A novel method for improving milling efficiency and wear resistance of mill hammer with orderly brazed diamond grains

In order to improve the milling efficiency and wear resistance of hammer mills, diamond grains were brazed onto a T-shaped SUS 304 stainless steel hammer with an orderly patterned arrangement. The impact of grain arrangement patterns, size, and density on the milling efficiency and wear resistance of the hammer was investigated through the milling of maize kernels under an actual hammer milling condition. The milled maize powder and wear characteristics of the brazed diamond hammer were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the particle size distribution of milled maize powder was analyzed using a laser particle size analyzer, and the wear of the hammers was measured by an electronic balance. The hammer with brazed diamond grains exhibited a significant increase in milling efficiency and wear resistance, surpassing that of the SUS 304 stainless steel hammer by more than 1.76 and 8 times, respectively. Optimal milling efficiency was attained through the use of brazed diamond grains incorporating an inclined arrangement pattern, small grain size, and low arrangement density. On the other hand, hammers with normal arrangement patterns, large grain size, and high arrangement density of diamond grains demonstrated superior wear resistance. The brazed diamond hammer takes into account both milling efficiency and wear resistance, because the orderly brazed diamond grains result in a substantial increase in the contact area with the material, thereby enhancing impact and friction. By appropriately selecting the arrangement patterns, density, and grain size of diamond grains, hammers with varying levels of milling efficiency and wear resistance can be obtained.