3M has made available an experimental product, 3M Micro Milling Media ZGC, an ultra low cost alternative to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Beads used in high energy mills. The offering can meet the needs for performance-driven, economical nanoparticle dispersions, and help reduce cost and investment in process equipment for those needing to obtain very fine particle sizes using micro milling media, the company said.

3M Micro Milling Media ZGC high density (5.8 g/cc) grinding media is as strong and as wear resistant as Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Beads, the company said. Due to its nanocrystalline microstructure (~50 - 100 nm) these micro beads feature low friction smooth surfaces and excellent sphericity.  

“By significantly lowering the cost of milling media, 3M has opened the doors to applications that may not have been cost-effective in the past, such as large-scale, high energy milling of nano size powders,” said Tom Sheehan, business manager for 3M’s Energy and Advanced Materials Division. “Manufacturers are now able to cut their milling costs and can afford to use higher performing media to make smaller particles in less time.”

3M Micro Milling Media ZGC is available in three sizes: 50, 75 and 100 micron. They are ideal for use in the milling of pigments, inks, dyes, paints and coatings, as well as ceramic powders and nanodispersions.

For more information regarding this new experimental product from 3M, visit 3m.com/micromillingmedia.