Objective To investigate the effects of different operating parameters on the grinding performance of a disk mill when processing different materials, and to optimize its working parameters.Methods The grinding process of the disk mill was simulated using Rocky DEM discrete element software. Variables included feeding speed, grinding disc spacing, rotational speed of the dynamic disc, and material type. The effects of these factors on powder yield, energy consumption, and grinding time were analyzed. An orthogonal experimental design and matrix analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the simulation results.Results The optimal parameter combinations for different feed materials in the disk milling process were determined as follows. For wheat: grinding disc spacing of 2.70 mm, feeding speed of 0.75 kg/min, and dynamic disc speed of 1 000 r/min; For corn: disc spacing of 2.80 mm, feeding speed of 0.75 kg/min, and disc speed of 1 400 r/min; For buckwheat: disc spacing of 2.60 mm, feeding speed of 0.75 kg/min, and disc speed of 600 r/min. Regression models were established to describe the relationship between different particle sizes and Young's modulus under varying grinding disc spacings and dynamic disc speeds.Conclusion The grinding processes for wheat, corn, and buckwheat were optimized through orthogonal testing and matrix analysis, and an adaptive regression model was developed to improve the operational efficiency and energy performance of the disk mill.