Operating Instructions 

Planetary Micro Mill 

„pulverisette 7“ 
Edition 08/2002 Index 006 checked and released 

Fritsch GmbH 

Manufacturers of Laboratory Instruments 

Industriestrasse 8 

D - 55743 Idar-Oberstein 

Phone: +49 (0)6784/ 70-0 

Fax: +49 (0)6784/ 70-11 

E-Mail: info@fritsch.de 

Internet: http://www.fritsch.de 

Instrument number 07.4000.00 

Applies as of serial number 487 

 

Fritsch GmbH, Laborgerätebau has been certificated by the TÜVZertifizierungsgemeinschaft e.V. on November 21, 2003. 

An audit certificated the accordance of the Fritsch GmbH to the 

DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. 

The enclosed declaration of conformity calls the directives which 

the „pulverisette 7“ corresponds to. This permitts us to mark the 

instrument with the CE-Sign. 
pulverisette 7 

Table of Contens

 Page 

1 General Information / Introduction...................................................................................1

1.1 Notes about Operating Instructions.............................................................................................1

1.2 Explanations of the signs at the instrument and in the operating 

instructions ..........................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Short Description of the Machine ................................................................................................3

1.3.1 Applications ..................................................................................................................................3

1.3.2 Method of Operation.....................................................................................................................3

1.3.3 Drive Motor and Speed Control ....................................................................................................3

1.4 Technical Data.............................................................................................................................4

2 Operating Safety................................................................................................................5

2.1 General Safety Instructions .........................................................................................................5

2.2 Operators.....................................................................................................................................6

2.3 Protective Devices.......................................................................................................................6

2.4 Danger Points..............................................................................................................................7

2.5 Electrical Safety...........................................................................................................................7

3 Installation..........................................................................................................................8

3.1 Unpacking....................................................................................................................................8

3.2 Transport .....................................................................................................................................8

3.3 Erection........................................................................................................................................8

3.4 Ambience conditions ...................................................................................................................9

3.5 Electrical Connection...................................................................................................................9

3.6 Adaptation to Mains Supply Voltage / Changing the Timer / Setup-Mode..................................9

3.7 Switching On for the First Time / Test for Correct Functioning .................................................10

4 Working with the Planetary Micromill............................................................................11

4.1 Choice of Grinding Bowls and Grinding Balls............................................................................11

4.1.1 Size of the Grinding Balls ...........................................................................................................11

4.1.2 Number of Balls per Grinding Bowl.............................................................................................12

4.1.3 Calculated Ball Weight ...............................................................................................................12

4.2 Filling the Grinding Bowl............................................................................................................13

4.3 Influencing Quantities During Grinding......................................................................................13

4.3.1 Dry Grinding ...............................................................................................................................14

4.3.2 Wet Grinding (Grinding in Suspension) ......................................................................................14

4.4 Clamping the Grinding Bowls ....................................................................................................14

4.5 Mass Balance ............................................................................................................................15

4.6 Grinding Time ............................................................................................................................15

4.7 Control Panel.............................................................................................................................15

4.7.1 Setting the Speed.......................................................................................................................15

4.7.2 Setting the Running Time...........................................................................................................15

4.7.3 Reversing Operation...................................................................................................................16

4.7.4 Repetition of the Grinding / Break Cycles...................................................................................16

4.8 Performing a Grinding Operation ..............................................................................................16

4.9 Cooling the Grinding Bowls .......................................................................................................17

4.10 Standby......................................................................................................................................17

5 Cleaning............................................................................................................................17

5.1 Grinding accessories.................................................................................................................17

5.2 Mill..............................................................................................................................................17

6 Maintenance.....................................................................................................................18

7 Warranty ...........................................................................................................................18
8 Troubleshooting Checklist .............................................................................................19

9 List of Keywords..............................................................................................................20
pulverisette 7 page 1

1 General Information / Introduction 

1.1 Notes about Operating Instructions 

• The copyright to these technical documents is the property of 

Fritsch GmbH, Manufacturers of Laboratory Instruments. 

• These operating instructions are not to be reprinted or copied 

without the express approval of Fritsch GmbH. 

• Please study these instructions carefully before operation. 

