Frequently Asked Questions

Coarse size reduction refers to the process of breaking down large, bulky materials into smaller, manageable pieces. This is typically achieved using equipment like Pre-Breakers, which are designed to handle many material types and reduce them to a size suitable for further processing or handling.

Containment involves using specialised equipment, such as isolators, gloveboxes and downflow booths, to safely handle hazardous materials. This ensures operator safety, environmental protection and product integrity during processing.

Hosokawa provides a diverse portfolio of containment solutions, including both standard and custom isolators, gloveboxes, downflow booths, laminar flow cabinets, advanced filling and weighing systems, as well as milling and mixing technologies.

Powder milling is the process of reducing solid materials into fine powders using various mechanical techniques. This is achieved through different types of mills, such as jet mills, hammer mills and ball mills, each utilising distinct methods like particle collision, impact or compression to achieve the desired fineness. Powder milling is essential in industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing and chemicals, where achieving specific particle sizes is crucial for product performance and quality.

Yes, we provide comprehensive installation services for our equipment and systems. Our expert team ensures that all machinery is installed correctly and efficiently, adhering to the highest standards of safety and performance. This service is part of our commitment to offering complete lifecycle support, from design and manufacture to installation and ongoing maintenance.

This depends upon many factors regarding material properties and end product requirements. Our team would be happy to discuss each application and requirement in detail to provide you with the most optimal solution.

At Hosokawa Micron, we offer a range of downflow booths designed to provide safe working zones for operators handling potent, toxic and sensitising powders, liquids and solvents. Our booths are available in various sizes and configurations, ranging from 2 metres to 6 metres and beyond, to meet diverse operational needs.

Yes, we have a vast range of experience involving the handling and processing of materials that potentially exhibit flammable, explosive and other hazardous properties. These materials require additional consideration and safeguarding and our Team can discuss your application in detail.

Nothing we do is off-the-shelf, but we offer both standardised and bespoke products to meet a wide range of requirements. Our standardised solutions provide proven designs with efficient lead times, while our bespoke options ensure a perfect fit for your specific needs.

Our equipment typically comes with a comprehensive warranty to protect your investment. Details of the warranty coverage are provided upon purchase. Planned and preventative maintenance and servicing packages are also available to keep equipment in optimum condition.

We also offer extended warranty, however, these are only provided as part of our service packages.

We ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards by adhering to industry best practices, relevant legislation and international guidelines. Our equipment is designed and manufactured to meet strict safety, hygiene and containment requirements, including ATEX, GMP, and FDA standards where applicable. We also offer validation, documentation and testing services to support regulatory compliance.

Additionally, we hold ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and FSSC 22000 accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to quality, health and safety, environmental management and food safety. We are also members of various industry and professional bodies, ensuring we stay up to date with evolving regulations and best practices to provide fully compliant and reliable solutions.

To determine if your material is suitable for size reduction, we recommend conducting a thorough assessment based on its physical and chemical properties, such as hardness, moisture content, particle size and temperature sensitivity.

We offer material testing and trials at our dedicated test facilities, where our experts can evaluate your material using various size reduction technologies to identify the most effective solution. This ensures optimal performance, efficiency and product quality.

If you’re unsure about the sustainability of your material, please contact us to discuss your requirements or arrange a trial.

When choosing between different size reduction technologies, several factors should be considered to ensure you select the most suitable equipment for your application:

Material Characteristics: The hardness, cohesiveness, moisture content, abrasive properties and temperature sensitivity of your material can influence the choice of technology.

Desired Particle Size: The required final particle size or distribution, along with the material properties and characteristics, will determine the equipment type and whether you need coarse, medium or fine milling equipment.

Throughput Requirements: The volume or mass capacity of material to be processed within a specific timeframe, along with the material properties, will affect the size, type and configuration of machinery needed.

Integration with Existing Systems: Where integration into an existing process or equipment line is required, a full and detailed integration assessment is recommended – our team has the knowledge and experience for this.

Flexibility and Scalability: Depending on your future needs, you may require equipment that is adaptable to different materials or scalable to higher production capacities.

Our team would be happy to discuss each application and requirement in detail to provide you with the most optimal solution.

The maximum throughput capacity of our equipment varies widely depending on the type of machinery and the specific application. Our range includes equipment suitable for small-scale laboratory processes as well as large-scale industrial production, with throughput capacities ranging from a few kilograms per hour to several tonnes per hour.

To determine the exact capacity for your needs, our team considers factors such as the material properties, desired particle size and process requirements. We also offer material trials and process assessments to identify the most efficient solution for your application.

Please contact us with your specific requirements, and we’ll be happy to provide tailored advice and recommendations.

Yes, Hosokawa Micron offers comprehensive training packages designed to enhance the skills of your operators and maintenance personnel. These training programs aim to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your equipment, covering aspects such as operational procedures, maintenance practices and safety protocols. By investing in these training sessions, you can protect your investment and maximise the efficiency of your processing systems.

