Trying to find the right size reduction machine but not sure where to start? From crushing, grinding, and pulverizing—there is a lot of industry terminology out there, and it can be confusing.
To help pair your project with the correct machine for your application, the Williams Patent Crusher team made this handy, downloadable particle size conversion chart for mesh to microns conversions.
When it comes to particle size reduction, this sizing chart can help give you a better understanding of particle sizing in both US and metric units to give you a general idea of what some of our size reduction equipment can achieve.
What is Particle Size Reduction?
Put simply, particle size reduction is making big things smaller. For example, if you need large rocks crushed into gravel, that process is an example of particle size reduction.
More officially, the definition of particle size reduction is the micronization and milling process to generate a more consistent particle size distribution. It’s an important step for engineering a myriad of materials, because it’s necessary to convert your large materials to smaller ones.
Learn more below about a few different types of particle size reduction types.
Crushing
Crushing is generally considered to reduce particles, like large rocks and stones, to gravel-sized material. This translates to roughly 0 to 5 mesh. Williams Crushers has a variety of machines that can perform crushing size reduction like our Roll Crushers and Impact Crushers.
Grinding
Grinding is generally considered reduction to table salt size, or about 5 to 25 mesh. Williams Impact Dryer Mills are capable of grinding wet, sticky materials like clay, limestone, gypsum, and other applications. The Impact Dryer Mills can also dry and classify at the same time for increased efficiency.
Pulverizing
Pulverizing is generally considered to be reducing product to a fine powder. For instance, if you need coal, grain or other minerals to be in powder form, you would run them through a pulverizer or a roller mill. Pulverizing is typically defined as 25 mesh and beyond.
Mesh vs. Microns
Mesh size refers to the number of openings in one inch of screen. For example, a 4-mesh screen means that there are four squares within one inch of the screen.
As the mesh size increases, the particle size decreases to create a finer material. Mesh size is not a precise measurement of particle size, but it is a fair estimation.
A micron, also called a micrometer, is the metric unit of measurement for 0.001 millimeters. It is used here to refer to the thickness or diameter of the reduced material.
Contact Williams Patent Crusher Today
The Williams Patent Crusher team can help you find the right size reduction machine for your application and required particle size.