How to choose welding column boom size and stroke

Choosing the correct size and stroke for a welding column and boom manipulator is crucial for maximizing efficiency, quality, and safety in your welding operations. It essentially comes down to understanding the dimensions of your workpieces and the required welding processes.

How to choose welding column boom size and stroke

welding column and boom

1. Understand the Terminology:

Column (Vertical Travel/Lift): This refers to the vertical height the boom can extend up and down. It’s often expressed as the “vertical reach” or “column stroke.”

Boom (Horizontal Travel/Reach): This refers to the horizontal distance the welding head can extend outwards from the column. It’s often expressed as the “boom reach” or “horizontal stroke.”

Load Capacity: The maximum weight the end of the boom can safely support, including the welding head, wire feeder, flux recovery unit, camera systems, and any other accessories. This is critical for safety and operational stability.

2. Key Factors to Consider for Sizing and Stroke:

Workpiece Dimensions (Length, Diameter, Height):

Maximum Length of Longitudinal Welds: The boom’s horizontal stroke needs to be at least as long as the longest longitudinal weld you’ll be performing. If you’re welding very long components, you might consider a column and boom mounted on a travel car or even a gantry system for extended reach.

Maximum Diameter/Height of Circumferential Welds: The column’s vertical stroke needs to accommodate the height of your largest workpiece when mounted on a positioner or turning rolls. The boom also needs to be able to reach the top and bottom of the circumference. Consider the “minimum height under boom” and “maximum height under boom” specifications.

Minimum Diameter/Height of Workpieces: Ensure the column and boom can retract sufficiently to work on smaller pieces without interference.

Welding Process and Equipment:

Weight of Welding Head and Accessories: Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) heads with flux hoppers and recovery systems are typically heavier than MIG or TIG setups. Factor in the weight of all attachments when considering the boom’s load capacity.

Additional Equipment: If you’re adding cross-slides, seam trackers, laser pointers, or operator platforms, these will add weight and potentially affect the required reach.

Shop Layout and Space Constraints:

Overhead Clearance: Ensure there’s enough vertical space in your facility for the column to extend to its full height.

Floor Space: Consider the footprint of the column and boom, especially if it’s a movable unit on rails.

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For more detailed information on how to choose the welding column arm size and stroke, please click here: https://www.bota-weld.com/en/a/news/how-to-choose-welding-column-boom-size-and-stroke.html

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What is the difference between a welding column boom and a welding robot?

In modern welding automation, both welding column boom systems and welding robots play critical roles in improving efficiency, precision, and safety. While they may seem similar in purpose, these two systems are designed for different applications and operate using distinct principles. While both a welding column boom and a welding robot are automated tools used to improve welding processes, they differ significantly in their design, flexibility, and applications.

Difference Between A Welding Column Boom and A Welding Robot

Welding Column Boom (Manipulator)

Design: A column boom system typically consists of a vertical column mounted on a stable base and a horizontal boom that extends from the column. The welding head is mounted on the end of the horizontal boom. The column allows for vertical movement, and the boom provides horizontal reach. Many also allow for 360-degree rotation of the column.

Movement & Control: Column booms offer precise linear and rotational movement. They are designed to move the welding torch along a pre-defined path, primarily for long, straight, or circumferential welds on large workpieces. While they can have advanced controls and often integrate with other automated equipment (like welding positioners or turning rolls), their motion is generally less complex and more constrained than a robot. They are manipulators that move the welding material to the workpiece, rather than moving the workpiece itself.

Flexibility: They are highly effective for repetitive, large-scale welding tasks on substantial components. However, they are less adaptable to complex, irregular geometries or tasks requiring multiple axes of motion beyond basic linear and rotational movement.

Applications: Commonly used in heavy equipment manufacturing, shipbuilding, pressure vessel fabrication, tank and pipe welding, and large-scale construction projects where long, consistent welds are required.

Advantages:

Excellent for long, continuous welds.

Can handle heavy welding heads and associated equipment (e.g., flux recovery systems for SAW).

