Key takeaways
- Ceramic lining bricks turn a standard ball mill into an iron-free grinding chamber.
- High-alumina bricks (Duralox 92W: 92% Al₂O₃, 9 Moh) give long wear life. Steatite bricks are the low-iron economy choice.
- Tapered and flat bricks lock together into a continuous, gap-free lining.
- Match the lining to your media, for example alumina lining with alumina balls, to keep chemistry consistent and wear even.
The lining of a ball mill wears just like the grinding media, and whatever wears off ends up in the product. For ceramic bodies, glazes, frits, pigments and white minerals, iron from a steel lining can be enough to discolour or fault the product. This guide compares ceramic lining bricks with rubber and steel, and explains how to specify a ceramic lining.
Lining options compared
| Lining | Contamination risk | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Iron pick-up | Where iron contamination is not a concern |
| Rubber | Organic wear debris; no iron | General wet grinding |
| Alumina bricks (Duralox 92W) | No iron; alumina-compatible chemistry | Ceramic bodies, glazes, frits, minerals, pigments, refractories |
| Steatite bricks | Very low iron | White and light-coloured batches on a budget |
Ceramic linings are chosen for two reasons: zero iron contamination, and a service life and wear resistance far beyond rubber or steel. That means fewer relines and less downtime.
Alumina or steatite?
- Duralox 92W alumina is 92% Al₂O₃ with 9 Moh hardness and a density of about 3.6 g/cm³. It is the choice where wear life matters most.
- Steatite is a magnesium silicate lining that gives very low iron pick-up at a lower cost. It suits white pigments and ceramic batches.
Tapered and flat bricks
A ceramic lining is built from courses of bricks. Tapered bricks are shaped to lock together into a true cylinder around the shell, with no gaps, even wear and a smooth grinding surface. Flat bricks line the end plates. Bricks are laid in a matching cement, and we supply lining bricks together with matching media and cement for batch and continuous ball mills.
Match the lining to the media
For consistent chemistry and even wear, pair the lining with media of similar hardness and composition:
- alumina lining with Duralox alumina balls for general ceramic and mineral grinding
- steatite lining with steatite balls and cylinders for low-iron white batches.
Size the media charge correctly for the lined volume. Ball mills commonly run media at 30–45% of internal volume. See how to calculate a media charge.
What we need to quote a lining
- Mill internal diameter and length (or a drawing)
- Batch or continuous operation, and the materials being ground
- Preferred lining material (alumina or steatite) and your current media
- Photos of the existing lining, if you are relining
Frequently asked questions
Why use ceramic bricks to line a ball mill?
Ceramic bricks eliminate iron contamination and last far longer than rubber or steel, protecting product purity and reducing how often the mill must be relined.
What is the difference between tapered and flat lining bricks?
Tapered bricks are shaped to lock together around the curved shell into a gap-free cylinder. Flat bricks are used to line the end plates.
Do you supply ball mill lining bricks in Australia and New Zealand?
Yes. We supply Duralox 92W alumina and steatite lining bricks, with matching grinding media and cement, across Australia and New Zealand.
Need help choosing media for your mill?
Tell us your mill type, chamber volume, the material you are milling and your target fineness. We will recommend the right Jyoti media, bead size and charge, with Australia and New Zealand pricing.