IKA MultiDrive basic M20 Successor Package, universal mill, 0010010965

Kinetic Transformation and System Evolution

In the analytical preparation of hard and brittle solids (such as ores, minerals, slag or tablets), the classic IKA M 20 analytical mill has been the physical standard for decades. The IKA MultiDrive basic M20 Successor Package represents the technological and kinematic evolution of this system. At the heart of the package is the brushless, high-performance 1,000-watt drive motor of the MultiDrive basic base station. Coupled with the MI 250 grinding chamber and the stainless-steel beater included in the scope of delivery, the system transforms immense electrical energy into massive mechanical impact pulses. With variable rotational speeds of up to 30,000 revolutions per minute, the beater shatters the crystalline or macromolecular lattice structures of the sample matrix in fractions of a millisecond, resulting in a highly homogeneous, reproducible particle size distribution.

Thermodynamic control and exothermic compensation

High-speed mechanical comminution inevitably induces significant thermodynamic stress (frictional heat) in the sample medium. In temperature-sensitive matrices, this exothermic reaction can lead to molecular degradation or the evaporation of volatile analytical components. The architecture of the MI 250 grinding chamber is designed to minimise this thermodynamic stress. To proactively compensate for thermal peaks during the grinding process, the system enables direct cryogenic cooling: the user can physically apply dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) directly into the grinding chamber to the sample. The sublimation of CO₂ at -78.5 °C continuously removes the heat generated by the process from the matrix, guaranteeing ice-cold, structure-preserving comminution without the need for external cooling circuits.

Metrological reproducibility and interval kinematics

For analytically valid results, the grinding process must be absolutely reproducible. The MultiDrive basic control system enables the precise preselection of the drive speed in order to strictly adapt the applied shear forces to the specific Mohs hardness of the sample. Furthermore, the system features an integrated interval control. This pulsating kinematics – the rapid alternation between extreme acceleration and absolute standstill – generates massive hydrodynamic turbulence within the material being ground. This effect prevents the agglomeration of fine dust particles on the chamber walls and continuously forces the entire batch volume (up to 250 ml) back into the primary working area of the grinding tool, thereby physically eliminating dead zones in the flow.

Technical details

• Product type: Modular complete milling system (successor to the IKA M 20)
• Drive power: 1,000 watts (motor power consumption)
• Speed range: 3,000 – 30,000 rpm (continuously adjustable)
• Processing principle: Impact and shock comminution (impact milling)
• Useful volume of grinding chamber: 250 ml (MI 250)
• Interval operation: Electronically integrated to optimise mixing
• Thermodynamic option: Cryogenic cooling possible via direct dry ice addition
• Cooling system (motor): Active air cooling
• Overload protection: Electronic motor cut-out in the event of torsional blockage
• Grinding chamber material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel (in contact with the medium)
• Hygiene: Grinding chamber is removable and fully cleanable

Scope of supply

• 1 x IKA MultiDrive basic base unit (1000 W drive)
• 1 x IKA MultiDrive MI 250 grinding chamber (250 ml)
• 1 x IKA MultiDrive MI 250.1 standard beater (stainless steel)
• 1 x Detailed operating instructions

Individual requirements & accessories

The M20 Successor Package is an all-round solution covering standard grinding of hard and brittle samples. However, the modularity of the MultiDrive platform allows for immediate adaptation to highly specific rheological challenges: for extremely viscous, elastic or fibrous matrices (such as textiles or polymers), we recommend using the MI 250.2 star blade for shear grinding. For iron-free grinding of extremely hard rocks in geochemistry, switching to the MI 250.3 tungsten carbide beater is essential. Please contact our procurement service at any time for tribologically correct upgrades to your mill setup.