The process of milling and placing the cups back into the magazine continues until all samples in the magazine have been processed. As the machine is controlled by a Siemens S7 300 PLC, it is possible to have up to 16 separate programs to suite up to 16 different product types. These programs store parameters such as milling time, milling speed, discharge time etc. It is also possible to run several batches of different sample type in one magazine. The machine will automatically run the appropriate program for each sample type. (This is pre-programmed into the PLC). The mill is also equipped with a built in temperature sensor which ensures that the grinding vessel does not exceed a preset temperature such as 60 degrees C.

According to Ray Poole of Ammtec, being able to load up samples, walk away and return when they are milled has freed Ray up to do more meaningful tasks. Loading all four mills each with 60 samples and allowing them to operate simultaneously has dramatically increased the efficiency and throughput of the Ammtec sample preparation facility. Ray is also appreciative of the health and safety benefits of this equipment..Using traditional mills would require Ray to wear protective clothing and to handle heavy grinding vessels and be exposed to dust and noise. None of this is necessary with the automated equipment.

The two HP-M1500 mills operate in much the same way as the HP-MA mills but are designed to accommodate samples of up to 1.5kg depending on the density of the ore. Being able to load 60 samples of 100g to 1.5kg (density dependant) across the two mills with all handling, milling and cleaning being automated has significantly improved sample preparation productivity.

Both the HP-MA and the HP-M1500 can be purchased as a stand alone mill or with various magazines. The mills can be linked to a linear automation or can be tended by a centralized robot.

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