Improves safety by removing welders from hazardous environments.

Enhances weld quality and consistency for their specific applications.

Can reduce welder fatigue.

Welding Robot

Design: A welding robot is typically a multi-axis articulated arm (similar to a human arm) that can move in numerous directions (typically 4, 6, or more axes). The welding torch is attached to the “wrist” of the robot.

Movement & Control: Robots are highly programmable and can perform complex, intricate movements. They use advanced controllers and software to execute precise welding paths, often guided by machine vision or touch sensing for adaptability. They can navigate around obstacles and weld in tight spaces.

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For more detailed information about the difference between welding column boom and welding robot, please click here: https://www.bota-weld.com/en/a/news/difference-between-welding-column-boom-and-welding-robot.html

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The Ultimate Guide to Briquetting Different Agricultural Wastes

The process of briquetting agricultural waste involves compacting loose biomass materials into dense, solid blocks called briquettes. This not only helps in waste management but also converts the waste into a valuable fuel source. The type of agricultural waste significantly influences the briquetting process and the quality of the resulting briquettes.

The Ultimate Guide to Briquetting Different Agricultural Wastes

I. Introduction to Briquetting Agricultural Wastes

Agricultural waste, a byproduct of farming activities, includes a vast array of materials such as crop residues (straw, stalks, husks), animal manure, and processing byproducts (sawdust, bagasse). While often considered waste, these materials are rich in organic matter and possess significant energy potential. Briquetting offers a sustainable solution by:

Reducing Waste Volume: Compacting waste significantly reduces its bulk, making storage and transportation more efficient.

Creating a Renewable Fuel: Briquettes serve as an excellent alternative to fossil fuels, offering a cleaner and more efficient energy source for heating, cooking, and industrial applications.

Economic Benefits: Briquetting can create new income streams for farmers and rural communities.

Environmental Advantages: Utilizing agricultural waste reduces the need for open burning, minimizing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

II. Key Factors Influencing Briquetting

Several critical factors determine the success and efficiency of the briquetting process:

Moisture Content: This is perhaps the most crucial factor. Generally, an optimal moisture content range of 10-15% is recommended for most agricultural wastes. Too high moisture leads to weak, crumbly briquettes, while too low can result in difficulty in binding and excessive wear on the briquetting machine.

Particle Size: Uniform and appropriate particle size is essential for good compaction and interlocking. Materials should be ground or shredded to a size typically ranging from 5-20 mm, depending on the material and briquetting machine.

Binding Agents (Optional): While many agricultural wastes can be briquetted without binders due to their natural lignin content, some materials may benefit from the addition of binding agents like starch, molasses, or clay to improve briquette strength and durability. However, adding binders can increase costs and potentially reduce the energy content.

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More detailed information on the ultimate guide to different agricultural waste groups can be found at: https://www.zymining.com/en/a/news/agricultural-waste-briquetting-guide.html

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How to maintain a briquetting machine for long lifespan?

A briquetting machine is a valuable asset in industries ranging from biomass energy to metal recycling, playing a crucial role in turning raw materials into high-density briquettes. However, like any heavy-duty equipment, its performance and longevity largely depend on consistent and proper maintenance. Without routine care, issues such as wear and tear, material blockage, and mechanical failure can lead to costly downtime and reduced productivity.

How to maintain a briquetting machine for long lifespan

briquetting machine

Maintaining a briquetting machine for a long lifespan is crucial for maximizing efficiency, minimizing downtime, and ensuring consistent production.

1. Implement a Robust Maintenance Schedule

Consistency is key. Develop and adhere to a detailed daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedule.

Daily Maintenance:

Cleaning: Thoroughly clean dust, briquette debris, and other residue from the machine’s surface, especially the feed port, molding die, and discharge port. Use compressed air for hard-to-reach areas.

Visual Inspection: Inspect all accessible seals for cracks or oil residue, and check connections where cylinders meet the barrel or piston. Look for any signs of dampness.

