A vibrating screen is more than just a frame with a motor — it is a carefully balanced system made up of multiple components that work together to separate material by size, improve efficiency, and reduce downtime. At Songatech (Pty) Ltd, we supply high-quality screen panels, wire mesh, and offer support on screen optimisation. Here is a breakdown of the main parts of a vibrating screen and their function.
1. Screen Deck
The screen deck is the surface on which materials are separated. It can be single, double, or triple-layered depending on the plant’s needs. Decks are typically designed with a slope and vibratory motion to promote stratification and separation of particles. Songatech supplies custom screen panels for different deck configurations, including:
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Polyurethane panels
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Wire mesh
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Rubber panels
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Perforated plates
2. Vibrating Motor or Exciter
The vibrating motor (or mechanical exciter) is what drives the screen’s motion. It creates the vibratory force that agitates the material and moves it across the screen surface. Depending on the design, a vibrating screen may have:
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Single-shaft unbalanced motors
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Dual-shaft exciters
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Electromechanical or electromagnetic drives
The type of motion — linear, elliptical, or circular — depends on how the exciter is configured.
3. Screen Media
Screen media is the part that comes into direct contact with the material. This can be:
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Woven wire mesh (ideal for precise cut sizing)
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Modular polyurethane panels (durable and wear-resistant)
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Rubber panels (for impact and noise reduction)
Songatech supplies a wide range of screen media types, each selected based on ore type, abrasion level, and desired product size.
4. Feed Box or Chute
The feed box is where material enters the screen. It must be designed to distribute material evenly across the screen width. Poor feed distribution causes overloading, panel wear, and inefficient screening. Songatech offers launders and distributors to help manage slurry and dry feed flow effectively.
5. Springs or Suspension System
Vibrating screens are supported by springs, rubber mounts, or coils, which absorb the dynamic forces and isolate vibration from the rest of the structure. These components reduce structural stress and protect the plant’s foundation.
6. Side Plates and Cross Members
The side plates provide structural strength to the frame, while cross members support the deck panels. These parts are usually made of mild steel or high-strength alloys, depending on load and motion intensity. Poor welding or frame fatigue here can lead to costly screen failure.
7. Drive System and Motor Base
The drive system transmits power from the motor to the exciter or shaft. It includes:
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Drive belts or couplings
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Pulleys
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Motor base plates
Proper alignment and maintenance are critical to avoid premature bearing or shaft failure.
8. Discharge Chutes and Undersize Collection
After separation, screened material is discharged through collection chutes or undersize conveyors. These must be designed to handle the volume and material type without causing buildup or backflow.
Why Component Quality Matters
A vibrating screen will only perform as well as its weakest component. At Songatech, we support our clients with:
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Durable screen panels
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Proper feed solutions
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Advice on screen media and deck optimisation
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Local support and lead times as short as 48 hours
Whether you are maintaining an existing screen or upgrading to handle higher tonnage, understanding your equipment’s components will help you extend wear life and improve screening performance.
📞 Call us on 010 474 1272
📧 Email: admin@songatech.co.za
Songatech (Pty) Ltd – Your Partner in High-Performance Screening Solutions.
