Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia (YTZ) Grinding Media

Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia (YTZ) Grinding Media is a high-density ceramic media used in wet media milling and bead milling applications requiring efficient energy transfer, low wear, and consistent performance. EMI Mills is an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain ceramic grinding media, supplying YTZ manufactured to tight quality standards. EMI supports these products with nearly 50 years of application and equipment experience.

  • Nominal bead sizes available from 0.03 mm to 2.3 mm
  • Controlled, homogeneous grain structure for high wear resistance
  • Narrow bead size distribution for predictable final grind
  • Suitable for laboratory, pilot, and production-scale milling operations
  • Compatible with all EMI wet media mills
  • Packaged in 20 kg containers; smaller quantities available depending on size/availability

Description

Chemical Analysis

Component ZrO2 Y2O3 Others
wt% 93 5 2

Physical Properties

Properties Values Units
Specific Gravity 6.0 g/cm³
Bulk Density 3.7 kg/L
Vickers Hardness 1250 HV1

Common Applications

Yttrium stabilized zirconia (YTZ) grinding media is used in wet media milling applications that require high milling intensity, low media wear, and consistent performance. It is commonly selected for processes operating at elevated energy levels or with higher-viscosity formulations.

  • Paints & Coatings
  • Pigments, Inks & Dyes
  • Cosmetics
  • Food & Beverage
  • Ceramics
  • MLCC
  • Biotechnology
  • Battery Materials

Don’t see your application? Contact EMI to discuss your material and determine the optimal media solution, or visit our Grinding Media Overview for more info.

Select Your Size

Choose a nominal bead size below to request pricing and availability for YTZ grinding media. Other sizes are available on demand.

Standard 0.6-2.3 mm (Narrow Distribution):

0.6 mm
Range: 0.6-0.7 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
0.8 mm
Range: 0.8-0.9 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
1.0 mm
Range: 1.0-1.1 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
1.25 mm
Range: 1.25-1.4 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
1.5 mm
Range: 1.45-1.6 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
1.75 mm
Range: 1.75-1.9 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
2.0 mm
Range: 2.0-2.2 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
2.3 mm
Range: 2.3-2.5 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads

Fine 0.2-0.5 mm (Fine & Narrow Distribution):

0.2 mm
Range: 0.15-0.28 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
0.3 mm
Range: 0.25-0.35 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
0.4 mm
Range: 0.35-0.45 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
0.5 mm
Range: 0.45-0.55 mm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads

Ultrafine 0.03-0.1 mm (Nanomilling):

0.03 mm
Range: 30-45 μm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
0.05 mm
Range: 50-70 μm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads
0.1 mm
Range: 90-125 μm
YTZ yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic grinding media beads

Compatible Equipment

YTZ grinding media is compatible with the full range of EMI wet media milling equipment and is used across laboratory, pilot, and production-scale operations.

Grinding Media FAQs – Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia (YTZ)

Who manufactures EMI’s YTZ grinding media?

EMI Mills is an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain ceramic grinding media. Yttrium stabilized zirconia (YTZ) grinding media supplied by EMI is manufactured by Saint-Gobain and meets established quality, consistency, and performance standards.

What is Saint-Gobain?

Saint-Gobain is a global manufacturer of advanced ceramic materials and industrial solutions, including high-performance grinding media used in wet media milling and bead milling applications across multiple industries.

Why purchase Saint-Gobain grinding media through EMI instead of direct?

Purchasing Saint-Gobain grinding media through EMI provides access to application support, equipment expertise, and milling process guidance in addition to product supply. EMI supports customers with media selection, bead sizing, testing, and integration with EMI milling equipment, helping reduce trial-and-error and improve process outcomes.

What is yttrium stabilized zirconia (YTZ) grinding media?

Yttrium stabilized zirconia (YTZ) grinding media is a high-density ceramic bead used in wet media milling and bead milling applications. Yttria stabilization improves toughness and wear resistance, making YTZ suitable for high-energy milling conditions.

What bead size should I use for YTZ grinding media?

Bead size selection depends on factors such as target particle size, formulation viscosity, and milling energy. Smaller beads are typically used for finer particle size reduction, while larger beads provide higher impact energy for more aggressive milling. EMI can provide guidance based on your specific process requirements.

Is YTZ grinding media suitable for high-viscosity formulations?

Yes. Due to its high density and durability, YTZ grinding media is commonly used in higher-viscosity systems where increased milling energy and stable media circulation are required. Our Grinding Media Overview can assist with additional info.

Does YTZ grinding media introduce contamination into the product?

YTZ grinding media offers low wear rates compared to lower-density media, which helps minimize contamination in sensitive applications. Media selection should still consider material compatibility and allowable contamination levels for the process.

How long does YTZ grinding media typically last?

Media life depends on operating conditions, formulation abrasiveness, and milling intensity. In general, YTZ grinding media provides extended service life in high-energy milling applications due to its wear resistance and toughness.

Can YTZ grinding media be mixed with other bead sizes or media types?

Mixing bead sizes or media types is generally not recommended, as it can lead to inconsistent milling behavior and uneven energy distribution. Most processes achieve more repeatable results using a single bead size and media material.

Is YTZ grinding media compatible with all EMI media mills?

Yes. YTZ grinding media is compatible with the full range of EMI wet media milling equipment, including laboratory, pilot, and production-scale media mills.

How is YTZ grinding media packaged?

YTZ grinding media is typically supplied in 20 kg plastic containers. Smaller quantities may be available in 1 kg increments depending on bead size and availability.

How do I request pricing or availability for a specific bead size?

Pricing and availability can be requested by contacting EMI directly. Pricing, availability, process recommendations… our team can assist with it all.