Containment involves using specialized equipment, such as isolators, gloveboxes, and downflow booths, to safely handle hazardous materials. This ensures operator safety, environmental protection, and product integrity during processing.

Yes, we provide comprehensive operation and maintenance manuals with all of our equipment. This typically includes:

Operating Manuals: Detailed instructions on how to safely and efficiently operate the equipment.

Maintenance Manuals: Step-by-step guidance on regular maintenance tasks, servicing schedules, and troubleshooting.

Technical Specifications: Information on performance parameters, safety features, and equipment capabilities.

Compliance Documentation: Certificates and documents related to regulatory standards such as ISO, GMP, FDA and ATEX where applicable.

We can also offer bespoke documentation tailored to your specific processes and requirements, including SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), training manuals and IQ/OQ/PQ validation documentation if needed.

If you need additional support or have specific documentation requirements, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.

To request an upgrade for your existing machinery, please contact our team.. Our experts will discuss your specific requirements and guide you through the process to enhance your equipment’s performance and efficiency.

We perform Quality Assurance (QA) through a comprehensive process that includes design validation, in-process testing and final inspection to ensure that all equipment meets the highest standards of performance, safety and compliance. Our QA procedures align with our ISO 9001 accreditation and other relevant industry standards.

Our QA process typically includes:

Material and Component Checks: Ensuring all parts meet quality specifications.

Manufacturing Inspections: Regular checks throughout the production process.

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Validating the equipment’s performance and safety before delivery.

Site Acceptance Testing (SAT): Confirming that equipment meets specifications after installation.

We can accommodate specific QA requirements, including:

Custom Testing Protocols: Based on your internal quality standards.

Documentation and Reporting: Providing tailored QA documentation, including traceability reports, calibration certificates and compliance records.

Third-Party Inspections: If required, we can facilitate independent quality assessments.

Please contact us to discuss your specific QA needs, and we’ll ensure that our processes align with your quality expectations.

Yes, we conduct comprehensive performance testing before delivery to ensure that all equipment meets the required quality, safety and operational standards. This includes:

Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Conducted at our facility before shipment, verifying that the equipment functions as expected under controlled conditions.

Functional and Safety Checks: Ensuring all mechanical, electrical and safety systems operate correctly.

Material Trials (if required): Testing with customer-specific materials to confirm performance.

Compliance Verification: Ensuring the equipment meets industry regulations such as GMP, ATEX, FDA and ISO standards, where applicable.

If you have specific performance testing requirements, we can tailor the process to meet your needs. Please contact us to discuss your project and any additional testing you may require.

With the purchase of our machinery, we provide comprehensive training to ensure your team can operate and maintain the equipment safely and efficiently. Our training covers key aspects such as operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and safety procedures.

We also offer bespoke training programmes tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that operators, engineers and maintenance personnel receive the most relevant instruction for your processes. Training can be delivered on-site at your facility or at our UK headquarters in Runcorn, Cheshire, where we provide hands-on training with our equipment.

the type of machinery, its usage and the operating environment. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance, extend the lifecycle of the equipment and prevent unexpected downtime.

We offer tailored maintenance plans that can include routine inspections, servicing, and replacement of worn parts based on your specific requirements. Our team can work with you to establish a suitable maintenance schedule that aligns with your operational needs. Please contact us to discuss the best approach for your equipment.

Our containment solutions are designed for seamless integration with existing manufacturing processes, minimising disruptions and optimising efficiency. Our sales team, in cooperation with our in-house engineering department, can help you tailor any containment solution to your specific requirements. With our vast international experience, we provide solutions to locations anywhere in the world.

Yes, we provide comprehensive optimisation support. Our Lifecycle Services include performance evaluations, process optimisation and equipment upgrades to ensure your machinery continues to operate at peak efficiency.

Our team can conduct on-site assessments, analyse process data and recommend improvements to enhance productivity, energy efficiency and overall performance. Whether you need software updates, mechanical upgrades or process adjustments, we are here to support you throughout the lifecycle of your equipment.

For more information or to discuss your specific needs, please contact us, and our experts will be happy to assist you.

The expected lifecycle of our equipment can vary depending on the type of machinery, operating conditions and the maintenance schedule. Generally, our equipment is built to last, with many of our systems remaining in operation for many decades with regular maintenance.

If you’d like specific guidance on the lifecycle of a particular piece of equipment, please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide more information.

Yes, we offer a bespoke service that allows you to customise our equipment with additional features and accessories to meet a diverse range of needs. Whether you need specialised components, enhanced automation, safety features or integration with existing systems, our in-house engineering team can work closely with you to develop a tailored solution.

We take a collaborative approach, involving you throughout the design and customisation process to ensure the final product aligns perfectly with your operational, safety and regulatory requirements.

For more information on how we can customise equipment to suit your needs, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.