• All operators must be familiar with the contents of the operating instructions. 

• Please observe all notes concerning your safety. 

• The sieve shaker was designed with the user's safety in mind, 

however inherent risks cannot be excluded. Follow the advices in these instructions to avoid risks to users. The symbols 

in the right hand margin highlight the risks described in the 

text. 

• Symbols are also to be found on the instrument warning users 

of possible risks. 

Warning symbols are surrounded by a triangle. 

• These operating instructions do not constitute a complete 

technical description. They describe only the details required 

for safe operation and maintenance for usage under normal 

conditions. 
pulverisette 7 page 2

1.2 Explanations of the signs at the instrument and 

in the operating instructions 

Attention! 

warning against danger spot 

observe operating instructions 

Attention! mains voltage 

Attention! risk of explosion 

Attention! hot surface 

Attention! inflammable substances 

wear protective gloves! 

wear ear protectors! 

wear safety goggles! 

Do not step below lifted load! 
pulverisette 7 page 3

1.3 Short Description of the Machine 

1.3.1 Applications 

The "pulverisette 7" planetary micromill is universally applicable 

for quick dry or wet grinding of inorganic and organic samples for 

analysis, quality control, materials testing and mechanical alloying. 

In synthesis, the planetary micromill can be used for mixing and 

homogenisation of dry samples, of emulsions and of pastes. 

1.3.2 Method of Operation 

The material is crushed and disintegrated in a grinding bowl by 

grinding balls. The grinding balls and the material in the grinding 

bowl are acted upon by the centrifugal forces due to the rotation 

of the grinding bowl about its own axis and due to the rotating 

supporting disc. 

The grinding bowl and the supporting disc rotate in opposite directions, so that the centrifugal forces alternately act in the same 

and opposite directions. 

This results in, as a frictional effect, the grinding balls running 

along the inner wall of the grinding bowl, and impact effect, the 

balls impacting against the opposite wall of the grinding bowl. 

1.3.3 Drive Motor and Speed Control 

The machine is driven by a maintenance-free three-phase a.c. 

motor, which is operated with a frequency converter. 
pulverisette 7 page 4

1.4 Technical Data 

 Dimensions 

 500 x 370 x 530 mm 

( height x width x depth) 

 Weight 

Net: 35 kg 

Gross: 55 kg 

 Operating Noise 

The noise level can be as high as approx. 90dB (A). The value 

fluctuates greatly depending on the speed, the material being 

ground and on the type of grinding bowl and grinding balls. 

 Voltage 

The machine can be operated in two voltage ranges: 

• Single-phase alternating voltage 100-120V ± 10% and 

• Single-phase alternating voltage 200-240V ± 10%. 

(see also section 3.6 Adaptation to Mains Supply Voltage / 

Changing the Timer / Setup-Mode) 

 Current Input 

The maximum current input is approx. 8,8 A (115V), 

3,7 A (230V). 

 Power consumption 

The maximum power consumption is approx. 600 W. 

 Electrical Fuses 

• Fuse unit at the rear of the machine: 2 x 8 A T 

• Miniature fuse 2 x 0.063 A T 

on printed circuit board (remove housing) 

• Miniature fuse 10 A T 

in the frequency converter (remove housing) 

 Material 

• Maximum feed size approx. 5 mm 

• Maximum feed quantity 2 x 20 ml 

 Final fineness 

• Dry grinding 

down to d50 < 20 μm (depending on material) 

• Wet grinding 

down to d50 < 1 μm (depending on material) 
pulverisette 7 page 5

2 Operating Safety 

2.1 General Safety Instructions 

• Read the operating instructions carefully before use. 

• The instrument can only to be used for the purpose described 

in section 1.3.1 Applications. 

• Use only original accessories and original spare parts. Failure 

to do so may call into question the performance of the instrument. 

• The operators must be familiar with the contents of the operating instructions. 

To this end, for example, the operating instructions must with 

the instrument. 

• Do not remove labels. 

• Protective devices must not be made unserviceable or removed. 

• Unauthorized modification of the instrument or any part 

thereof will result in the loss of the conformity to European directives which is asserted by Fritsch and the warranty. 

• Wear protective gloves! 

