5 Ways to Determine If Your Jet Milling Partnership is Efficient

Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, and many other products perform best when formulated with fine and ultrafine particles. As such, manufacturers turn to toll processors for jet milling particle micronization or nanonization.

While many toll processors have the capabilities, not all of them focus on optimizing jet milling efficiency — which could end up costing you time and money.

Toll processors with state-of-the-art equipment and technical expertise are certainly candidates to earn your jet milling business. However, engaging in a true partnership that focuses on optimizing processes and adding value is another matter.

A toll processing partner that is interested in providing jet milling efficiency will proactively:

1. Adjust the jet milling process, if needed

At times, replicating a specified particle size range using a familiar raw feed is the most logical way to execute a project. But, a toll processing partner isn’t willing to base their jet milling approach on an assumption if their expertise and practical experience point to another solution. For instance, if a two-step process that introduces mechanical milling prior to jet milling is a proven method for achieving the desired particle specification faster and at a lower cost, they lean into the efficiency and help you realize time and cost savings.

2. Tap into the deep knowledge base of in-house material scientists and engineers

Trialing a raw feed prior to jet milling is prudent and an accepted best practice. It can also be time-consuming and interfere with processing schedules. In-house material scientists and engineers are a valuable resource for streamlining pilot runs since they can often provide much of the required raw feed trial data without physical testing.

3. Conduct on-site sample testing and particle size analysis

When a toll processor invests in the equipment and experts needed to conduct sample testing and particle size analysis on-site, it sends a clear message of their willingness to also invest in your success. On-site testing means no undue sample shipping time or delays in lab queues. Quick testing means quick testing turnaround — and a faster launch into jet milling.

4. Maximize jet milling process repeatability

Jet milling — and all toll processing services — is most efficient when the approach is data-driven. Toll processors that capture and apply production information arrive at process repeatability faster, meaning cost-efficient use of jet milling time, labor, energy, and other resources.

5. Eliminate time-consuming logistical steps

A toll processor that thinks beyond the end of the jet milling process to other time-saving capabilities is focused on efficiency. Helping you identify and manage logistical services is a perfect example. A toll processing partner that can streamline direct shipment to the next third-party service provider or repack jet milled materials in ways that simplify subsequent processing steps saves you time. And time is money.

Of course, jet milling efficiency is only one way to measure the value of your toll processing partnership. Perhaps mechanical grinding, media milling, or other technologies are appropriate for achieving your desired particle characteristics. Whatever the need, learn how a well-rounded toll processing partner can benefit your project in our Milling Methods Comparison Guide.