ZirPro provides the optimum combination of efficient and cost-effective zirconia-based products to enhance productivity and quality. Composed of either stabilized zirconia — Zirmil® Y and Zirmil® Ce — or zirconium silicate materials — ER120 and Rimax® — ZirPro’s wide range of durable ceramic grinding beads help achieve more controlled operations.
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Paints, Inks & Coatings
Paint, ink and coating formulations generally contain pigments, fillers, additives and solvents, all of which are incorporated into a binder. The solvents can be organic or water-based. Producing a consistent and homogeneous product from such a varied combination of raw materials is a challenge for the milling process. Development of both gloss and color strength are critical factors, and are often highly dependent on media selection.
To demonstrate this effect Saint-Gobain Zirpro has produced a video where different sizes of ZirPro premier product ‘Zirmil® Y’ are tested and the effects on grind of pigment dispersion monitored. The results conclusively identify the potential for increased productivity and/or improved grind quality, if bead size selection is correct.
Saint-Gobain ZirPro has been supplying high-quality ceramic media to the paint, ink and coating industries for more than 40 years. This experience enables ZirPro to offer a market-leading range of media: ER120, Rimax®, Zirmil® Ce and Zirmil® Y, which are designed to meet the exacting demands of specific suspension types. ZirPro also offers a unique level of after-sales and technical support.
Market-leading range of ceramic media
The minimum requirement of the milling process in paints, inks and coatings is to achieve quality, both economically and consistently. Milling media is a significant factor, and the correct bead selection is critical. Ultimately, bead choice will depend on a number of criteria, including equipment, formulation and target particle size. Although these criteria help to define the density and the size of the bead needed, the final choice of the media also will be linked to three other parameters:
Ceramic bead formulation
For the typical batch processing of paints, inks and coatings, zirconia-based beads consistently outperform other media types. ZirPro has a worldwide reputation for excellence in engineered zirconia ceramics.
Bead manufacturing process
Bead failure can have catastrophic effects on both the process and the end product, with issues of lost production, contamination and mill damage. ZirPro’s innovative bead processing technologies guarantee homogeneous and defect-free structures, resulting in more controlled operational behavior.
Bead surface
Enhanced roundness and smooth surfaces improve media flow and reduce abrasion. ZirPro products have class-leading surface characteristics, which help increase mill efficiency and reduce heat generation.
Highest specification and quality standards
With a 4.0 g/cc density, ER120 and Rimax zirconium silicate beads often are the best milling solution, especially as an alternative to glass beads. They are widely used in vertical and horizontal mills. Rimax is specifically engineered to withstand the more demanding environment of basket mills.
With a 6.0 g/cc density, Zirmil’s range enhances grind performance. Zirmil also improves cost efficiency by reducing maintenance requirements. Zirmil Y is the premier product designed to meet the most exacting demands of recirculation mills with high product throughput. Zirmil Ce is a versatile media typically used in in horizontal mills.
