Edge mill

An edge mill is a type of grinding machine primarily used for crushing, grinding, or mixing materials by applying compressive force from vertically mounted wheels rolling around a circular pan. Also known as a pan mill, Chilian mill, or arrastra (depending on the specific design and region), edge mills have a long history of use in various industries.

Functionality:

The basic principle of operation involves one or more heavy wheels (often made of stone or metal) that roll within a circular pan. The material to be processed is placed in the pan. As the wheels rotate, they exert significant pressure on the material, crushing and grinding it against the pan's surface. In some designs, scrapers or plows are used to constantly move the material under the wheels, ensuring even processing.

Applications:

Edge mills have been historically and continue to be used in a range of applications, including:

• Mining: For crushing ore to liberate valuable minerals.
• Ceramics: For grinding clay and mixing ceramic materials.
• Food processing: For milling grains or spices (though modern alternatives are now more common).
• Chemical industry: For mixing and grinding chemicals.
• Construction: For preparing mortar and plaster.
• Pharmaceuticals: For grinding and mixing powders.

Advantages:

• Simplicity of design and operation.
• Ability to handle relatively large volumes of material.
• Effective grinding through compressive force.

Disadvantages:

• Can be relatively slow compared to other grinding methods.
• May produce a less uniform particle size distribution than some modern mills.
• Potential for contamination from the grinding wheels or pan.