Accurate toxin testing starts with properly prepared grain samples. If a sample is not ground consistently, it can affect the material used for analysis and make it more difficult to obtain a representative test sample. In the video above, Sean from Seedburo Equipment Company demonstrates the Sasso Mill using corn and shows how the mill can be adjusted to produce a finely ground sample suitable for toxin-testing preparation. The demonstration focuses on achieving approximately 95% of the corn sample through a 20-mesh screen, while also showing how the Sasso Mill’s feed system, grinding plates, and built-in subsampling capabilities work. What Is the Sasso Mill Used For? The Sasso Mill is designed for grinding grain samples into a consistent particle size for laboratory and quality-control applications. For toxin-testing workflows, proper sample preparation is particularly important because the material being analyzed needs to accurately represent the larger grain sample. In this demonstration, the Sasso Mill is used to grind a corn sample before checking the finished material with a 20-mesh screen. How Does the Sasso Mill Prepare Corn for Toxin Testing? The Sasso Mill moves grain from its holding hopper through adjustable grinding plates that reduce the sample to a fine particle size. During the demonstration, Sean: Adds the corn sample to the mill's holding hopper. Starts the mill before feeding material into the grinding chamber. Adjusts the slide feeder to control how quickly corn enters the mill. Allows the sample to pass through the grinding plates. Collects a subsample for toxin-testing preparation. Checks the finished grind using a 20-mesh screen. After screening the processed corn, very little material remains above the 20-mesh screen, demonstrating the fine grind produced by the mill. What Does “95% Through a 20-Mesh Screen” Mean? When a grain sample is evaluated using a 20-mesh screen, the objective demonstrated in this video is for approximately 95% of the processed corn sample to pass through the screen. A 20-mesh screen provides a practical way to evaluate whether the grain has been ground finely enough for the intended toxin-testing sample preparation. In the video, Sean pours the finished corn sample onto the screen and shows that very little material remains above the mesh. Sasso Mill Features Shown in the Video 10-Pound Holding Hopper The Sasso Mill shown in the demonstration includes a 10-pound holding hopper, providing capacity for larger grain samples before they enter the grinding chamber. Adjustable Feed Slide The feed slide controls the rate at which grain moves from the hopper into the grinding discs. For the corn and soybean applications discussed in the video, Sean recommends keeping the feed opening at 50% or less while processing the sample. Integrated Subsampling One of the key features demonstrated is the mill's subsampling system. Different subsampler configurations can be used to divert approximately: 10% of the sample 25% of the sample 50% of the sample 75% of the sample The demonstration uses approximately a 10% subsampler, allowing a smaller portion of the processed material to be collected separately. This can be particularly useful when preparing a manageable testing sample from a larger quantity of grain. Adjustable Grinding Plates The Sasso Mill allows the grinding plates to be adjusted to achieve the desired particle size. Sean explains that the plates can initially be brought together and then backed off before gradually adjusting them while testing the resulting grind. This allows the operator to dial in the mill until the desired amount of sample passes through the 20-mesh screen. Multiple Sample Collection Options The demonstration shows the subsample being collected in a sample bag while the primary discharge is directed into a bucket. A discharge sock can also be attached to the primary outlet depending on the preferred collection setup. How Do You Adjust the Sasso Mill for a 20-Mesh Sample? The grind should be adjusted gradually rather than assuming one plate setting will work for every sample. As demonstrated in the video, the basic process is: Start with the grinding plates adjusted, process a sample, screen the finished material, and then make incremental plate adjustments until the desired grind is achieved. Because grain conditions and sample characteristics can vary, verifying the finished product with the appropriate screen provides a practical way to confirm the mill setup. Why Is Subsampling Important in Grain Toxin Testing? A toxin-testing result depends heavily on the sample being tested. Grinding and subsampling help transform a larger grain sample into a smaller quantity that can be used for analysis while maintaining as much consistency as possible throughout the preparation process. The Sasso Mill combines grinding and selectable subsampling capabilities into one system, allowing operators to prepare a fine sample while separating a predetermined portion for further testing. Frequently Asked Questions About the Sasso Mill Can the Sasso Mill grind corn for toxin testing? Yes. In the demonstration above, the Sasso Mill is used to grind corn into a fine sample that is then evaluated using a 20-mesh screen. What screen size is demonstrated with the Sasso Mill? Sean uses a 20-mesh screen to evaluate the finished corn sample. How much of the sample should pass through a 20-mesh screen? The target discussed in the video is approximately 95% of the corn sample passing through a 20-mesh screen for the toxin-testing application being demonstrated. Does the Sasso Mill have a subsampler? Yes. The mill shown in the video can be configured with approximately 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75% subsampling options. What size motor does the Sasso Mill use? The unit demonstrated in the video has a 1.5-horsepower, 110-volt, 60-hertz motor. Does the Sasso Mill include a vacuum? The stand provides a location where a vacuum can be used, but Sean notes that a vacuum is not included with the mill and would need to be supplied separately. Can the grinding plates be adjusted? Yes. The plate spacing can be adjusted to change the finished particle size. Operators can process and screen samples while gradually adjusting the plates until the desired grind is achieved. Prepare Consistent Grain Samples With the Sasso Mill For laboratories, grain inspection operations, elevators, processors, and other facilities performing grain quality or toxin testing, consistent sample preparation is an important part of the testing process. The Sasso Mill provides adjustable grinding, controlled feeding, and integrated subsampling in one system to help operators prepare finely ground grain samples for further analysis. VIEW THE SASSO MILL → Need help determining the right mill, subsampler configuration, or sample-preparation equipment for your operation? Contact Seedburo Equipment Company at 312-738-3700 to speak with our team.