Component Connection Check: Before starting, verify the tightness of connecting bolts between the motor and the main machine, and the fixing bolts of the molding mold.

Monitor Operations: Pay attention to unusual sounds, vibrations, or changes in performance. Address any abnormalities immediately.

Warm-up: Allow the machine to warm up for 5-8 minutes in colder weather before pushing it to maximum output.

Weekly/Bi-Weekly Maintenance:

Lubrication: Regularly lubricate bearings, screws, and transmission chains according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use the correct type and amount of lubricant.

Hydraulic System Check (for hydraulic machines): Monitor hydraulic pressure and temperature. Inspect hydraulic oil levels and condition, replacing it regularly. Check and replace hydraulic filters to remove impurities.

Monthly Maintenance:

Electrical System Check: Inspect wires for damage or aging. Clean dust inside the electrical control cabinet to prevent overheating of components.

Belt and Chain Tension: Check the tightness of belts and chains, adjusting them to the appropriate tension as per the instruction manual.

briquetting machine

Quarterly/Bi-Annual/Annual Maintenance:

Main Mechanical Component Inspection: Inspect the wear of critical components like the screw (propeller/auger), molding die/mold, and pressure rollers.

Screw/Propeller: This is a key component. If severely worn, replace it promptly.

Molding Die/Mold: Check for wear, scratches, or depressions. Repair or replace if the molding size is inconsistent.

Pressure Roller: Inspect for wear, especially if processing abrasive materials.

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For more detailed information on how to maintain the ball press to extend its service life, please click here: https://www.zymining.com/en/a/news/how-to-maintain-a-briquetting-machine-for-long-lifespan.html

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How to Repair Briquetting Machine

Briquetting machines play a vital role in converting biomass, metal chips, or other waste materials into compact, reusable briquettes. Over time, these machines may face operational challenges such as mechanical wear, hydraulic failure, or sensor malfunction, which can reduce productivity and increase downtime. Understanding the fundamentals of briquetting machine repair is essential for maintaining efficiency, extending equipment lifespan, and ensuring consistent briquette quality.

Briquetting Machine Repair

Briquetting machines

I. Common Wear Parts and Their Repair

The most frequently worn parts in a briquetting machine are the propeller (screw auger), the sleeve (forming die/mold), and the heating coils/rings. Regular inspection and timely repair of these parts are crucial for efficient operation and quality briquettes.

Propeller (Screw Auger):

Problem: Wear, deformation, bending, or a non-smooth surface, especially at the tip and along the threads. This can lead to poor briquette formation, no briquettes, or inconsistent density.

Repair:

Welding and Polishing: If worn, use a wear-resistant electrode (diameter 5.0mm or above) to build up the worn areas. Preheat the propeller end to around 200°C before welding. The welding thickness should exceed the required thickness by 1-2mm.

Cooling: After welding, allow for natural cooling. Some methods suggest inserting the welded part into dry quicklime or plant ash to cool slowly.

Grinding/Polishing: Once cooled (below 50°C), grind and polish the surface using silicon wheels (or green silicon carbide wheels) to the specified size until it’s smooth and the angle is correct. Ensure the R-angle at the root of the screw head is treated properly.

Coaxiality: Correct any deformation or bending to ensure the coaxiality of the propeller’s tip.

Regular Replacement: Some recommend replacing the screw head after 1-2 days of operation, regardless of wear, to maintain optimal performance.

Sleeve (Forming Die/Mold):

Problem: Wear, rust spots, or large pits can lead to poor quality briquettes, no briquette formation, or issues with material discharge.

Repair:

Inspection: Periodically check the degree of wear.

Repairing Small Damage: For rust spots, timely repair is needed.

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More detailed information on how to repair the briquetting machine can be found at: https://www.zymining.com/en/a/news/briquetting-machine-repair.html

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How to maintain a hammer crusher

A hammer crusher is widely used in mining, cement, coal, metallurgy, and construction industries for crushing brittle materials such as limestone, slag, and coal. To ensure stable operation, extend equipment life, and reduce downtime, proper maintenance is essential.Maintaining a hammer crusher is crucial for its optimal performance, longevity, and safe operation.

