material, working volume and media to the chemistry and milling result you need.
The same nominal volume does not make two jars interchangeable. Motion, clamping, dimensions and loaded mass must all match.
Confirm the holder, clamping arrangement, lid clearance and permitted working mass. A planetary system subjects the complete assembly to combined motion; a jar that fits on the bench may not fit safely in the machine.
A vacuum lid or liner can change both the external envelope and the usable internal volume.
Roller mills depend on jar diameter, length, running surface, roller spacing and total load. Their jars are not automatically suitable for a planetary holder.
A horizontal planetary machine still uses planetary motion. Specify the exact mill model and fixture instead of ordering by jar orientation alone.
Compare laboratory mill typesA material is suitable only when its mechanical behaviour and chemistry fit both the sample and the analysis.
List restricted metals, oxides and organic residues. Ceramic and polymer contact surfaces also wear; low wear is not the same as zero contamination.
Consider hardness together with abrasiveness, brittleness and impact conditions. Dense media can create a very different load from lighter media of the same diameter.
Name the liquid, concentration and temperature. Check the jar, liner, lid, gasket and valves as a complete wetted system.
Consider adhesion, porosity, residue removal and sample changeover. A dedicated jar and media set may be appropriate for sensitive analyses.
Compare the benefit, the possible wear contribution and the practical limitation together. Follow each product link for its detailed specifications.
Robust handling and impact resistance for compatible general powders.
A ceramic option for fine grinding where steel-derived contamination is undesirable.
A hard ceramic contact surface for suitable mineral and ceramic systems.
A silica-based contact surface for compatible analytical sample preparation.
A lightweight polymer option for suitable mixing and lower-demand processes.
A compliant working surface for compatible powders and dispersion tasks.
Consider for a defined chemical-compatibility requirement.
A dense, hard contact system for demanding grinding applications.
A sealed configuration for an agreed vacuum or gas-handling process.
An alternative polymer formulation for a specified application.
A ceramic contact surface with an external metal support structure.
An additional alumina-family option where the specified material grade matters.
Measure the relevant contamination after milling a representative sample. A material certificate describes the supplied grade; it does not prove the wear contribution under your milling conditions.
Confirm these dimensions and loads for the exact machine, jar material and lid assembly. The detailed tables below retain the published size-by-size relationships.
Include the lid, valves and any protective sleeve. Confirm clearance through the entire motion, not only with the machine stationary.
Check the contact surfaces and retention method. A nominally similar jar from another system may need a different holder or may be unsuitable.
Add the jar, lid, liner, media, sample and liquid. Confirm the permitted load and balancing method against the machine instructions.
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) / Thick-wall variant | External diameter (mm) / Thin-wall variant | Internal diameter (mm) / Thick-wall variant | Internal diameter (mm) / Thin-wall variant | Height (mm) / Thick-wall variant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50mL | 48 | — | 38 | — | 54 |
| 100mL | 62 | — | 48 | — | 72 |
| 250mL | 87 | — | 71 | — | 83 |
| 500mL | 106 | 88 | 90 | 81 | 108 |
| 1L | 131 | 107 | 115 | 100 | 118 |
| 1.5L | 131 | 132 | 115 | 125 | 158 |
| 2L | 157 | 132 | 141 | 125 | 148 |
| 2.5L | 157 | 158 | 141 | 151 | 183 |
| 3L | 157 | 158 | 141 | 151 | 213 |
| 4L | 178 | 179 | 162 | 170 | 213 |
| 5L | 192 | — | 182 | — | 209 |
| 10L | 243 | — | 232 | — | 259 |
| 15L | 271 | — | 261 | — | 295 |
| 20L | 320 | — | 310 | — | 284 |
| 25L | 320 | — | 310 | — | 347 |
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) | Internal diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mL | 55 | 38 | 67 |
| 100mL | 65 | 50 | 75 |
| 250mL | 92 | 74 | 88 |
| 500mL | 100 | 84 | 118 |
| 1L | 128 | 108 | 148.5 |
| 1.5L | 132 | 112 | 175.5 |
| 2L | 158 | 138 | 162 |
| 2.5L | 158 | 138 | 192 |
| 3L | 158 | 138 | 220 |
| 4L | 205 | 175 | 231 |
| 5L | 192 | 170 | 254 |
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 50mL | 56 | 70 |
| 100mL | 70 | 72 |
| 250mL | 95 | 88 |
| 500mL | 106 | 112 |
| 1000mL | 133 | 131 |
| 1500mL | 132 | 141 |
| 2000mL | 132 | 173 |
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) | Internal diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mL | 65 | 45 | 57 |
| 100mL | 75 | 50 | 70 |
| 150mL | 90 | 62 | 80 |
| 250mL | 94 | 73 | 90 |
| 300mL | 102 | 79 | 95 |
| 400mL | 106 | 80 | 103 |
| 500mL | 106 | 82 | 108 |
| 1000mL | 133 | 107 | 141 |
| 2000mL | 156 | 130 | 190 |
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) | Internal diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mL | 63 | 31 | 65 |
