LC-80 Hand-Crank Disc Mill
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | LC-80 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The LC-80 Hand-Crank Disc Mill is a manually operated, precision-engineered laboratory milling device designed for controlled size reduction of brittle, friable, and moderately hard materials. Operating on the principle of compression and shear between two counter-rotating, adjustable disc plates—driven via a robust hand crank—the mill delivers reproducible particle size distribution without heat generation or electrical dependency. Its mechanical simplicity ensures operational reliability in environments where power supply is limited or contamination from motor-driven systems must be avoided. The LC-80 is widely employed in coal preparation laboratories, pharmaceutical R&D (for pre-formulation grinding), mineralogical sample homogenization, agrochemical analysis, and nutraceutical raw material processing. Unlike high-energy impact mills, this disc mill enables gentle yet effective comminution—preserving sample integrity and minimizing amorphous phase formation in thermally sensitive compounds.
Key Features
- Cast iron housing with durable enamel finish, providing structural rigidity and corrosion resistance.
- Mounting system with screw-clamp base accommodates work surfaces up to 1.5 in (38.1 mm) thick—ensuring stability during manual operation.
- Adjustable disc gap mechanism allows fine-tuning of final particle size; typical fineness limit ranges from 180–150 µm (80–100 mesh) using standard fine-grind disc sets.
- Quick-change feed and grinding disc assembly—enabling tool-free replacement within seconds to prevent cross-contamination between samples.
- Integrated 50 in³ (0.8 L) feed hopper fabricated from stainless steel and alloyed iron components for wear resistance.
- Total unit height: 14 in (356 mm); compact footprint ideal for benchtop use in regulated lab spaces.
- Manual drive system eliminates electromagnetic interference, making it compatible with sensitive analytical workflows (e.g., XRD, SEM sample prep).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The LC-80 accommodates dry, semi-dry, and oil-moistened materials—including coal, limestone, gypsum, dried botanicals, pharmaceutical excipients, roasted nuts, cereal grains, and brittle polymers. It is not intended for fibrous, elastic, or highly ductile substances. For wet or viscous feeds, optional LCA-172 worm-type feeder prevents clogging and ensures uniform material delivery to the grinding zone. All disc assemblies (LCA-170, LCA-171, LCA-175) are manufactured to ASTM E11-22 tolerances for sieve analysis validation. The mill complies with general laboratory safety standards per ANSI Z9.5 and supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with traceable calibration logs and SOP-controlled operating procedures.
Software & Data Management
As a purely mechanical instrument, the LC-80 requires no firmware, embedded software, or digital interface. However, its deterministic operation—defined by crank revolutions per minute (RPM), disc gap setting, and feed rate—supports full procedural documentation under ISO/IEC 17025 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned quality systems. Users may record operational parameters (e.g., number of crank rotations, dwell time, disc configuration) in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS-integrated workflows. Optional disc identification tags (stainless steel engraved labels) facilitate audit-ready asset tracking and configuration history.
Applications
- Coal petrography sample preparation per ASTM D2797 and ISO 7404-2.
- Homogenization of geological core samples prior to XRF or ICP-MS digestion.
- Particle size reduction of API blends in early-phase pharmaceutical development.
- Preparation of standardized reference materials for inter-laboratory proficiency testing.
- Grinding of roasted coffee beans, almonds, or soybeans for nutritional assay consistency.
- Routine QC grinding of catalyst carriers, activated carbon, or ceramic precursors.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended throughput for the LC-80?
Typical throughput is 10 lb/hr (4.5 kg/hr) for medium-hardness dry materials such as bituminous coal or limestone—subject to operator cadence and disc configuration.
Can the LC-80 be used for cryogenic grinding?
No—it lacks provisions for liquid nitrogen jacketing or low-temperature material handling; operation is strictly ambient-temperature.
Are spare discs and feeders traceable to NIST-certified dimensional standards?
Disc sets are manufactured to nominal ASTM E11 mesh equivalency; NIST-traceable calibration certificates are available upon request for metrological validation.
Is the LC-80 compliant with OSHA noise or vibration exposure limits?
Yes—operating noise level is <65 dBA at 1 m; hand-arm vibration (HAVS) exposure falls well below ISO 5349-1 thresholds due to low-torque manual actuation.
Does the mill support GMP documentation requirements?
While inherently analog, its repeatable mechanical design, configurable disc sets, and compatibility with ELN/LIMS entries enable full adherence to GMP Annex 11 and EU GMP Chapter 4 documentation protocols.
