The self-leveling screed and flooring industry demands unparalleled precision and quality. The final surface must be perfectly flat, smooth, and possess the right mechanical properties to endure years of heavy use. Achieving this level of perfection begins long before the mixture is poured onto the subfloor; it starts with the raw materials. The quality, consistency, and fineness of the binders and fillers—primarily cement, gypsum, and various mineral powders—are paramount. This is where advanced industrial grinding technology becomes indispensable. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., a leader in the field of industrial grinding equipment, offers a range of solutions specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of producing the ultra-fine powders required for high-performance self-leveling compounds and flooring products.
Self-leveling underlayments (SLUs) are complex formulations designed to flow easily, settle into a perfectly flat surface, and cure rapidly. The performance of an SLU is heavily dependent on the particle size distribution of its constituent powders.
Traditional grinding mills often struggle to meet these requirements simultaneously, leading to compromises in product quality or operational cost. This is where Zenith’s specialized grinding technologies provide a distinct advantage.
Different base materials used in flooring require specific grinding approaches. Zenith’s diverse portfolio ensures an optimal solution for every need.
Gypsum (calcium sulfate hemihydrate) is a common base for rapid-setting floor underlayments. It is a relatively soft material but is thermally sensitive. Overheating during grinding can cause premature dehydration, ruining its setting properties. For such applications, mills that combine efficient grinding with effective air-cooling are ideal.
Cementitious self-leveling compounds require Portland cement and often supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like granulated blast furnace slag to be ground to a very high fineness. This increases reactivity and ultimate strength. These are harder materials, demanding robust mills with high grinding pressure.
Based on the specific needs of producing fine powders for self-leveling screeds, two of Shanghai Zenith’s products stand out for their exceptional performance and efficiency.
The LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill is arguably the perfect tool for the flooring industry. It is engineered to produce precisely the kind of ultra-fine, narrowly graded powders that high-quality SLUs demand. Its integrated design combines grinding, drying, classification, and conveying into a single, compact unit. The intelligent control system allows for precise adjustment of fineness, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. The grinding roller and plate are designed to minimize wear when processing abrasive minerals, and the efficient classifier ensures that only particles meeting the target fineness leave the mill.
| Model | Main machine power (kW) | Capacity (t/h) | Size distribution D97 (μm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUM1525 | 220-250 | 1.6-11.5 | 5-30 |
| LUM1632 | 280-315 | 2.0-13.5 | 5-30 |
| LUM1836 | 355-400 | 2.3-15 | 5-30 |
For manufacturers focused on large-volume production of slightly less fine but still critical powders (e.g., for standard cementitious screeds), the LM Vertical Grinding Mill is an excellent choice. It is a workhorse known for its reliability, high capacity, and energy efficiency. It integrates five functions—crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and material conveying—making it a comprehensive solution for modern plants.
| Model | Plate diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output fineness (μm) | Main motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130K | 1300 | 10-28 | 170-40 | 200 |
| LM190K | 1900 | 23-68 | 170-40 | 500 |
| LM280K | 2800 | 50-170 | 170-45 | 1250 |
Investing in the right grinding technology from Zenith translates directly to improved profitability and product quality for flooring manufacturers.
The quest for the perfect floor begins with the perfect powder. In the competitive self-leveling screed and flooring industry, compromising on the quality of raw materials is not an option. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. provides the technological edge necessary to excel. By offering robust, efficient, and precise grinding solutions like the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill and the LM Vertical Grinding Mill, Zenith empowers manufacturers to achieve new standards of quality and efficiency. Partnering with Zenith means investing in a foundation of reliability and innovation, ensuring that every floor laid is a testament to superior engineering, from the ground up.
