Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: 3M Announces Availability of Low Cost Micro Milling Media: New Experimental Product from 3M Offers Performance Equivalent to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Beads at a Fraction of the Price

Home > Press > 3M Announces Availability of Low Cost Micro Milling Media: New Experimental Product from 3M Offers Performance Equivalent to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Beads at a Fraction of the Price

Abstract:
3M today announced the availability of 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.

3M Announces Availability of Low Cost Micro Milling Media: New Experimental Product from 3M Offers Performance Equivalent to Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Beads at a Fraction of the Price

Saint Paul, MN | Posted on September 14th, 2011

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. 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. The product is available for sale online in the U.S. in 1 kilogram and 10 kilogram packages. Larger quantities are available by contacting 3M Energy and Advanced Materials Division Customer Service at 800-367-8905.

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

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About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

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Contacts:
Stephani Simon
Orange Communications
(612) 677-2021

or
Colleen Harris
3M Public Relations
(651) 733-1566

From:
3M Public Relations and Corporate Communications
3M Center, Building 225-1S-15
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000