A numerical dynamic-mechanical model of a planetary ball-mill is developed to study the dependence
of process efficiency on milling parameters like ball size and number, jar geometry and velocity of the
revolving parts. Simulations provide evidence of the correlation between milling parameters and the
resulting microstructure of the ground material. In particular, maximum efficiency of the grinding process
is observed with the most disordered ball motion, which is obtained within a well-defined range of jar
to plate velocity ratios. As a significant case study in ceramic powder technology, the model is presented
and validated for calcium fluoride (CaF2), ground under different conditions in a planetary mill, and then
characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.