IKA M 20 Universal Mill, batch mill, coolable, 250 ml, 20,000 rpm, 0001603600

The coolable classic for challenging samples: the IKA M 20 Universal Mill

The IKA M 20 Universal Mill (MPN 0001603600) has been a staple of countless laboratories worldwide for decades. It is not simply a coffee grinder for the laboratory, but a robust, high-performance instrument specifically designed for grinding hard, brittle, as well as tough and temperature-sensitive materials. Whilst many mills fail when processing elastic plastics or oil-containing seeds – because the sample sticks together or melts due to frictional heat – this is where the M 20 demonstrates its greatest strength: its intelligent temperature management.

The unique selling point: the integrated cooling system

The key feature of the M 20 is its double-walled grinding chamber. This cavity surrounding the actual grinding chamber allows you to actively cool the sample during the grinding process. Why is this important?

1. Prevention of overheating: At 20,000 revolutions per minute, the impact and shear forces generate enormous amounts of frictional heat. With sensitive samples (e.g. vitamins, active pharmaceutical ingredients), this could lead to decomposition. The cooling system protects your analytes.
2. Embrittlement: Many plastics or elastomers are soft at room temperature and cannot be ground – they would simply bend or stick to the blade. By filling the double jacket (or the grinding chamber directly) with dry ice or cooling mixtures, the sample becomes brittle (‘glass-like’) and can suddenly be pulverised without any problems.
3. Connection to thermostats: The double jacket has two hose connections. This allows you to connect the mill to a laboratory thermostat and flush it with tap water or cooled thermofluid to ensure constant temperatures even during long grinding runs.

Performance meets stainless steel

The mill is driven by a powerful 450-watt motor, which accelerates the stainless steel impact blade (M 21, included) to a fixed speed of 20,000 min⁻¹. This high kinetic energy ensures extremely short grinding times. Often, just a few seconds are enough to transform coarse granules into fine powder. Both the grinding chamber itself and the blade are made of high-quality, stainless steel. This not only guarantees durability and corrosion resistance, but also prevents contamination of the sample with heavy metals (as might be the case with brass or plain steel chambers). Cleaning is incredibly simple: as the interior surface is smooth and easily accessible, residues can usually be removed completely using a brush or an alcohol-soaked cloth.

Versatility through interchangeable blades

The M 20 is a true all-rounder. Although the standard M 21 blade covers most tasks, the mill can be adapted for specialised applications using optional accessories (available separately):

• M 22 blade: For very hard samples (Mohs hardness up to 9).
• M 23 star blade: Specifically designed for fibrous substances such as paper, leaves or textiles.
• M 20.1 alternative chamber: An insert that reduces the grinding volume to process even the smallest quantities efficiently.

Safety in laboratory operation

With such high speeds and exposed blades, safety is paramount. The IKA M 20 features a sophisticated safety mechanism. The motor can only be started when the lid (M 20.2) and the protective cover are correctly fitted and locked in place. Accidental start-up whilst the grinding chamber is open is mechanically and electrically impossible. Furthermore, an overload protection system protects the motor from damage should the sample prove too hard or the blade become blocked.

Typical applications

The areas of application for the M 20 are as varied as the laboratories themselves:

• Food: Grinding of nuts, coffee beans, spices or cereals for analytical purposes (e.g. Soxhlet fat determination).
• Pharmaceuticals: Pulverising tablets for quality control (assay).
• Geology/Chemistry: Crushing pigments, minerals, coal or peat.
• Plastics industry: Processing of granules for determining the melt index.

Technical data

• Equipment type: Universal mill / Batch mill
• Operating principle: Cutting / Impact
• Speed: 20,000 rpm (fixed)
• Max. working volume: 250 ml
• Max. feed size (particle): 5 – 7 mm (depending on material)
• Final fineness: 1 – 100 µm (depending on material and grinding time)
• Motor power (input/output): 450 W / 225 W
• Grinding chamber: stainless steel, double-walled (coolable)
• Duty cycle: 7 min ON / 10 min OFF
• Maximum peripheral speed: 72 m/s
• Protection class: IP 21
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 170 x 350 x 170 mm
• Weight: 6.6 kg

Contents

• 1 x IKA M 20 universal grinder
• 1 x M 21 impeller (stainless steel)
• 1 x mains lead
• 1 x user manual

Customised requirements & accessories

Do you need replacement blades for fibrous samples (M 23) or special hoses for cooling? The M 20 is a modular system that can be customised. Please contact our procurement service for accessories.