An ACM (Air Classifying Mill) for cosmetics is a hygienic, integrated impact grinding and air classification system used to produce ultra-fine cosmetic powders with tightly controlled particle size, smooth texture and low heavy-metal contamination for makeup and skincare formulations. It combines high-speed impact pulverization and dynamic air classification inside one closed machine, allowing real-time adjustment of fineness by tuning classifier wheel speed and system air volume.
Main cosmetic raw materials processed
- Mineral pigments: titanium dioxide, mica, talc, kaolin, calcium carbonate, sericite (for foundation, eyeshadow, blush)
- Organic cosmetic pigments, plant extracts, natural wax powders
- Functional skincare powders: zinc oxide, silica, pearl powder, botanical fine powders
Typical particle size range for cosmetic production
- D50: 2–25 μm; D97 can be controlled from 5 μm up to 100 μm
- Mesh range: 400 mesh ~ 1250 mesh for most pressed powder and loose makeup; finer grades for high-transparency cosmetic powder formulas
- Narrow particle size distribution is critical: eliminates coarse grit that causes scratchy skin feel and delivers consistent spreading, coverage, gloss and color uniformity
Cosmetic-specific design requirements
- Material of construction: SUS304 / SUS316L stainless steel, polished inner surface (Ra low roughness) to reduce powder adhesion and cross-contamination. Ceramic or tungsten carbide liners/hammers are optional for abrasive mineral pigments to prevent iron contamination, which is strictly limited by cosmetic regulatory standards.
- Hygiene & cleaning: Quick disassembly design for wet cleaning / CIP (clean-in-place), no dead corners. Easy sanitization between different color batches to avoid color cross-contamination.
- Temperature control: Optional cooling jacket or chilled air supply. Cosmetic organic pigments and plant extracts are heat-sensitive; low-temperature grinding prevents discoloration, melting or ingredient degradation.
- Fully enclosed dust-tight system: Prevents powder leakage, protects operators from fine mineral dust and meets cosmetic GMP clean-room requirements.
- Safety options: Explosion protection, anti-static grounding, nitrogen inert gas protection for easily combustible cosmetic organic powders.
Core benefits for cosmetic manufacturing
- One-step grinding + classification, stable batch-to-batch PSD, improves powder slip and skin feel
- Adjustable fineness without changing hardware; fast switch between different cosmetic powder grades
- Low metal contamination, compliant with cosmetic heavy metal limits
- Closed dust-free operation suitable for clean workshop production
Not suitable for high oil-content, sticky, plastic or highly fibrous cosmetic materials, which tend to smear, agglomerate and stick to the grinding chamber. Hard, ultra-brittle materials with Mohs hardness >5 will accelerate liner and hammer wear.