Grinding bowls may be very hot after grinding. 

• Wear safety glasses 

Wet grinding may cause high pressure in the grinding bowlDanger of squirting! 

• Wear ear protectors if the noise level is higher than 85dB(A). 

• Don’t run the instrument several hours without cooling phases 

- Danger of overheating. 

• Behaviour at all times must be such as to strictly preclude any 

accidents. 

• Furthermore, the MAC values at place of work specified in the 

pertinent safety regulations must be adhered to. Where applicable, ventilation must be provided or the instrument must be 

operated under an exhaust hood. 

• Use the instrument only inside. The air must not contain any 

electrical conductive dust. 

• When oxidizable materials such as metals, organic materials, 

wood, coal, plastic, etc. are ground or sieved, the risk of spontaneous ignition (dust explosion) exists whenever the fine particles exceed a specific percentage. While such materials are 

being ground, it is therefore necessary to take special safety 

precautions (e.g. wet grinding) and the work must be supervised by a specialist. 

• The instrument is not explosion-proof and is unsuitable to 

grind or sieve materials which are explosive, combustible or 

promote combustion. 

• Do not allow the planetary micromill to run unsupervised. Due 

to the vibrations, under certain operating conditions, the machine may creep along the surface on which it is located or 

mounted. 
pulverisette 7 page 6

2.2 Operators 

• No one other than authorized persons should operate the instrument and it must be serviced and repaired by trained specialists. 

• No one suffering from medical problems or under the influence 

of medications, drugs, alcohol or overtiredness should be permitted to operate the instrument. 

2.3 Protective Devices 

Protective devices should be used for the intended purpose 

and must not be made unserviceable or removed.

All protective devices should be regularly checked for completeness and to ensure that they are functioning correctly. 

See section 6 on Maintenance.

The hood must be closed when the machine is started up. 

The hood is locked: 

• when the machine is disconnected from the mains supply 

• during operation 

The hood can be opened only when the drive of the mill has 

come to a standstill. 

 

Opening the 

hood when the machine is disconnected from the mains 

supply 

1. Remove the plug from the safety lock. It can be accessed via 

the bore in the base of the machine. 

2. Insert the attached triangular wrench through the bore, and 

turn clockwise. 

3. The closure hatch can now be opened after the spring-loaded 

lock at the front of the hood is opened. 

4. The planetary micromill can now not be switched on. If it is to 

be switched on, the safety lock must be activated by turning 

the triangular wrench anticlockwise, and the hood must be 

closed. 
pulverisette 7 page 7

2.4 Danger Points 

• Danger of crushing when the hood is being closed. 

• Danger of crushing at the grinding bowl holder. 

• Balance the mill: 

Symmetrical charging by using two bowls of the same weight. 

2.5 Electrical Safety 

 General 

• The main switch disconnects the machine from the mains 

supply at two poles. 

• Switch off the main switch if the planetary micromill is to be inoperative for an extended period (e.g. over night). 

 Protection against Restarting 

In the event of a mains failure during operation or after switchingoff with the main switch, the hood will remain locked. When the 

mains voltage is restored, the lock of the hood will open. For 

safety reasons, however, the planetary micromill will not start 

again. 

 Overload Protection (see Troubleshooting Checklist) 

In the event of overloading, the speed of the machine will be reduced. This is indicated by the OVERLOAD light beeing illuminated. 

If the drive motor overheats, the machine will switch off.

If the drive is obstructed, the machine will switch off.

 Unbalance Detection (see Troubleshooting Checklist) 

In the event of an excessive unbalance, the machine will switch 

off. 
pulverisette 7 page 8

3 Installation 

3.1 Unpacking 

• Open the bandages with which the hood is fastened on the 

transport pallet. The hood is a wooden box placed over the 

transport pallet. 

• Lift the hood off the transport pallet. 

• The cellular parts can be removed now or during the installation. To ease this removal you can break the performated 

segments. 

• Check that the items supplied correspond to your order. 

Grinding bowls of hardened steel may exhibit surface indentations caused by the manufacturing process. These do not influence the grinding or the grinding result and generally disappear after the first grinding. 

