The Home of Happy Three Roll Miller
Recently we visited our customer using our Three Roll Mill to make lipstick destined for Wal-Mart. They shared their preferred method to clean rollers using Mineral Spirits, or also known as White Spirits. They said this mild solvent is great for cleaning up oils and greases, so great for lipsticks. Also, this low volatility petroleum distillate is inexpensive, and safe.
At Torrey Hills Technologies, we have excelled in customer service throughout the years by successfully providing our customers with solutions to difficulties they encountered while operating our machinery. We attempt to address any concerns or issues on a case by case basis. However, for the sake of efficiency we took the time this week to make a list of the most common problem and pertinent solutions condensed into the most simplistic form. The following troubleshooting tips are general guidelines for approaching frequently occurring issues:
1. Cooling
The rollers are cored to take cooling water. When planning to use the machine consecutively 30 min or less, there is no need to connect it. If cooling water is needed, use automotive antifreeze coolant and use a small immersion pump to pump water into the rollers. If the water is leaking into the three roll mill, it indicates the leak of the current is too strong.
2. Material is leaking from the side
Normally, there are two causes for leaking at the side:
I. The rollers are not parallel. The more narrow side will have
paste leaking out. Please adjust accordingly.
II. The end plates do not fit on the rollers tightly. The rollers are
machined to +/- 0.002- 0.005mm tolerance concentricity. The
end plate arcs are grounded similarly. However, these do not
have an exact match. When the roller gap changes, the gap
between the roller and end plates will change at the same time.
When you set up, please use one hand to press the end plate
against the roller and then gently tighten the screw to fix the end
plate position. Do not over tighten the end plate screw. After a
few months’ use, the end plates will match the roller very well.
3. Transmission making noise
If the gears make noise during operation, the gears could be misaligned. Since the distance between rollers are adjustable this allows the gears to also move. If the rollers are not rotating parallel to each other, it will cause the gear to misalign and make noise. It should be corrected immediately to prevent any damages to the gears.
4. Resistance when adjusting bearing blocks or freeze bearing block
When the machine is used for an extended period of time, some of the material could leak into the sides of the rollers and spread into the bearing blocks. It will cause resistance when adjusting the rollers and in some cases the rollers can freeze if the problem is not taken care of. Proper cleaning and lubrication will be needed and should be performed according to manufacturers’ suggestions.
5. Poor Grinding:
This can be caused by the following.
I. The vehicle and pigment are not properly and thoroughly
mixed.
II. If the paste is too thin.
III. If paste is leaking off both ends of rolls.
IV. If the rolls are set too far open
6. Motor Overload
This can be caused by the following:
I. Check if the voltage on power line is low by testing it at full
load.
II. Again, make sure the paste is mixed properly.
III. Not having enough lubrication which heats up bearings.
IV. When parts (Apron or guide blocks) are pressed too tightly
against the rolls.
Recently, a Fortune 500’s top 10 company began using our three roll mill to process carbon black inks. If you are interested in viewing the milling of ink materials, here is a video we shot at their facility:
Argentina
Australia
Austria
China
Canada
Colombia
El Salvador
France
Germany
Israel
India
Indonesia
Korea
Mexico
Malaysia
New Zealand
Nigeria
Peru
UK
US
Our Three Roll Mill 2.5” x 5” Lab Model has just received CE certification following an independent evaluation by VOV Certification and Testing Laboratory Limited in London!
This popular three roll mill lab model features adjustable speed control, Teflon end plates, all stainless steel rollers, and cover on top of the rollers for additional safety. It is perfect for lab work and the processing of small batches of materials.
CE certification implicates that our lab model has been able to meet all the CE Mark requirements, which involve rigorous testing to European and International standards for product safety, compatibility, durability and performance.
This is great news for our customers and we will carry on our uncompromising pursuit for quality excellence in our day-to-day operations. It also represents an important step forward for our expansion into the international market!
RPM on exit roll Gallons/hr lbs/hr
2.5″X5″ 174 0.25 – 1.25 1.0 – 5.0
6″X12″ 217 1.8 – 8.8 9.0 – 44.0
9″X20″ 170 3.5 – 17.2 14.0 – 68.8
12″X30″ 170 7.1 – 34 28.4 – 136
16″X32″ 157 9.0 – 45 36.0 – 180
16″X40″ 157 11.0 – 56 44.0 – 224
Due to the high demand from EU customers, the CE Certification for our popular lab model is in progress. We expect to receive CE certification within 3-4 weeks.
Everyday I interacted with many customers. It is truly a privilege to have a chance to know them and serve them. Today I learned something important from a customer, Mr. John Murtaugh from
TWO BIRDS ANTIQUES
Here is a brief description of Two Birds Antiques
Angela Kier and husband John Murtaugh began Two Birds Antiques in 1997. The couple became fascinated with 18th Century English ceramics in 1989 after the purchase of a piece of 1770’s Wedgwood creamware. They created Two Birds Antiques not only as a business but also as a way to connect with other individuals who share a passion for ceramics, their philosophy is simple… Treat each customer as a friend (most end up that way) and stand behind each item with a guarantee. Two birds Antiques exhibit at shows across the USA. We do not have an open shop but are available by appointment to both buy and sell. Angela is a candidate member of the American Society of Appraisers- The international Society of Professional Valuers.
What struck a special cord in me is their business philosophy: Treat each customer as a friend (most end up that way) and stand behind each item with a guarantee. What a beautiful and heartfelt statement. John, thank you for giving us a chance to serve you.
Last week we shipped a machine to a big high tech epoxy resin company. Their R&D was very happy about our machine and allowed us to take a short video. The milling looks good after one pass. Check it out in Youtube.
