In the latest of our series of industry overviews, we outline the key aspects of the crusher types and their significant place across industry.
Rock crushing machines are essential equipment in a range industries, and it is often prioritised to have a crusher to save time. They are essentially used to break down large rocks into smaller, more manageable pieces for various purposes, such as building materials, road construction, and ore processing.
Rock crushing machines play a vital role in these industries, contributing to the processing and production of materials that are fundamental for construction, manufacturing, and other applications.
Industries using a range of crusher types
Here’s an overview of the role of rock crusher types in different industries:
Construction Industry
Rock crushing machines are used to produce aggregates, including crushed stone, sand, and gravel. These materials are essential for constructing roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure projects.
Mining Industry
Crushing is a crucial step in the extraction of minerals from ores. Rock crusher types break down large rocks into smaller pieces, facilitating further processing, such as grinding and separation, to extract valuable minerals like gold, copper, and iron.
Quarrying
Quarries use rock crushing equipment to extract raw materials for construction and manufacturing. This includes the extraction of dimension stone, which is used for building and decorative purposes.
Road Construction
Crushed rocks are used as base materials for road construction. They provide a stable foundation and enhance the durability and load-bearing capacity of roads.
Concrete Production
Crushed rocks serve as a major component in concrete production. They are mixed with cement, water, and other additives to create concrete for various construction applications.
Railroad Ballast
Crushed rocks are used as ballast for railway tracks. This provides stability to the tracks, supports drainage, and helps distribute the load of the trains.
Manufacturing Industry
Raw Material for Industrial Processes: Some industries, such as the cement and brick manufacturing sectors, use crushed rocks as raw materials in their production processes.
Landscaping and Decorative Uses
Crushed rocks of different crusher types are used in landscaping for decorative purposes. They can be used in gardens, pathways, and other outdoor design elements.
Environmental Remediation
In some cases, rock crusher types are used in environmental remediation projects, such as breaking down contaminated rocks or materials for subsequent treatment and disposal.
Demolition and Recycling
Rock crushing machines are employed in the demolition industry to process concrete and other construction debris. The crushed material can be recycled for use as aggregate in new construction projects.
Aggregate Export
Countries with abundant natural resources may export crushed rocks and aggregates to regions where there is high demand for construction materials.
In summary, rock crushing machines are versatile and essential tools in various industries, contributing to the production of materials that are foundational for infrastructure development, manufacturing processes, and environmental management. The specific role of these machines varies depending on the industry’s needs and the type of material being processed.
Rock crusher types
There are several rock crusher types, each designed for specific applications. Here is an outline of different kinds of rock crushing machines and how they work:
Jaw Crusher
A jaw crusher is a primary crusher types that uses a stationary jaw and a moving jaw to squeeze and break large rocks into smaller pieces.
The motor drives the eccentric shaft, which causes the movable jaw to move back and forth along with the fixed jaw. This motion creates a crushing action as the rocks are compressed between the two jaws.
Cone Crusher
Cone crusher types is used for secondary and tertiary crushing of rocks. It has a conical-shaped head that gyrates inside an inverted, truncated cone.
The rock is fed into the crushing chamber and is crushed between the mantle and the concave. The gyrating motion of the cone head creates a compressive force that breaks down the rock.
Impact Crusher
Impact crusher types use impact force to break down rocks. It has a high-speed rotor with blow bars that impact the rocks and cause them to break.
The rotor rotates at high speed, and when the material enters the crusher, it is struck by the blow bars and thrown against the impact plates. This impact causes the material to break into smaller pieces.
Gyratory Crusher
A gyratory crusher consists of a conical-shaped mantle that is usually lined with manganese steel and a concave liner.
The rock is fed into the crusher through the top and becomes wedged between the mantle and concave. The gyrating motion of the mantle crushes the material against the concave.
Roll Crusher
A roll crusher consists of two horizontal cylinders rotating in opposite directions. The material is fed between the two cylinders and is crushed as it passes through.
The cylinders rotate towards each other, and the material is compressed and sheared between them. The crushed material exits from the bottom of the machine.
Hammer Mill
A hammer mill is a machine with a rotating shaft or drum that contains hammers or flails. It is primarily used for the size reduction of various materials, including rocks.
The hammers impact the material as it enters the machine, breaking it into smaller particles.
Vertical Shaft Impactor (VSI)
A VSI crusher uses a high-speed rotor with wear-resistant tips to crush material.
The material is fed into the center of the rotor, and the high-speed rotor throws the material against the anvils or rock shelves where it is crushed into smaller pieces.
History of crusher types
The invention of the first rock crushing machines dates back to the early 19th century. Two main types of crushing machines emerged during this period.
The first practical device to harness the power of steam to produce mechanical work was the jaw crusher. It was invented by Eli Whitney Blake in 1858. The Blake jaw crusher featured a double-toggle mechanism that allowed the swinging jaw to move alternately toward and away from the fixed jaw. This design provided a mechanical advantage, increasing the crushing capability. Blake’s design laid the foundation for the modern jaw crusher.
The gyratory crusher was developed by Philetus W. Gates in the 1880s. The crusher had a conical-shaped crushing head that was fixed to a vertical shaft. Material was fed into the crushing chamber and crushed between the mantle and concave. Although the gyratory crusher wasn’t as popular as the jaw crusher at first, it later became a key component in the development of large-scale crushing plants.
These early rock crushing machines were powered by steam engines and were primarily used in mining and ore processing applications. The industrial revolution and advancements in engineering during the 19th century played a significant role in the development and improvement of crushing machinery.
Over the years, technological advancements led to the creation of various types of crushers with improved efficiency, safety, and capabilities. The jaw crusher, gyratory crusher, cone crusher, and other types of crushers have since become indispensable tools in industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of rock crushing machines and their working principles is crucial for selecting the right equipment for specific applications in mining, construction, and other industries.
Photo by Julia Volk