When present, these surface indentations lie within the permissible manufacturing tolerance ranges. Accordingly, complaints regarding such grinding bowls cannot be accepted. 

• Please store the transport packing carefully to use it again in 

case of an eventual return of the instrument. Fritsch GmbH 

does not bear the risk of damages depending on improper 

packings (non-Fritsch packings). 

3.2 Transport 

• Transport the planetary micromill on the transport pallet with a fork lift truck or a hand fork lift truck. 

• To carry the machine, grip it below the edge of the 

housing. 

Carrying the machine will require at least two persons. 

3.3 Erection 

• Lift the planetary micromill off the transport pallet. 

Lifting the machine down will require at least two persons. 

• If the cellular parts have not yet been removed, this can be 

done now. See section 3.1 Unpacking. 

• Place the planetary micromill on a level, stable surface, indoors. It is not necessary to fasten the planetary micromill on 

the erection site. 

The planetary micromill can also be mounted on a sturdy table. 

It is inadvisable to operate the planetary micromill while it is 

standing on the transport pallet.

• Ensure that there is good access to the planetary micromill. 

There must be enough space to reach the main switch. 

• Do not block the exit of air from the ventilator louver at the side. There is a danger of overheating if the louver is blocked. 
pulverisette 7 page 9

3.4 Ambience conditions 

• Use the instrument only inside. 

• The ambient temperature must be between 5 and 40°C. 

• Height up to 2000m M.S.L. 

• Maximum relative humidity of air 80% temperature up to 31°C, 

linear decreasing down to 50% relative humidity of air at 40°C 

• Contamination level 2 (IEC 664) 

3.5 Electrical Connection 

Before making the connection, compare the voltage and current 

values shown on the nameplate with the values of the mains 

supply to which the planetary micromill is to be connected. 

Single-phase alternating voltage with protective conductor (see 

section 1.4 Technical Data). 

The connecting cable may be changed only by a trained expert.

3.6 Adaptation to Mains Supply Voltage / Changing 

the Timer / Setup-Mode 

The voltage range of the machine should be switched over only 

by specialist staff: 

1. Disconnect the machine from the mains supply. 

2. At the rear of the machine, set the changeover switch to the 

voltage range. 

3. Connect the machine to the mains supply. 

4. Press and hold down the STOP button on the control panel at 

the front. 

5. Switch on the main switch at the rear of the machine and release the STOP button immediately afterwards. 

6. The POWER SUPPLY light must flash. If it does not, repeat 

the procedure. 

7. With the + / - ROTATIONAL SPEED buttons, select the mains 

supply voltage level (90 - 260 V). 

8. The timer function can now also be altered: 

With the right-hand + button in the TIMER panel, select the 

time range: 

Hours and minutes (display: -) or 

Minutes and seconds (display: 1) 

9. To store the settings and end the setup mode, press the 

STOP button. 

Pressing the + / - REPETITIONS buttons alters the machine 

type. 

Do not change anything here: P7 should be indicated in the 

display. Otherwise, damage will occur during operation! 
pulverisette 7 page 10

3.7 Switching On for the First Time / Test for Correct Functioning 

Switch on the machine only when all the work described in section 3 on Installation has been done. 

 Switching On 

1. Connect the machine to the mains supply. 

2. Switch on the machine with the main switch at the rear. 

3. The green POWER SUPPLY display will come on. 

4. Open the hood. 

5. Both bowl holders: clamp the wood or empty bowl with the 

spindle. 

6. Close the hood. 

7. Set the speed to 100 on the control panel. 

8. Press START on the control panel. 

9. The hood will be locked and the mill will run at the preselected 

speed. 

 Switching Off 

• Press STOP on the control panel. 

• After a short period (after the mill has come to a standstill), the 

hood is unlocked and can be opened. 
pulverisette 7 page 11

4 Working with the Planetary Micromill 

4.1 Choice of Grinding Bowls and Grinding Balls 

Caution!!! 

No warranty or claims shall be accepted in case of damages 

caused on account of using grinding bowls and grinding balls that 

are not original accessories of the appliance. 

In order to prevent excessive abrasion, the hardness of the grinding bowl used and of the grinding balls must be higher than that 

of the material used. 