Hammer Crusher Maintenance

hammer crusher

I. Regular Inspections (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Annually):

Hammers and Hammer Rods:

Visual Inspection: Look for rounded, blunted, chipped edges, cracks, or fractures.

Rotation: Hammers often have multiple striking edges (2-way or 4-way reversible). Rotate them to a new edge when the current one becomes worn. This maximizes their lifespan.

Replacement: Replace hammers when all cutting edges are rounded or if they show excessive wear or damage. Replace hammers in factory-balanced sets to prevent imbalance.

Hammer Rods: Inspect for grooving or wear. Replace if grooving is present, especially when replacing hammers in a row.

Screens/Sieve Plates and Bar Grates:

Wear and Damage: Check for holes, tears, excessive clogging, or elongated perforations.

Cleaning: Regularly remove material buildup to ensure better efficiency.

Replacement: Replace screens or bar grates when worn or damaged, as worn-out openings lead to inconsistent particle size.

Wear Plates/Liners:

Thinning: Inspect regularly for signs of thinning, particularly around the bolts.

Replacement: Replace wear plates when they show signs of thinning to protect the main housing.

Bearings:

Signs of Wear: Check for signs of wear, overheating (excessive heat, unusually high temperature), or vibration. Listen for unusual whines or squeaks.

Lubrication: Proper lubrication is critical. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended lubricant type and schedule. Avoid over-lubrication.

Replacement: Replace any damaged or worn bearings promptly, often in pairs.

Motor Coupling:

Alignment: Check the motor coupling and its alignment every 6-12 months. Misalignment can cause vibrations.

Fasteners: Ensure mounting and coupling bolts are tightly fastened.

Belts:

Tension: Check the tension of drive belts regularly. Adjust as needed to prevent slipping and ensure proper power transmission.

Wear: Inspect for cracks or signs of wear.

Fasteners (Bolts, Nuts):

Tightness: Regularly check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and fasteners to the recommended torque values. Loose fasteners can lead to vibration and damage.

Airflow:

Cleanliness: Ensure proper airflow through the mill. Poor airflow can reduce product speed and overall efficiency.

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More detailed information about hammer crusher maintenance methods can be found at: https://www.zymining.com/en/a/news/hammer-crusher-maintenance.html

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Changing Your Vibrating Screen Mesh

Vibrating screen mesh plays a critical role in the screening efficiency and product quality in various industrial applications. Over time, due to wear and tear or changes in production requirements, it becomes necessary to change the screen mesh. Changing the vibrating screen mesh involves a careful process of dismantling, selecting the appropriate mesh size and material, and installing it securely to ensure optimal performance.

Vibrating Screen Mesh Change

Cooperation Customer

Changing a vibrating screen mesh safely is crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring the longevity of your equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

I. Preparation: Safety First!

Read the Manual: Always refer to your vibrating screen’s owner’s manual for specific instructions, warnings, and recommended procedures. Different manufacturers may have unique requirements.

Gather Your Tools and PPE:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Safety glasses or face shield

Gloves (cut-resistant are recommended)

Steel-toed boots

Hard hat (if there’s an overhead risk)

Hearing protection

Tools:

Wrenches (open-ended, box-end, or socket set, appropriate for your screen’s fasteners)

Pry bar or flat bar (for stubborn tension rails)

Wire cutters or tin snips (if dealing with wire mesh)

Tape measure (for verifying new screen dimensions)

Brush or scraper (for cleaning)

Marker or chalk (for marking components)

Sling or hoist (for large, heavy screens, if applicable)

New screen mesh

Any necessary replacement wear parts (e.g., clamp bars, rubber strips, tension springs).

De-energize and Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO): This is paramount!

Shut down the screen: Turn off the power at the control panel.

Isolate the power source: Disconnect the main power supply to the screen.

