Material Selection Guide: Optimizing Screening Performance in Mining Operations

In mineral processing operations, screen panel selection significantly impacts productivity, maintenance costs, and separation efficiency. This technical evaluation examines three primary screening materials - steel, polyurethane (PU), and rubber - across critical performance parameters.

‌Material Composition & Manufacturing Processes‌

1. ‌Steel Screens‌

   • Construction: Woven/welded stainless steel wires
   • Key characteristic: No structural reinforcement required
   • Density: 7.8 g/cm³ (highest among options)

2. ‌Polyurethane Panels‌

   • Production: Cast from pre-polymer in open molds
   • Hardness range: 85-95 Shore A
   • Density: 1.2 g/cm³ (lightest option)

3. ‌Rubber Screens‌

   • Manufacturing: Vulcanized under heat/pressure
   • Material options: Natural or synthetic compounds
   • Typical hardness: 40-65 Shore A
   • 

‌Performance Benchmarking‌

‌Operational Considerations‌

• ‌Anti-blinding Performance‌:

  • Steel: Highly susceptible to material buildup
  • PU: Moderate resistance (modular replacement helps)
  • Rubber: Exceptional self-cleaning properties

• ‌Impact Resistance‌:

  • Rubber withstands 2X more impact than PU
  • Steel vulnerable to permanent deformation
  • 

‌Application-Specific Recommendations‌

1. ‌Primary Screening (Large Aggregates)‌

   • Preferred: Steel for high throughput
   • Alternative: Rubber for wet conditions

2. ‌Fine Material Separation‌

   • Optimal: PU for precise sizing
   • Secondary: Rubber for sticky materials

3. ‌High-Abrasion Environments‌

   • Best Performer: Rubber (40-60 Shore A)
   • Economic Choice: PU with wear-resistant formula
   • 

‌Case Study Highlights‌

• ‌Australian Aggregate Plant‌:

  • Challenge: Chronic blinding with steel/PU
  • Solution: 40 Shore A rubber panels
  • Result: Zero blinding after 90 days

• ‌Molybdenum Processing Facility‌:

  • Implementation: 60 Shore A (feed) + 40 Shore A (discharge)
  • Outcome: Eliminated blinding, extended wear life

‌Economic Analysis‌

• Total Cost of Ownership (3-year period):
  • Steel: $18/m² (frequent replacement)
  • PU: $22/m² (balanced performance)
  • Rubber: $15/m² (longest lifespan)

‌

1. Contact us ↓

   Annie Lu

   Huatao Group

   annie.lu@huataogroup.com

   Mobile: 0086 18032422676 ( Whatsapp/Wechat/Viber)

   https://wa.me/008618032422676

   Web:www.tufflexscreen.com

   www.huataoscreen.com

   www.puscreenpanel.com

    

   Our Hot-selling Products:

    

   HUATAO Hot-Selling Polyurethane Product List as below:

   Polyweb Urethane Screen	Tufflex Screen
   Polyurethane Dewatering Screen Mesh	WS 85 Modular Screen
   Polyurethane Screen Panels	Rotex Replacement Screens
   Rubber Screen Panel	Vibrating Screen Mesh
   Self cleaning Wire Mesh	Shale Shaker Screen

2.