Material 

(bowl and balls)

density*

in g/cm3

restistance to 

abrasion 

Agate (99.9% SiO2) 2.65 Good 

Sintered corundum 1 (99.7% Al2O3) 3.8 Fairly good 

Zirconium dioxide (95% ZrO2) 5.7 Very good 

Stainless steel bowl: 

(17-19% Cr + 8-10% Ni) 

ball: 

(12,5-14,5% Cr + 1% Ni)

7.8 Fairly good 

Tempered steel bowl: (11-12% Cr) 

ball: (1,0-1,65% Cr)

7.9 Good 

Tungsten carbide (93%WC+6% Co) 14.7 Very good 

Silicon nitride (Syalon) (90% Si3N4) 3.1 Extremely good 

The grinding bowls and grinding balls of zirconium dioxide are 

resistant to acids with the exception of hydrofluoric acid. 

Normally, grinding bowls and grinding balls of the same material 

should be chosen. 

Exeption: 

Tungsten carbide balls may be combined with steel bowls. 

The size of the grinding bowls and grinding balls should be determined experimentally. 

4.1.1 Size of the Grinding Balls 

 Type of feed material Ball diameter 

Hard samples feed with a piece size between 2mm and 5mm 15 mm 

Fine material (0.5 mm) 10 mm / 5 mm 

Homogenisation of dry or liquid samples 10 mm / 

These are just clues: the size of the grinding bowls and 

grinding balls should be determined experimentally if necessary. 

Attentione: 

Mixing balls with different diameters is not recommended. 

(If different ball diameters are used there is the danger of 

higher abrasion of the balls!)

 

*

High density means high impact energy 
pulverisette 7 page 12

4.1.2 Number of Balls per Grinding Bowl 

A larger number of balls reduces the grinding time, and the grinding result will lie within a narrower grain band width. 

Ball Ø 

(mm) 

Grinding 

bowl volume 

(ml) 

12 45 

 5 Number of balls 

(piece) 50 180 - 200 

10 Number of balls 

(piece) 6 - 8 18 - 20 

15 Number of balls 

(piece) 7 

The number of balls should be observed to prevent attrition. 

4.1.3 Calculated Ball Weight 

5 10 15

Material density 

in g/cm3

Agate 2.65 0.17 1.39 4.68

Sintered corundum 3.8 0.25 1.99 6.72

Zirconium oxide 5.7 0.37 2.98 10.07

Stainless steel 7.8 0.51 4.08 13.78

Tempered steel 7.9 0.52 4.14 13.96

Hardmetal tungsten carbide 14.7 0.96 7.70 25.98

Silicon nitride (Syalon) 3.1 0.20 1.62 5.48

Ball diameter in mm

Calculated ball weight 

in g

To calculate the weight of the required balls, the “calculated ball 

weight” is multiplied by the “number” of balls needed. 

Example: A 45 ml agate bowl must be filled with 185 agate balls 

of 5 mm diameter. 

Calculation: 0.17 g * 185 balls = 31.45 g 

31.45 g of grinding balls can be weighed out and placed in the 

grinding bowl; this saves the time required for counting out the 

balls. 
pulverisette 7 page 13

4.2 Filling the Grinding Bowl 

Grinding bowl Min. filling† max. filling 

45ml 3ml 20ml 

12ml 0,5ml 5ml 

Using less sample material than recommended will cause 

higher abrasion! 

It is imperative that the following sequence be observed: 

1. Place the grinding balls in the empty bowl. 

2. Fill the material to be ground on the balls. 

Never use the mill without sample material! 

Danger of badly damage of the grinding balls and bowl! 

4.3 Influencing Quantities During Grinding 

 Running time (grinding time) 

A longer grinding time will increase the fine fraction. 

 Speed 

A higher speed will reduce the grinding time and increase the fine 

fraction. 

 Reversing operation (regular reversal of the direction of rotation) 

May improve the grinding; useful for mechanical alloying. 

 Number and size of the balls 

Pregrinding coarse, hard material with large balls: 

small fine fraction. 

Use of many small balls will increase the fine fraction if the running time is increased. 

 Mass of the balls (type of material) 

A higher mass (density) of the grinding balls will accelerate the 

grinding. 