| 50mL | 63 | 43 | 59 |
| 100mL | 68 | 48 | 76 |
| 250mL | 88 | 68 | 98 |
| 500mL | 108 | 88 | 115 |
| 1L | 133 | 109 | 142 |
| 1.5L | 133 | 109 | 178 |
| 2L | 158 | 134 | 172 |
| 2.5L | 158 | 134 | 202 |
| 3L | 158 | 138 | 210 |
| 4L | 178 | 158 | 226 |
| 5L | 218 | 190 | 217 |
| 10L | 246 | 218 | 307 |
| 15L | 273 | 243 | 372 |
| 20L | 320 | 285 | 359 |
| 25L | 320 | 285 | 424 |
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) | Internal diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mL | 68 | 53 | 69 |
| 250mL | 98 | 74 | 90 |
| 500mL | 106 | 87 | 104 |
| 1L | 132 | 105 | 135 |
| 1.5L | 132 | 116 | 161 |
| 3L | 159 | 139 | 223 |
| 5L | 192 | 168 | 251 |
| 10L | 243 | 219 | 286 |
| Model / nominal volume | External diameter (mm) | Internal diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mL | 63 | 31 | 65 |
| 50mL | 63 | 43 | 59 |
| 100mL | 68 | 48 | 76 |
| 250mL | 88 | 68 | 98 |
| 500mL | 108 | 88 | 115 |
| 1L | 133 | 109 | 142 |
| 1.5L | 133 | 109 | 178 |
| 2L | 158 | 134 | 172 |
| 2.5L | 158 | 134 | 202 |
| 3L | 158 | 138 | 210 |
| 4L | 178 | 158 | 226 |
| 5L | 218 | 190 | 217 |
| 10L | 246 | 218 | 307 |
| 15L | 273 | 243 | 372 |
| 20L | 320 | 285 | 359 |
| 25L | 320 | 285 | 424 |
| Item | Reference / confirmation needed |
|---|---|
| Working material | Cemented carbide; confirm tungsten-carbide and binder grade |
| Catalog nominal-volume reference | 50–2000 mL |
| Dimensional drawing | Request the drawing for the selected volume and construction |
| Binder / grade | Confirm against sample contamination requirements |
| Complete jar mass | Confirm for the selected volume and mill holder |
| Lid, seal and vacuum proposal | Configuration-specific; no pressure rating inferred |
| Model / nominal volume | Internal diameter (mm) | External diameter (mm) | Flange diameter (mm) | Internal depth (mm) | Height without lid (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50mL | 39 | 49 | 78 | 45 | 50 |
| 100mL | 48 | 62 | 88 | 57 | 65 |
| 250mL | 73 | 88 | 108 | 65 | 73 |
| 500mL | 90 | 107 | 132 | 93 | 100 |
| 1L | 106 | 121 | 131 | 117 | 123 |
| 1.5L | 115 | 131 | 151 | 143 | 150 |
| 2L | 141 | 153 | 177 | 133 | 140 |
| 3L | 141 | 157 | 178 | 198 | 205 |
| 4L | 168 | 178 | 220 | 200 | 205 |
| 5L | 182 | 192 | 234 | 200 | 205 |
These tables come from the corresponding local product specifications. Published material ranges are not a universal compatibility chart. For lined, modified or custom assemblies, request the current drawing and match it to the holder.
The working charge includes sample, media and any liquid. Free movement and total mass both limit a suitable batch.
Ball-to-powder ratio normally compares media mass with dry powder mass. A volumetric filling ratio answers a different question. State which quantities are included whenever a ratio is quoted.
This illustrates a 10:1 ball-to-powder mass ratio only. It does not establish the right jar size, fill level, liquid charge or safe working load for a sample.
Media occupy a packed volume with spaces between the balls. Sample and liquid can enter these spaces, so separate bulk volumes cannot always be added to predict the actual fill level.
Start from the approved jar-loading procedure and optimize with small trials. Record recovered sample, temperature, time and wear, as well as particle size.
Density, diameter, contact chemistry and the total charge act together. A diameter range is a catalog reference, not a confirmation that every size works in a planetary jar.
Approximately 7.9 g/cm³
6.0 g/cm³ (published reference)
Approximately 2.65 g/cm³
3.6–3.9 g/cm³
Configuration-dependent; confirm the actual grade
14.5–15.0 g/cm³ (published grade reference)
| Media | Density reference | Diameter reference | Where to consider it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 stainless steel | Approximately 7.9 g/cm³ | 1–30 mm | General impact and mixing with compatible materials. | Fe, Cr and Ni; check grade and supplied condition. |
| Zirconia | 6.0 g/cm³ (published reference) | 1–30 mm | Ceramic contact system for compatible fine-grinding processes. | Zr-containing wear and stabilizer; check grade and jar pairing. |
| Agate | Approximately 2.65 g/cm³ | 3–20 mm | Silica-based media for compatible analytical preparation. | Si-containing wear; avoid unsuitable high-impact or abrasive feeds. |
| Alumina / corundum | 3.6–3.9 g/cm³ | 0.5–50 mm | Ceramic and mineral systems compatible with alumina contact. | Al-containing wear, purity and ceramic impact damage. |
| PU-coated iron core | Configuration-dependent; confirm the actual grade | 15–30 mm | A compliant outer contact surface for validated gentle processing. | Coating condition and solvent compatibility; exposed core changes contamination. |
| Tungsten carbide | 14.5–15.0 g/cm³ (published grade reference) | 1–30 mm | Dense media for an approved demanding grinding configuration. | W/binder contribution and substantially increased total load. |
Density and diameter figures are published material references from the product dossiers, not batch certificates or validated operating settings. Confirm supplied grade, sizes and quantities. Very small media require suitable handling and separation and are not interchangeable across mill types.
