(1) How to choose a proper rock crushing machine?

No matter how you process your gold, silver, or copper ore, crushing is the first step. It takes the rock from whatever size it was when it left the mine and processes it to a size that allows any valuable minerals to be extracted. Problems in the crushing process can dramatically reduce recovery rates and even cause damage to equipment downstream in the processing cycle. Just as it is important, poor crushing can dramatically increase the cash cost of your final product.

The two best known crusher types are the jaw type crusher and the cone type crusher. The jaw or toggle crusher works on a cam mechanism where the material is progressively crushed smaller and smaller as it travels into the crusher and out the bottom. Since not all the crushing is done in one stroke, the movement of the jaw can be quite small.

The second major type of crusher is the cone type crusher or gyratory crusher. It has two cones that crush the material. There are also impact crushing equipment, which were popular in the Western mining days, and roller crushers.

Although every crusher has its own strengths and weaknesses, there are several factors that experts ask you to consider before picking the crusher for your operations. These will help determine the best design for you.

(2) Is the crusher hefty enough for your needs?

Crushing is a brute force operation and the power input and vibration can wreck a poorly made machine. Cheaper machines can “skimp” on the metal that is necessary to withstand the vibration and eventually stress cracks will form. The same holds with repairs. A good crusher repair facility will charge more, but make sure the repairs will stand up to stress according to P.R. Engineering.

(2) How good is your blasting crew?

Miners say that it is easier to break up ore in the ground than in a crusher. That’s why blasting can be critical. A well prepared shot can even eliminate one crushing process, which will lower crusher costs and improve processing speed. You may find an investment in blasting software and the right blasting agent will be cheaper than a bigger crusher.

(3) Can the crusher handle the maximum capacity without undue strain?

Don’t think you can overload your crusher without paying a penalty. If you are overloading your hammer crusher, you are dramatically increasing your maintenance costs and shortening the life of the machine. If you foresee times when you will have to push more material through your crushing process, you should either buy a bigger ore beneficiation machine, or invest in an additional crusher that can handle the extra material. This machine can either be a used crusher or one of the cheaper ones.