8530 Shatterbox
Page 3 of 28 SPEX SamplePrep LLC January 2010
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Since its introduction three decades ago, the SPEX SamplePrep Shatterbox has become the
most popular “swing mill” in America. Now as then, it remains the most efficient way to
pulverize up to 100 ml in volume (or 100 g in weight) of brittle material to analytical fineness.
The 8530 has many advanced features, including an electronic timer, a cam-action clamp, a
safety-interlocking lid with pneumatic cylinders, and lockable casters.
The Shatterbox swings a dish-shaped grinding container, with a puck and (often) a ring inside, in
a tight high-speed circle; the sample is quickly crushed between the wall and floor of the
container and the moving puck/ring grinding elements. Smaller grinding containers and those
made with ceramics have a puck-shaped grinding element; larger containers add a ring. Most
grinding containers are fitted with a gasket to prevent sample loss during grinding.
Since grinding containers are chosen for specific tasks, there is no “standard” Shatterbox
grinding container. In general, grinding times average two-to-five minutes, with resultant
particle size well below 200 mesh, and in some cases 10 microns. Typical samples include
cements, soils, ceramics, slag, rocks, and ores, but the Shatterbox has also ground sulfur pellets,
dried marsh-grass, pharmaceuticals, and many other materials. To maximize grinding capability
and minimize contamination, grinding containers are available in hardened steel, tungsten
carbide, alumina ceramic, and zirconia ceramic. The full range of Shatterbox grinding containers
is described in detail in the SPEX Handbook of Sample Preparation and Handling.
The Shatterbox’s advanced design features:
1. A cam action clamp lever assembly that engages the end of the clamp bar, and holds
it down firmly as the lever is pushed into place. The clamp must be carefully adjusted
for each grinding container and should never be overtightened. (See instructions before
use. Overtightening the clamp voids the warranty.)
2. A programmable digital timer with Start, Stop, and Pause functions and visual display.
Indicates minutes and seconds up to 10:00, the program time limit. Timer is
programmed in 10-second intervals, counts down in 5-second intervals. Pause function
freezes a run, retains time left to run.
3. Safety features including a safety lid interlock and gas cylinders for the lid, as well as
a sound-insulated steel cabinet and lockable casters with which the mill can be fixed in
place. Lid stays locked and timer displays RUN COMPLETE for 5 seconds after motor
stops.
8530-115 Enclosed Shatterbox with Digital Timer & Safety Interlock
For 115 V/60 Hz operation. Includes cam-activated clamp and electronic timer with digital
display, sound attenuating cabinet with lockable casters, and a lid with safety interlock. The unit
accepts all Shatterbox grinding containers (not included with mill).
8530-230 Enclosed Shatterbox with Digital Timer & Safety Interlock
For 230 V/50 Hz operation. Same as 8530-115 but with 230 V/50 Hz circuitry and continental
European CEE 7/7 two prong plug. CE-approved.
