Zirconium Silicate
Grinding Media
Zirconium Silicate Grinding Media is used in wet media milling and bead milling applications where consistent performance and economical operation are required. EMI Mills is an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain ceramic grinding media, supplying ER120A and ER120S zirconium silicate ceramic beads optimized for different mill designs and operating conditions. EMI supports these products with nearly 50 years of application and equipment experience.
- Nominal bead sizes available from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm
- Fused zirconium silicate ceramic composition
- Predictable bead size distribution for consistent milling results
- 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 | SiO2 | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| wt% | 66 | 29 | 5 |
Physical Properties
| Properties | Values | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | 3.8 | g/cm³ |
| Bulk Density | 2.3 | kg/L |
| Vickers Hardness | 700 | HV1 |
Common Applications
Zirconium silicate grinding media is used in wet media milling applications where consistent performance and economical operation are required. It is commonly selected for general-purpose milling and dispersion processes as a performance upgrade from glass media, while offering a lower-cost alternative to zirconia-based ceramic media for moderate energy and viscosity conditions.
- Paints & Coatings
- Pigments, Inks & Dyes
- Agrochemicals
- Food & Beverage
- Minerals
- Ceramics
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 zirconium silicate. Other sizes available on demand.
ER120A – Standard Grade (0.3-2.5 mm)
ER120S – Enhanced Grade (0.1-2.0 mm)
Compatible Equipment
Zirconium silicate 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 – Zirconium Silicate
Who manufactures EMI’s zirconium silicate grinding media?
EMI Mills is an authorized distributor of Saint-Gobain ceramic grinding media. Zirconia silicate beads 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 zirconium silicate grinding media used for?
Zirconium silicate grinding media is used in wet media milling and dispersion applications where consistent performance and economical operation are required. It is commonly selected for general-purpose milling of paints, coatings, inks, pigments, and similar formulations.
What is the difference between ER120A and ER120S grinding media?
ER120A is a standard zirconium silicate grinding media designed primarily for vertical mills and large-volume milling applications. ER120S is an enhanced grade developed for use in horizontal media mills, offering improved durability and stability under higher-energy milling conditions. EMI can assist with grade selection based on mill type, formulation, and operating parameters.
How does zirconium silicate compare to zirconia grinding media?
Zirconium silicate offers lower density and wear resistance than zirconia-based ceramic media but provides a more economical option for applications that do not require high milling intensity. It is often chosen when zirconia performance is not necessary or cost is a primary consideration.
How does zirconium silicate compare to glass grinding media?
Zirconium silicate provides higher density, improved durability, and longer service life compared to glass media. It is commonly used as a performance upgrade from glass in applications where glass wear or contamination becomes a concern.
Is zirconium silicate suitable for high-energy milling applications?
Zirconium silicate is best suited for moderate-energy milling applications. For high-energy or high-viscosity processes, zirconia-based grinding media such as yttrium or cerium stabilized zirconia are typically recommended.
What bead sizes are available for zirconium silicate grinding media?
Zirconium silicate grinding media is available in nominal bead sizes ranging from approximately 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, allowing selection based on desired milling performance and final particle size requirements.
Can zirconium silicate grinding media be used in horizontal and vertical mills?
Yes. Zirconium silicate grinding media is suitable for use in both horizontal and vertical wet media mills and is commonly used in continuous production milling operations
Are zirconium silicate beads compatible with all EMI media mills?
Yes. Zirconium silicate beads are compatible with the full range of EMI wet media milling equipment, including laboratory, pilot, and production-scale media mills.
How is zirconium silicate media packaged?
Zirconium silicate beads are 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.