(See the table in section 4.1 on Choice of Grinding Bowls and 

Grinding Balls.) 

 

†

 filling = sample material 
pulverisette 7 page 14

4.3.1 Dry Grinding 

Below a particle size of approx. 20 μm, surface forces predominate and the material will start to "stick". 

Further dry grinding can be achieved if surface-active substances 

are added to the material. 

Examples (maximum quantity to be added in % by mass) 

• Stearic acid 2-3% 

• Aerosil (microdispersed silicic acid) 0.5-2% 

• Silica sand ~ 2% 

• Glass powder ~ 2% 

4.3.2 Wet Grinding (Grinding in Suspension) 

When grinding in suspension, you can add auxiliary substances 

in liquid form with a high boiling point and low vapour pressure. 

Flammable liquids such as ketones and petroleum spirits 

with a boiling point <120°C should not be used. 

4.4 Clamping the Grinding Bowls 

The following tests should be performed before the grinding 

bowls are clamped in the machine: 

• Check the cork disc for damage. 

Replace cork discs that are black and flattened. 

• The flat Teflon seal (for sealing between the lid and the bowl) 

must not be damaged or dirty. 

Replace severely deformed flat Teflon seals. 

• Check the rubber disc for damage. 

Replace rubber discs that are flattened and project laterally 

beyond the pressure piece. 

• The plane surfaces of the counter plate and of the clamp clip 

must not be dirty. 

• The surfaces of the lid and of the bowl on which the flat Teflon seal rests must be clean. 

 Clamping 

• Place the sealing ring and the lid on the bowl. 

• Insert the grinding bowl in the pot mounting on the cork disc. 

Do not tilt it. 

• Screw the spindle down fully until the rubber disc of the pressure piece rests flat on the lid. 

• Tighten the spindle by hand. 

• Screw the counter plate down fully until it rests flat on the 

clamp clip. 

• Tighten the counter plate by hand. 

After a few minutes of grinding, and in the cooling phases, 

check that the spindle and the counter plate are secure. 
pulverisette 7 page 15

4.5 Mass Balance 

To balance the mill, always clamp a corresponding heavy grinding bowl with lid and sealing into the opposed bowl holder. This 

second grinding bowl may be empty (without balls and sample). 

Under certain operating conditions, the machine may creep 

along the surface on which it is located or mounted. This 

may be due to a difference in weight of the grinding bowls. 

4.6 Grinding Time 

In accordance with the application, the grinding time should be 

adapted to the heating of the bowl. In the case of grinding at high 

speeds and with large bowls, the grinding time should not exceed 

1 hour. Then allow to cool for 0.5 to 1 hour. 

Pay attention to the heating of the material; in the case of extended running times, if necessary set a break time for cooling. 

To reduce the grinding time, choose grinding balls of a higher 

density. 

In the case of operation for mixing and homogenisation at low 

speeds, the mill may run for several hours without harm being 

done. The machine cannot be operated with an external timer. 

4.7 Control Panel 

• Switch on the main switch at the rear of the machine.

• he green POWER SUPPLY standby display on the control 

panel will light up. 

4.7.1 Setting the Speed 

Î ROTATIONAL SPEED control panel area 

Press or press and hold down the "+" or "-" button. 

The speed can be selected in steps of 10 rpm between 100 and 

800 rpm. 

During operation, the actual speed is indicated; pressing the "+" 

or "-" button will cause the specified speed to be shown temporarily. 

4.7.2 Setting the Running Time 

Î TIMER control panel area 

• Press the MILLING button. 

The button will light up. 

Press the "+" or "-" button and select the running time in 

hours (0..99) and minutes (0..60). 

• Set a break time if this is required for cooling. 

Press the "Pause" button. 

The button will light up. 

Press the "-" or "+" button and select the break time in 

hours (0..99) and minutes (0..60). 

If no break time is required, set the break time to 0. 
pulverisette 7 page 16

Notes:

• If the combination minutes/seconds instead of hours/minutes 

was set in the set-up mode (section 3.6), the h numbers indicate the minutes and the min numbers the seconds. 

• During operation, the remaining running times and the remaining break times are indicated. 

