SCREENING
Haver & Boecker- avoiding screen damage by choosing OEM parts
IM also caught up with Duncan High, Processing Equipment Technology Division Manager at Haver & Boecker Niagara’ s North American Operation. He discussed vital maintenance in relation to small to medium sized mines and quarries, which mainly operate screens outside in the elements and therefore see slowdowns in cold winters:“ As operations enter the winter slowdown, producers have a valuable opportunity to focus on equipment reliability and performance- especially when it comes to vibrating screens. These machines are built to withstand harsh conditions, but benefit significantly from proactive maintenance during seasonal lulls. Winter offers the perfect window to prepare equipment for peak performance in the spring”.
Haver & Boecker Niagara’ s range of high-quality spare parts is tailored for the mineral processing industry
High argues that during this time, choosing OEM parts is essential.“ Because a vibrating screen functions as a complete system, even small differences in size, weight or material can trigger a chain reaction of damage- leading to lost productivity and profit. Slower months are ideal for inspecting, replacing and upgrading critical components or conducting full machine refurbishments to ensure long-term efficiency and reliability.”
He went further by specifying the four most important vibrating screen parts to buy from the OEM. First, shaft components which form the heart of a vibrating screen and are machined from specific material to 1 / 1,000 in, so any flaws can damage an entire machine.
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“ For example, if a fabrication shop doesn’ t design the shaft shoulders within OEM tolerances, the small difference in size can cause the shaft assembly stack to be too tight or too loose. This can lead to excessive heat and wear and even potential failure of the shaft and body components.”
Mounting components are designed to deflect at a certain spring rate, depending on the weight of the vibrating screen.“ Replacing a damaged part with a fabricated version that may not be the correct material or design could cause the spring rate to be thrown off. This could mean the mounting assembly can’ t take as much load and may be too soft and break again, or it could be too stiff, which may cause side panels to break.”
Then deck frames themselves.“ All material is classified using screen media, which is supported by the deck frames. That
makes the deck frame quality extremely important. If a fabrication shop doesn’ t manufacture the deck frame according to the machine’ s specifications, the media will not tension correctly, leading to broken screen media, contaminated product and other potential damage.”
Properly fitted side plates are also vital to the structure and functionality of a vibrating screen. High:“ If one side plate is replaced, and the fabricated version doesn’ t exactly match the opposite, it can unleash a series of positioning issues down the line. Even the smallest inconsistency can trigger problems with the shaft assembly and cause the machine to rack.”
He adds on retrofitting:“ As producers look for ways to improve efficiency without major capital investment, retrofitting offers a smart solution. It allows operations to modernise outdated machines that may be consuming excessive energy or water. With the right components and expert guidance, even decades-old equipment can be brought up to current OEM standards- often at a fraction of the cost of buying new”.
High concludes: The winter slowdown isn’ t just a pause- it’ s a strategic opportunity to invest in the future of your equipment. While aftermarket parts may seem like a cost-saving solution, they often lead to more downtime and higher expenses in the long run. Before buying, consider the potential hazards of using fabricated parts and look at the value of having the support of the original equipment manufacturer.”
Cost savings with Multotec’ s side-tension PU mats
One of the challenges faced by rock and mineral mining operations is that the extraction and processing of these materials often involve rigorous demands on equipment, particularly in the screening stage. Mines typically rely on various types of screening media to separate and classify materials efficiently. However, as already stated earlier, the harsh conditions inherent in mining operations- such as heavy impacts from large rocks and abrasive materials- can lead to rapid wear and tear on traditional screening media like woven wire mesh.
This results in frequent maintenance interruptions, increased operational costs, and potential safety hazards for workers. As a consequence, many mines experience significant downtime and inefficiencies, highlighting the need for more durable and effective screening solutions that can withstand the rigours of mineral processing while minimising operational disruptions. A rock and mineral mine in South Africa turned to Multotec to address the challenges it faced with its woven wire mesh screening media. The company opted for a strategic solution by transitioning to Multotec’ s side-tension polyurethane( PU) mats which effectively resolved the operational issues that the mine was experiencing.
The mine operates as an open-pit facility, specialising in the production of various rock and mineral products, including metallurgical materials, commercial aggregates, and lime products. These materials are essential for various industries, supplying metallurgical products to steel producers and aggregates to the construction sector.
In line with common practices in the quarry industry, the mine utilised woven wire mesh screening media in its secondary sizing plant. Although this type of screening
International Mining | OCTOBER 2025