Rock crushing is an integral part of the construction industry. Creating specific types of aggregate is an essential step in nearly every project, and the machines that complete these tasks are vital to overall success. Understanding the different types of rock crushers ensures that your teams have the best chance at success by understanding what sets them apart.
When it comes to crushing rocks, there are two main crushers: jaw crushers and impact crushers. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, which is why it can be difficult to decide which type of crusher is right for the job. Read on to learn the key differences between the two and which one is right for your project’s needs.
What Are Jaw Crushers?
A jaw crusher uses two metal plates to disintegrate rocks. It is one of the oldest types, and it is still widely used today because it is reliable and affordable. Jaw crushers are often used in mines, quarries, and construction sites.
Jaw crushers are typically used as the primary smasher. They are preferred for their ability to demolish tough, abrasive materials. Jaw crushers are usually configured with a stationary jaw and a moving jaw. The moving jaw closes against the stationary jaw to accomplish its mission. The size of the crushed material is determined by the gap between the jaws.
There are a few different types of jaw crushers, such as the simple jaw crusher, the compound jaw crusher, the hammer crusher, the impact crusher, and so on. The main difference between the simple jaw and the compound jaw crusher is that the former has only one movable jaw plate while the latter has two movable plates. The movable jaw plates of the compound jaw crusher can move in an elliptical motion, which helps to crush the materials more efficiently. The hammer crusher pounds materials by hitting them with hammers, while the impact crusher does this by hitting them with high-speed particles.
What Are Impact Crushers?
Impact crushers are a different version of jaw crushers that are chosen for their improved strength and durability.
Impact crushers use force rather than pressure to break up materials. Then, that material is fed into the machine and smashed between two plates. The force of the impact breaks the material apart, and the pieces are then ejected from the machine. Impact crushers tend to be more efficient than jaw crushers, and they can produce a higher-quality, finer product. However, they are also more expensive to operate.
Jaw Crushers vs Impact Crushers
Impact crushers and jaw crushers are two of the most commonly used types. They both use compression to break down materials, but they use different mechanisms to do so. An impact crusher uses the force of impact to break down materials, while a jaw crusher uses the force of compression to do so.
There are several factors to consider when comparing jaw and impact crushers, including the type and size of materials and the desired output. Jaw crushers are typically used for harder materials such as granite and basalt, while impact crushers are more suited for softer materials like limestone and sandstone.
The main differences include:
- Impact crushers are better at manipulating hard materials while jaw crushers are better at crushing softer materials.
- Impact crushers produce a more uniform size while jaw crushers create a more jagged size. This makes impact crushers a great choice with projects that require certain specs on aggregate usage.
- Impact crushers use hammers to crush the material while jaw crushers utilize two crushing jaws.
Overall, impact crushers are better with hard materials while jaw crushers are better suited for more brittle materials. Impact crushers are also better at processing larger pieces of material while jaw crushers are more efficient at crushing smaller pieces.
When choosing between these two pieces, also keep in mind that jaw crushers are the more affordable of these two pieces of equipment.
Find The Right Crusher for Your Unique Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best type of crusher, as the best one for a given application will depend on a number of factors, including the type and size of the material to be crushed, the intended output size, and your overall budget. However, jaw crushers are often considered a better overall choice in general than impact crushers, as they can typically handle a wider range of materials, are cheaper, and produce a more consistent end product.
The type of crusher you choose for your project depends on a variety of factors, including the type of material you need to crush and the size of the pieces you need to produce. Some crushers are better suited for softer materials, such as limestone, while others are more effective for harder materials, such as granite.
It’s important to find the right crusher for your needs, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages. To learn more about which crusher is the right fit for your project, reach out to Mellott’s team of dedicated experts today at 888-801-1410.