A useful diameter mix depends on feed size, jar geometry, sample response and the target distribution.
Provide more mass per ball for a given material. Assess their ability to break the feed alongside impact on the jar, lining and fragile samples.
Can bridge the stages of a developing process. Their role and proportion should be established with the feed and the chosen jar.
Offer more individual contacts at a given media volume. Check whether they can act effectively on the feed and be recovered or separated after milling.
Equal mass of steel, zirconia and carbide does not occupy equal volume. Equal ball diameter does not imply equal ball mass. Recheck the loading basis, total working mass and result after changing either material or diameter.
Matching contact materials is often a useful starting point. It still requires review of grades, mechanical loading and the actual sample.
| Jar contact surface | Candidate media | Decision before use |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Compatible stainless steel | Accept the relevant metal wear and verify the grade, liquid and load. |
| Zirconia | Compatible zirconia | Agree the ceramic grade and consider both media and jar wear. |
| Alumina / corundum | Compatible alumina | Match purity requirements and avoid unsuitable impacts on brittle components. |
| Agate | Agate | Check hardness, abrasion and silica-related contamination. |
| Tungsten carbide | Compatible carbide | Confirm binder chemistry, very high density and the machine load limit. |
| Nylon / PTFE / polyurethane | Only an approved media combination | Hard, dense media can damage a softer contact surface; do not infer suitability from chemical resistance. |
| Lined or vacuum assembly | Based on the actual inner contact surface | Check the liner, exposed lid surfaces, seals and the full assembly specification. |
Mixed-material pairings need a representative trial to assess wear and contamination. Do not substitute media solely because the ball diameter fits.
A material choice does not by itself define an operating temperature, pressure or vacuum rating.
For dry work, assess dust, adhesion and recovery. For wet work, assess the entire wetted system, solids content, liquid stability and downstream separation.
Confirm the vacuum assembly, valves, gasket, gas connection and handling procedure. An ordinary sealed jar is not automatically a vacuum or pressure-rated vessel.
Long runs and wet processing can change temperature and internal pressure. Use the approved limits and cooling/opening procedure for the complete assembly.
Inspect the contact surfaces, lid and seals, use a cleaning method compatible with the material, and check for residual sample or cleaning agent. For contamination-sensitive work, consider dedicated jar/media sets and a blank or reference-sample check. Replace damaged components according to the supplier’s criteria.
Use these as questions for a trial, rather than fixed material prescriptions.
| Application | Selection priority | Useful validation |
|---|---|---|
| Battery and electronic powders | Restricted elements, moisture and oxygen sensitivity. | Particle-size distribution plus relevant elemental and material-property checks. |
| Ceramics, glass and minerals | Abrasive feed and compatibility with oxide wear. | Representative feed, recovered sample, size distribution and wear contribution. |
| Geological or analytical samples | Avoid introducing elements being measured. | Blank control, cleaning verification and the specified analysis method. |
| Metal and alloy powders | Impact, sticking and acceptable metal or carbide constituents. | Chemical composition, desired structural change and powder recovery. |
| Pigments and functional slurries | Dispersion, viscosity and liquid compatibility. | Dispersion stability, final particle distribution and coating or lining condition. |
| Organic or fine-chemical samples | Heat sensitivity, recovery and cleanability. | Sample integrity, temperature record and residual contamination. |
These details make a jar-and-media inquiry useful, whether you are building a new system or replacing an existing component.
Resolve compatibility at assembly level, not from a material name alone.
No. Jar, media, seals, previous samples and cleaning residues can all contribute. Define the relevant substances and limits, then test a representative milled sample.
No. Chemical compatibility does not demonstrate mechanical compatibility. Hard, dense media may damage a softer surface. Confirm a validated combination, working mass and process before use.
No. Media and sample movement require space; wet processing also involves liquid and pressure considerations. Confirm the approved charge for the complete jar and mill.
No. Vacuum refers to the sealing and gas-handling arrangement. Specify the internal surface, lid contact materials, seal, valves and complete assembly ratings.
Not without reviewing the process. Density changes the occupied volume and ball mass; the replacement can change the movement, impact, temperature and loading limits.
A specification table helps shortlist materials, but it does not describe their wear in your sample. Confirm grade, size distribution, jar compatibility and the actual result in a trial.
That depends on cleaning effectiveness and allowable cross-contamination. Use a validated cleaning method, inspect for wear and consider dedicated sets for sensitive or incompatible materials.
Tell us what you are processing, how much you have and what a successful result looks like. We can review the mill, jar, media and trial conditions together.