Apply LOTO procedures: Use locks and tags to prevent accidental re-energization during maintenance.

Verify zero energy: Confirm that the screen cannot start unexpectedly (e.g., by attempting to start it after LOTO).

Clear the Area: Remove any loose materials, tools, or personnel from the immediate vicinity of the screen to create a safe working space.

High Frequency Dehydration Vibrating Screen

II. Removing the Old Screen Mesh:

Inspect for Remaining Material: Ensure there’s no material left on the screen surface. If necessary, use a brush or scraper to remove any stuck material.

Identify Tensioning Mechanism: Understand how your specific screen mesh is tensioned. Common methods include:

Side Tension: Clamp bars along the long sides of the screen.

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More detailed information on the step-by-step guide to replacing vibrating screens can be found at: https://www.hsd-industry.com/news/vibrating-screen-mesh-change/

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Summary of Vibrating Screen Mesh Size Chart

A vibrating screen mesh size chart is a crucial tool for selecting the right screen for various material separation applications. It helps you understand the relationship between “mesh number” (or mesh count) and the actual physical “aperture” or opening size of the screen.

Vibrating Screen Mesh Size Chart

Cooperation Customer

Understanding Mesh Size:

Mesh Number (or Mesh Count): This refers to the number of openings per linear inch of screen.

Higher mesh number = Smaller openings = Finer particles

Lower mesh number = Larger openings = Coarser particles

Aperture Size: This is the actual physical dimension of the opening between the wires in the mesh. It’s typically expressed in millimeters (mm), micrometers (µm or microns), or inches.

Wire Diameter: The thickness of the wire used to weave the mesh. This affects the open area percentage.

Open Area Percentage: This is the ratio of the open space (aperture) to the total mesh area. A higher open area generally means better flow and throughput.

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More detailed information about the vibration screen mesh size table can be found here:https://www.hsd-industry.com/news/vibrating-screen-mesh-size-chart/

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How to improve screening efficiency with banana screens

Banana screens are known for their high screening efficiency, particularly for materials with a high percentage of fines or high moisture content. Their multi-slope design, resembling a banana, allows for rapid stratification and efficient separation.

How to improve screening efficiency with banana screens

Double banana sieve

1. Optimize Screen Parameters:

Adjust Inclination Angle: Banana screens have varying inclination angles along their length. The steep angle at the feed end allows material to move quickly and stratify, while the gentler angle at the discharge end slows it down, giving finer particles more time to pass through. Experiment with these angles to find the optimal settings for your specific material and desired separation. Studies suggest that an inclination of 10° at the discharge end with a 5° increment across the screen can be highly effective.

Vibration Parameters: Fine-tuning the amplitude and frequency of vibration is crucial.

Amplitude: Increasing the amplitude can improve screening efficiency for larger particles, while reducing it might be better for finer particles.

Frequency: Higher frequencies can improve screening efficiency by causing material to move more quickly and reducing clogging, but also consider potential increases in noise and wear.

Vibrating Direction Angle: Adjusting the angle of the eccentric block (e.g., 30° to 90°) can change the proportion of horizontal and vertical exciting force, creating an elliptical vibration track that enhances material throwing and screening, especially for high humidity or viscous materials.

2. Optimize Feed Management:

Uniform and Consistent Feeding: Ensure the material is fed evenly across the entire width of the screen. Uneven loading can lead to reduced efficiency and premature wear. Use feeders, chutes, or baffles to distribute the material uniformly.

Controlled Feed Rate: Avoid overloading or under-utilizing the screen’s capacity. Too much material can cause clogging, while too little can lead to inefficient screening. Adjust the feed rate to match the screen’s capabilities and the material’s flowability and density.

Feed Preparation: Properly condition the feed material. Adjust moisture content and particle size distribution to prevent blinding, pegging, or uneven bed formation. For wet screening, optimize water flow rate and spray patterns.

3. Choose and Maintain Screen Media:

Appropriate Screen Aperture/Mesh Size: Select the right mesh size to match the particle size distribution of the material being processed. This directly impacts screening accuracy and throughput.