• The machine cannot be operated with an external timer. 

• For information on running times, see section 4.6 on Grinding 

Time. 

• To interrupt the grinding, press the STOP button; continue 

grinding by pressing the START button, n.b. account is taken 

of the grinding time already elapsed and of the number of 

repetitions. 

4.7.3 Reversing Operation 

Î Press the REVERSE button. 

The direction of rotation of the planetary monomill will now be 

changed after the chosen running time has elapsed. For this 

function REPETITIONS is set to minimal 1. 

4.7.4 Repetition of the Grinding / Break Cycles 

Î Repetitions control panel area 

Press the "+" or "-" button and choose the number of repetitions 

(0..99). During operation, the number of the remaining cycles is 

indicated. 

4.8 Performing a Grinding Operation 

• After everything has been set up as described in section 4 on 

Working with the Planetary Micromill, close the hood. 

• The green LID LOCK ACTIVATED light on the control panel 

will come on. 

• Press the START button on the control panel. 

• The hood will be locked and the planetary monomill will run. 

• The planetary monomill will rotate at the speed set (set speed) 

– if the load is too great, e.g. if the grinding bowl is too large, 

the machine will be run at a lower speed (actual speed) so as 

to prevent overloading. 

If the planetary monomill does not start, see the Troubleshooting 

Checklist in section 8. 

 Overloading 

In the event of overloading of the planetary monomill, the speed 

will be reduced and the OVERLOAD light will shine. 

If it is overloaded for a prolonged period, the mill will switch off; 

see theTroubleshooting Checklist in section 8. 

 Miscellaneous 

During operation, the hood will remain locked even during the 

breaks, and the fan will run. 

 
pulverisette 7 page 17

Switching Off 

• Press STOP on the control panel. 

• When the drive has come to a standstill, the hood is unlocked 

and can be opened. 

• Switch off the main switch at the rear of the machine if the 

machine is to be inoperative for an extended period. 

4.9 Cooling the Grinding Bowls 

• with the hood open or 

• at the programmed break times with the hood closed (locked) 

and the ventilator running. 

4.10 Standby 

After one hour, if the mill is not being operated and the hood is 

open, the mill will switch to the energy-saving standby mode. The 

STAND BY light will come on. 

The standby function will not be activated when the hood is closed. 

5 Cleaning 

5.1 Grinding accessories 

• Clean the grinding bowl and grinding balls after each use: 

e.g. brush them clean under running water with usual cleaning 

agents. 

• Fill the grinding bowl with grinding balls and some sand and 

water half-full and run the planetary motormill for 2 to 3 minutes (with the grinding bowl correctly clamped in position). 

• Cleaning in the ultrasonic bath is permissible. 

• When sterilising the grinding bowl and grinding balls in the 

drying chamber, heat only to 250°C. 

Attention!! 

Do not heat agate grinding parts above 110°C. Cool them slowly 

and carefully. 

Agate parts must never be heated in the microwave (they heat up 

too rapidly). 

They must never be subjected to temperature shocks, such 

shocks may destroy the parts Æ They burst apart explosively. 

5.2 Mill 

• When switched off, the planetary monomill can be wiped down 

with a damp cloth. 

Do not allow any liquids to seep into the machine. 
pulverisette 7 page 18

6 Maintenance 

Before commencing maintenance work, disconnect the 

mains plug and secure the machine against being switched 

on again unintentionally. 

When maintenance work is being performed, this should be 

indicated with a warning sign. 

Regular cleaning is the most important part of maintenance of the 

planetary monomill. 

Functional part Task Test Maintenance interval 

Safety lock Locking the hood Is the closed hood held shut when the 

main switch is off? 

If this test fails, you must not continue 

to work before the error is corrected 

Before each use 

LID LOCK 

ACTIVATED light in 

the control panel 

Indicates that the 

hood is closed 

With the hood closed, the green LID 

LOCK ACTIVATED light must be illuminated. 

1 x monthly 

Rotating bearings Permanent lubrication Bearing play Every 2,000 hours 

or annually 

Drive motor Permanent lubrication Bearing play Every 4,000 hours 

or annually 

V-belt Motor – planet disc Check the tension 

Remove the housing; the belt should 

not yield by more than approx. 10 mm 

under thumb pressure. 

