These mills prepare materials for analysis with minimal moisture loss.
From the hopper, the material drops by gravity into the path of a set of revolving hard tool steel blades driven by an electric motor.
The powdered material then drops into a waiting collection vessel underneath.
[1] The Wiley mill is most commonly used in agriculture and soil science laboratories but can be used on a wide variety of materials.
The hard, tool steel cutting edges of the knives allow for milling of a wide range of materials, including plastics.