In this study, a vibratory horizontal attritor was designed, constructed and used to produce alumina powders. The effects of process parameters, such as milling time, ball-powder weight ratio (BPR) and rotational speed (RS) of the attritor on the mean particle size and particle size distribution have been investigated. Milling times of 1, 5, 10 and 15 It and ball-powder weight ratios of 5:1, 10:1, 20:1 and 40:1 were considered in the present study. Rotational speeds of the attritor were selected as 500, 700 and 900 rpm and distilled water was used as milling media. The experimental results show that increasing milling time and ball-powder weight ratio resulted in finer particles. Optimum rotational speed of the attritor was found as 700 rpm. The mean particle size of attrited powders were in the range of 2.05-6.82 mum, depending on process parameters. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.