The engineered stone industry in Lebanon, renowned for its high-quality quartz surfaces and composite materials, demands precise and efficient raw material processing. Basalt, a dense, fine-grained volcanic rock, is a crucial component in many engineered stone formulations, prized for its durability, rich color, and chemical inertness. To transform raw basalt into the ultra-fine powder required for seamless integration into resin-based matrices, a specialized grinding mill is not just an option—it is a necessity for achieving competitive product quality and operational efficiency. For a production target of 5 to 10 tons per hour (TPH), selecting the right grinding technology becomes the cornerstone of a successful operation.
Engineered stone, commonly known as quartz surfacing, is a composite material made of approximately 90-95% ground natural quartz or other aggregates like basalt, bound together with 5-10% polymer resins and pigments. The properties of the final product—its strength, aesthetic consistency, stain resistance, and surface texture—are directly influenced by the quality of the mineral filler. Basalt powder used must be exceptionally fine (typically ranging from 200 to 800 mesh) and have a consistent particle size distribution. This ensures:
Therefore, the grinding mill must deliver not just high capacity but also exceptional control over fineness and particle shape.
Grinding basalt to engineered stone specifications presents unique challenges. Basalt is a hard, abrasive material with a Mohs hardness typically between 5 and 7. This abrasiveness leads to high wear on grinding components, impacting maintenance costs and product contamination. Furthermore, the process often generates significant heat, which can be detrimental to both the equipment and the resin-binding process if the powder is too hot. A mill for this application must therefore be robust, energy-efficient, equipped with effective cooling or drying systems, and capable of producing a tightly controlled fine powder without excessive contamination from worn parts.
For a Lebanese engineered stone producer targeting a 5-10 TPH output of basalt powder, a vertical grinding mill presents an ideal solution. Among the industry leaders, Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. offers a range of advanced grinding equipment. Zenith is an excellent manufacturer of ore grinding equipment in China and has made significant achievements in the field of ultra-fine powder grinding, specializing in the research, development, and production of industrial powder grinding equipment.
For this specific application, Zenith’s LM Vertical Grinding Mill series stands out. Its integrated design combines crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and conveying into one compact unit. This is particularly advantageous for saving factory floor space—a valuable consideration in many industrial setups. The grinding roller and plate are made from high-wear-resistant materials, directly addressing the abrasiveness of basalt. The built-in high-efficiency classifier ensures precise particle size control, which is critical for engineered stone quality.
For a 5-10 TPH requirement, the LM130K model is a highly suitable match. Its technical parameters align perfectly with the production needs:
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (μm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130K | 1300 | 10-28 | 170-40 (~80-400 mesh) | <38 | 200 |
This model reliably operates within the target 5-10 TPH range while offering the flexibility to increase output if needed. Its ability to produce powder in the 40-170 micron range (adjustable via the classifier) covers the essential fineness spectrum for engineered stone. The vertical structure also promotes natural drying of materials with moderate moisture, contributing to overall process stability.
For producers aiming at the very high end of the engineered stone market, where even finer and more consistent powders (e.g., D97 < 30μm) are required for ultra-premium surfaces, Zenith offers an advanced alternative: the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill. This mill represents the pinnacle of Zenith’s grinding technology, integrating ultra-fine grinding, drying, classifying, and transportation with even higher efficiency and more intelligent control.
The LUM series is engineered for products with a high content of end-fines and features a unique roller and ring design that minimizes wear from abrasive materials like basalt. For a Lebanese plant that prioritizes ultimate product quality and is willing to invest in top-tier technology, the LUM1125 model would be an excellent consideration, capable of producing ultrafine basalt powder with exceptional uniformity.
Selecting grinding equipment from Shanghai Zenith Machinery provides several key benefits for an engineered stone business in Lebanon:
Establishing or upgrading a 5-10 TPH basalt grinding line for engineered stone production in Lebanon requires a strategic investment in reliable, high-performance technology. The abrasive nature of basalt and the stringent quality demands of the surfacing industry make the choice of mill critical. Shanghai Zenith Machinery’s LM Vertical Grinding Mill, particularly the LM130K model, offers a robust, efficient, and precisely controllable solution perfectly scaled for this capacity range. For operations targeting the zenith of quality, the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill provides a future-proof alternative. By partnering with a specialized manufacturer like Zenith, Lebanese engineered stone producers can secure the foundation for producing competitive, high-value products for both domestic and international markets.
