How does an impact crusher work?

An impact crusher is a machine used for breaking down large rocks into smaller pieces by impacting them with the force of certain wear parts.The working principle of an impact crusher revolves around the rotor, which is a heavy-duty steel drum fitted with beaters that rotate at high speeds. The material is fed into the chamber from above and is impacted by the rotor's centrifugal force as it rotates. 

Impact crusher working principle

Feed Material Entry: The feed material is introduced into the crushing chamber from above, typically through a feed chute or hopper. The material may be fed directly into the center of the rotor or distributed across the width of the rotor.

Rotor and Beaters: The rotor is the central component of the impact crusher and is typically mounted horizontally. It is equipped with a series of beaters or hammers that are attached to the rotor's circumference. These beaters are free to swing or pivot on the rotor shaft.

Impact Crushing: As the rotor rotates at high speeds, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes the beaters to swing outward and impact the incoming feed material. This impact crushes the material against the stationary anvils or breaker plates located within the crushing chamber.

Crushing Chamber: The crushing chamber is the area where the impact takes place. It is typically lined with durable materials such as manganese steel or high-chrome iron to withstand the high impact forces generated during crushing.

Particle Size Reduction: The impact of the beaters against the feed material causes it to break into smaller pieces. The size of the crushed material is determined by the gap between the rotor and the anvils or breaker plates, as well as the speed and angle of the rotor.

Discharge: Once the material has been sufficiently crushed, it exits the crushing chamber through the bottom opening or discharge chute. The crushed material may then be further processed or used as the final product.

Adjustable Settings: Some impact crushers feature adjustable settings that allow operators to control the size and shape of the final product. This may include adjusting the rotor speed, the gap between the rotor and the anvils, or the angle of the breaker plates.

In summary, the working principle of an impact crusher involves the rotation of a rotor with beaters that impact the feed material, causing it to break into smaller pieces. The crushed material exits the crushing chamber through the bottom opening, resulting in the desired size and shape of the final product.