Screen Panel Material: Consider factors like wear resistance and open area when selecting screen panels (e.g., woven wedge wire, polyurethane, rubber modular panels). High opening rates generally lead to higher screening efficiency, but might reduce screen life.

Reduce Blinding and Clogging: Banana screens are designed to reduce blinding due to their multi-slope design. However, if it occurs, consider using screen cleaning devices like sliders, ball trays, or ultrasonic deblinding systems. Using screens with self-cleaning properties, such as tapered openings, can also help.

Regular Inspection and Replacement: Regularly inspect screen panels for wear, damage, or blockages. Promptly clean or replace damaged or worn-out panels to maintain optimal aperture openings and efficiency.

Single layer horizontal sieve

4. Implement Robust Maintenance Practices:

Regular Inspections: Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of all components, including the screen deck, side plates, cross members, vibrating components (springs, bearings, vibrator mounting bolts), feed/discharge areas, and structural integrity.

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For more detailed information on how to improve the efficiency of banana screening, please click here:https://www.hsd-industry.com/news/improving-the-screening-efficiency-of-banana-screens/

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How to install and debug banana vibrating screen

Installing and debugging a banana vibrating screen involves several critical steps to ensure its proper function and longevity. Banana screens are designed with multiple inclination angles, decreasing from the feed to the discharge end, which helps maintain a relatively constant material bed depth and high travel velocity.

How to install and debug a banana vibrating screen

Single layer horizontal sieve

Banana Vibrating Screen Installation

1. Preparation:

Inspect the Equipment: Before installation, thoroughly check the new vibrating screen for any damage during transit, such as rusted bearings, aged seals, or structural deformities. Replace any damaged parts.

Lubrication: If the vibrator was injected with anti-rust oil at the factory, replace it with the appropriate lubricating oil before operation.

Site Preparation: Ensure the foundation (concrete or steel structure) is level and sturdy. If storing outdoors before installation, place the screen stably on sleepers at least 250mm off the ground and cover with a rainproof tarpaulin.

2. Assembling the Screen:

Support/Hanging Device: Install the support or hanging device according to the provided component and installation diagrams. Level the foundation first.

Springs: Carefully select springs based on their marked stiffness values and install them to ensure they are vertical and not twisted. The force of the vibration isolation springs should be uniform. Measure spring compression; the two sets of springs at the feeding end should have the same compression, and similarly for the discharge end. Compression at the feed and discharge ends can differ.

Screen Box Connection: Connect the screen box to the support or hanging device. Adjust the screen box to the specified inclination angle. For hanging screens, adjust both the inclination and the level of the main axis simultaneously, typically correcting the horizontal level first to eliminate deflection.

Motor and Belt Installation: Install the motor, ensuring its foundation is level and its horizontal position is corrected. The center lines of the two belt wheels’ grooves must coincide. Adjust the tension of the triangular belt to be appropriate.

Screen Surface: Install and fix the screen surface according to requirements, ensuring it is evenly tensioned to prevent local vibration.

Connections and Lubrication: Check all connecting parts (screen plate, vibrator, etc.) for secure fastening. Verify lubrication of the transmission part. Ensure motor and control box wiring is correct. Manually turn the transmission part to check for normal operation.

Clearance Check: Confirm that the feed and discharge chutes and the funnel under the screen have no collision points with the screen during operation.

3. Test Run (No Load):

Duration: The initial empty run should be no less than 8 hours.

Observation: During this period, observe:

Smooth and quick startup.

Stable vibration and operation, free from special noise.

Amplitude meets requirements (check with an amplitude plate).

No swaying of the screen box. If swaying occurs, check for excessive spring height difference, uneven wire rope tension, non-horizontal rotation axis, or overly tight triangular belt, and adjust accordingly.

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For more detailed information about banana screen commissioning and installation, please click here: https://www.hsd-industry.com/news/banana-vibrating-screen-installation-and-debugging/

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