1 x annually 

Fan Cooling the grinding 

chamber and electronics 

Operation; 

clean when dirty 

2 x annually 

Spindle of the grinding bowl holder 

Clamping the grinding bowl Freedom of motion; oil lightly, if necessary Every 1,000 hours

Grinding bowl holder Cork disc, rubber of 

the pressure piece, 

and grinding bowl 

lid seal 

Signs of use; 

when it has been pressed flat and is 

thus non-elastic, replace it 

Every 1,000 hours

7 Warranty 

The warranty card accompanying this instrument must be returned to the manufacturer, duly filled out, in order for the warranty to become effective. 

The option of online registration is available. For further information, please refer to your warranty card or visit our Homepage 

http://www.fritsch.de

We, Fritsch GmbH, Germany, our application technology laboratory and our agent in your country will gladly provide advice and 

assistance with this instrument. 

Always include the serial number found on the nameplate with 

any queries. 

Please note that in case of a return of the instrument the original 

packing has to be used. Compensation for damages depending 

on improper packings (non-Fritsch packings) is excluded. 
pulverisette 7 page 19

8 Troubleshooting Checklist 

Malfunction Possible cause Elimination of error 

POWER 

SUPPLY 

Not connected to 

mains 

Plug in mains plug 

standby Main switch Switch on the main 

switch 

display not 

illuminated 

Circuit breaker of the 

building in which the 

machine is set up 

Check the circuit breaker 

Check as above 

when POWER 

SUPPLY does not 

shine 

See above 

when LID LOCK 

ACTIVATED does 

not shine 

Close the hood securely 

Break time active Wait for the break to end 

or press STOP 

START button pressed 

but mill does 

not 

start 

Fuse blown Replace fuse on printed 

circuit board 0.063 A T 

or in the voltage converter 10 A T. 

Mill speed 

reduced 

when OVERLOAD 

shines: overloading 

Press "Stop" 

Reduce the load or accept the reduced speed 

Switched off because 

of thermal overloading of the drive 

Let the machine cool 

down and choose a lower 

speed 

Unbalance of the 

machine too large 

Set the mass balance in 

a better manner 

Drive was obstructed Eliminate the obstruction 

in the grinding chamber 

Motor V-belt loose or 

snapped 

Check the V-belt and 

replace it if necessary 

Mill stops 

Speed sensor defective 

Call customer service 

Hood cannot 

be opened 

When the hood was 

being opened, the 

button at the front of 

the hood was not activated 

 Miniature fuse on the 

printed circuit board 

blown 

Check the miniature fuse. 

For this, the housing 

must be removed. 

Material Holder loose Tighten the holder 

escapes Sealing ring defective 

Replace the sealing ring 

Uneven running with 

severe vibration 

Mass balance not 

adequate 

Set the mass balance in 

a better manner 
pulverisette 7 page 20

9 List of Keywords 

actual speed ...................................... 16, 18 

Applications ............................................... 4 

Control Panel........................................... 16 

Cooling the Grinding Bowls ..................... 19 

Danger Points............................................ 8 

external timer........................................... 16 

Grinding............................................. 14, 18 

Grinding time........................................... 16 

hood .................................................... 7, 18 

hood locked ............................................. 18 

Influencing Quantities During Grinding.... 14 

Mass Balance.......................................... 16 

Method of Operation.................................. 4 

Opening the hood...................................... 7 

Overheat Protection .................................. 8 

Overload Protection................................... 8 

overloading.............................................. 21 

Overloading............................................. 18 

Protection against Restarting .................... 8 

Protective Devices .....................................7 

Repetitions...............................................18 

Reversing Operation................................18 

Rotational Speed .....................................16 

Running Time ..........................................16 

Setup-Mode .............................................18 

specified speed..................................16, 18 

Speed ......................................................16 

Standby....................................................19 

Suspension ..............................................15 

Switching On............................................11 

Technical Data...........................................5 

Test for Correct Functioning ....................11 

time range................................................10 

Unbalance................................................21 

Unbalance Detection .................................8 

voltage range...........................................10 

Wet Grinding............................................15