Powerful and reliable sample preparation

The HP-M 1500 disc mill sets new standards in the fully automatic grinding of large sample quantities. Thanks to robust mechanics and state-of-the-art process control, it combines the highest precision with high throughput. This ensures fast, homogeneous and contamination-free Sample Preparation – even with particularly demanding materials. With a wide range of options and seamless software integration, the HP-M 1500 is the ideal choice for laboratories and process environments that value reliability, reproducibility and efficiency.

Designed for large sample volumes

With a grinding vessel volume of 1500 cc, even large sample batches with grain sizes up to 5 mm can be processed safely and efficiently. The high capacity ensures better representativeness, reliable homogenization and safe processing of materials with a large surface area – important factors for meaningful analytical results.

All steps – from sample feeding to crushing and cleaning – are fully automated. After each cycle, all parts in contact with the material are cleaned by compressed air, reducing cross-contamination to a minimum. Optionally, an external dust extraction system can be integrated, which is controlled via the machine PLC and ensures a clean machine as well as a safe, dust-free laboratory environment.

Versatile applications in the laboratory and process environment

The HP-M 1500 convinces with extensive standard equipment and numerous customization options. It is suitable for a wide variety of materials such as ores, concentrates, electronic waste, catalysts or limestone and can be flexibly integrated into different working environments. Whether as a stand-alone system or integrated into automated laboratories with robots, gantry systems or conveyor technology – the mill adapts optimally to the respective requirements.

Fast and precise grinding for reproducible results

The HP-M 1500 ensures efficient pulverization of samples of various degrees of hardness – from soft to very hard. Its precisely balanced, spring-loaded oscillating unit generates a stable circular movement of the grinding vessel, which ensures uniform acceleration of the grinding set and thus effective comminution.

The machine parameters such as rotation speed can be controlled via the control panel or the HERZOG Prep Master software. For sensitive samples, special grinding sets made of hardened chrome steel are available. In addition, a smaller grinding vessel with a volume of 1000 cc is available. For continuous processes, the HP-M 1500 can also be configured as a continuous mill.

Options for maximum flexibility and process integration

The HP-M 1500 offers a wide range of options to tailor it to the exact requirements of the laboratory:

• Integrated scale: Automatic weighing before and after grinding to detect possible material losses. The data is transmitted directly to PrepMaster or other systems.
• Temperature monitoring: Optionally, the temperature of the grinding vessel can be continuously detected to ensure that grinding always takes place under suitable conditions.
• Cleaning with solids: In addition to compressed air cleaning, the grinding vessel can be cleaned with abrasive media such as quartz sand or plastic granulate.
• Wet cleaning: For the highest demands, cleaning with water and cleaning solution is possible, followed by thorough drying by compressed air.
• Dosage of liquid grinding aids: Additives such as ethanol or triethanolamine can be dosed in a targeted manner to increase grinding efficiency and avoid agglomerates.
• Grinding in a protective atmosphere: For potentially flammable materials, the grinding vessel can be flushed with nitrogen, ensuring grinding without oxygen contact.

Flexible sample input via magazine systems

The HP-M 1500 can be equipped with two different magazines that optimally support sample throughput:

• The 8-position magazine is compact and space-saving. It works according to the turntable principle and is ideal for smaller batches. Samples are automatically entered, ground and dispensed in the same cups.
• The 30-position magazine is designed for high throughputs. Up to 30 cups can be conveniently loaded via large access flaps, and sample processing is then automatic and sequential. 

Both magazines are fully integrated into the control system. Via HMI or PrepMaster software, samples can be flexibly registered, managed and linked to specific grinding programs. Using barcodes or RFID, convenient integration into higher-level systems such as a LIMS is also possible.

Tool Condition Monitoring – maximum process reliability

The HP-M 1500 is equipped with a modern Condition Monitoring (TCM) tool based on precise acceleration measurements. The oscillating unit is continuously monitored so that even the smallest deviations in the movement profile are detected. In this way, defects or wear can be identified at an early stage and countermeasures can be taken in good time.

In addition, the monitoring allows the analysis of each individual grinding cycle. Deviations become immediately visible and provide important information, for example for the optimization of new applications.

About Prep Master Analytics all data is automatically documented, statistically evaluated and abnormalities are displayed directly. This enables predictive maintenance planning and ensures consistently high performance in the laboratory.