Overview In any given construction project, there are a plethora of processes and machines that go into it. From the dozers that demolish to the pavers that lay down roads, there’s no shortage of specialties in this industry. Indeed, with so many kinds of machinery and equipment involved in construction, there are actually some that often get overlooked or underappreciated. At Wagner Used Equipment, we know there’s no heavy construction tool that doesn’t serve a vital purpose, which is why we want to focus this article on the importance of crushing and screening machinery. We’ll start by explaining what crushing and screening equipment do, why they matter, and we’ll end with some tips on how you can source and select the ideal pieces for your next project. Crushing Equipment Crushing is a term used in construction referring to the process in which large pieces of material are turned into smaller components through the application of strong forces. So it’s exactly what it sounds like—crushing is literally the crushing of material. Crushing equipment can take a number of different forms, and there are several varying types of crushers. For larger scale jobs, such as demolition sessions or road renovations, a heavy-duty jaw crusher may be necessary. Smaller level endeavors generally call for a design incorporating plate-based crushing. Regardless of the scope and scale, however, all crushing machinery is extremely important, and it almost always works in tandem with the subsequent process of screening. Screening Equipment Screening is a term used in construction referring to the processing of filtering or sieving out material components of comparable size. In other words, it brings a bunch of broken materials and roughly organizes them by relative size in an efficient manner and time-frame. Screening is important for the same reason that one might measure dimensions: oftentimes, specific shapes and sizes of materials are needed for a given job, even if those materials have to be crushed in advance. For example, you wouldn’t use the same size of crushed gravel pieces for a building segment as you would for the creation of a city street. The densities, textures, and weight-loads of every structure and project are unique, so it follows suit that your screening process will be contingent upon those criteria. Who Uses Crushers and Screeners The industries that most commonly rely on crushing and screening equipment are those pertaining to quarries and construction aggregate. A quarry supplies the raw material, such as stone slab, and the aggregate is produced by the company who crushes it with heavy machinery. The aggregate made from quarry-based goods, after being purified and cleared of size discrepancies, is then used by construction teams for various projects. How to Find Crushing and Screening Equipment Selecting the right crushing and screening equipment will vary depending on the needs and specifications of a construction project and its crew. When selecting crushing equipment, you’ll want to consider the raw material you’ll be handling because different minerals possess differing degrees of hardness and durability. If you’re working with a particularly hard material, you may opt for a super-powerful jaw crusher. By contrast, if you’re handling a softer mineral like talc or limestone, you won’t need as much force and so can look to an alternative like an impact crusher instead. Other factors of consideration may include ease of machine transportation, your desired material yield, and the quality and cost of the equipment. When choosing your screening machinery, you will again factor in the raw material you’re planning to put through the equipment, as this will impact your ultimate selection. More importantly are the various components and pieces that go into the screening unit itself. Depending on the material being screened, you’ll need to choose a corresponding medium for the screen itself (wire, polyurethane, etc.) and calculate whether an inclined or angled screen is required to move the raw material. The vibration pattern and intensity level of the screen are to be considered, just as the number and size of screen decks should be. Conclusion There is much to consider in the processes of crushing and screening, but these systems are incredibly important to the aggregate and materials used so often in construction projects. If you are in need of quality crushing and screening equipment and seeking assistance, Wagner Used Equipment has the tools and the expertise required to get the job done. Contact us today for more information or visit our site to explore our many product options in heavy machinery and construction equipment.