MILLS
The right media for an efficient mill charge.
Ball Mills and Grinding Media
Steel grinding balls are used to reduce ore to fine particle sizes in ball and semi-autogenous mills. Semi-autogenous grinding combines ore with a limited charge of grinding balls so that larger ore particles also help break down smaller particles. Grindballs manufactures steel balls from 16 mm to 140 mm. Using several ball diameters in the mill charge reduces void space compared with a single-size charge and enables the grinding media to work more effectively.
How Ball Mills Work
In a ball mill, ore and steel balls rotate together inside a cylindrical shell. Friction and repeated impact break the ore into progressively finer particles.
Semi-Autogenous Grinding
Semi-autogenous grinding uses a relatively small charge of grinding balls together with the ore. This allows part of the ore to act as grinding media and can improve process efficiency.
Steel Grinding Balls and Their Properties
Different ball diameters allow operators to minimise voids in the mill charge and create a more efficient grinding action for different feed and product requirements.
The Role of Ball Mills in Industry
Ball mills are widely used in mining, chemicals, ceramics and other industries. They play an important role in reducing raw materials to the required size and improving production efficiency.
SAG Mills (Semi-Autogenous Grinding)
SAG mills use a small grinding-ball charge while larger ore particles help reduce smaller particles. They are used for gold, copper, platinum and silver ores, as well as lead, zinc, alumina and nickel. SAG mills are generally used as primary or first-stage grinders and are characterised by a larger diameter and shorter length than ball mills.
How SAG Mills Work
Ore and balls move together inside the rotating shell. The combined movement produces impact and abrasion, reducing coarse feed to finer particles.
SAG Mill Characteristics
Their large diameter, short body and high throughput make SAG mills suitable for high-volume primary grinding duties.
Advantages and Operating Features
- Crushing, grinding and washing can be combined in one process, delivering a high reduction ratio.
- Suitable for wet and dry grinding.
- High-capacity operation.
- Capable of reducing material up to 400 mm to approximately 75 microns.
- Typical ball charge ranges from 8% to 21%.
- Grinding balls added to SAG mills are generally 100–125 mm.
Grindballs Products
High-quality Ballex balls for industrial grinding applications.
