Materials processing is defined as the series of steps or “unit operations” used in the manufacture of raw-materials into finished goods. The operations involve a succession of industrial processes with various mechanical or chemical procedures, usually produced in large quantities or batches.
The alteration of materials by hand has existed since the beginning of civilization and was transformed by the introduction of automation equipment in the 18th century. The basic machinery developed during the Industrial Revolution was primarily used for the cutting and formation of products. Process engineering technology, methods and equipment have evolved dramatically since then and continue to improve in quality, capabilities and production yields.
By-products may result depending on the processes utilized during the manufacture of a finished product. Many industrial processes generate hazardous by-products that may require special handling while others can actually be used to generate additional revenue.
Types of Material Processing
The processes used for the manufacture of a desired product generally provide two major functions: the formation or alteration of materials. The formation of parts or products is usually achieved by molding, casting or the application of pressure. The physical state or composition of commodities and products can be altered by a number of different means including chemical, mechanical and thermal operations.
Chemical engineering methods are applied in order to modify the cellular structure or molecular properties of materials on a microscopic level. Thermal processes involving the addition or reduction of heat are used to alter a range of materials, especially metals. Mechanical operations employ the use of specialized equipment in the transformation of solid matter. Additional processing including bonding, cutting and finishing may be required for the provision of finished products.
These processes can be applied to a variety of materials and applications including:
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Agricultural Chemicals
- Biomaterials
- Ceramics
- Composites
- Electronic Materials
- Glass
- Metals and Alloys
- Nanomaterials
- Paints, Inks and Coatings
- Personal Care Products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics and Polymers
Custom Milling & Consulting LLC, is a leading provider of custom processing and toll milling services for wet milling/mixing applications. With more than 25 years of processing experience, the company specializes in particle size reduction and nanomaterials for various industries and applications including paints, inks, coatings and other specialty chemicals.
Wet milling can achieve ultrafine particle sizes not possible with dry milling/dry grinding due to the limitations caused by the nature of the process. This involves the use of specially engineered machinery that processes the mixture of materials in a liquid medium or “slurry”.
Utilizing their knowledge of media mill technology, CMC has developed a line of process equipment for the mixing, milling and blending of wetted materials including horizontal media mills, basket media mills, planetary mixers and ram presses. The establishment of the equipment division in 2004 allowed the company to apply their expertise in process engineering and dispersion technology in order to provide customizable process machinery that could be tailored to a customer’s specific needs. Their unique offerings as both a custom processing/toll milling service provider and process equipment manufacturer makes Custom Milling & Consulting LLC, the ultimate resource for the satisfaction of all of your wet processing requirements.
