Crushers are constantly dealing with hard materials in industrial production. During operation, they not only generate a large amount of dust splashing but also produce vibration and noise. A suitable outer cover can act like a “protective shield”, safeguarding the internal components of the equipment from dust erosion, reducing noise spread, and making the operators safer at the same time. When choosing an outer cover, material and structure are two core considerations, as they directly affect the durability, practicality and protective effect on the equipment of the outer cover.
Cover material: Choose the right “protective clothing” based on the environment
The requirements for materials vary greatly in different working environments. Metals, plastics and composite materials each have their own areas of expertise. Only by choosing the right one can the outer cover truly play its role.
Metal materials are the “tough guy” choice for the outer cover of crushers. The most commonly used steel is not only hard but also resistant to material impact and exposure to wind and sun. Even in open-pit mines or workshops filled with dust, it is not prone to deformation after being used for five or six years. Especially for crushers dealing with large pieces of ore, the outer cover is often hit by flying debris. The impact resistance of metal materials can prevent the outer cover from being damaged. However, the metal cover is a bit heavy and may require tools during installation. But it offers long-term and stable protection, making it suitable for harsh environments where equipment operates at high intensity throughout the year.
The plastic cover is more like a “lightweight protective suit”. It is light in weight, easy to install and much cheaper than metal. If the crusher is placed indoors, such as in the workshop of a building materials factory, where the environment is clean and there is not so much dust or impact risk, a plastic cover is very suitable. For crushers that handle relatively soft materials such as gypsum powder and talcum powder, the outer cover mainly serves to prevent dust and block light debris. Plastic is fully capable of doing the job. However, it should be noted that plastic is afraid of high temperatures and direct strong sunlight. Long-term exposure to the sun is prone to aging and becoming brittle, so it is not suitable for outdoor use or places near heat sources.
Composite materials are “all-rounders”. It is usually made of a mixture of plastic and fibers (such as glass fiber), combining the lightness of plastic with the strength close to that of metal. In some scenarios where dust-proofing and acid and alkali resistance are required, such as crushers for processing chemical raw materials, the composite material cover will not be corroded like metal and is more durable than pure plastic. Moreover, composite materials can be made into various shapes, which can fit the contours of different models of crushers. When installed, they fit the equipment more closely and have a better dust-proof effect.
Cover structure: Details determine practicality
A good structural design can not only make the outer cover “protective”, but also “practical and easy to maintain”. Ventilation, heat dissipation and operational convenience, these three details directly affect the operational efficiency of the equipment and the experience of the operators.
Ventilation and heat dissipation are the “breathing channels” of the crusher. When the crusher is in operation, the motor and internal parts will heat up. If the outer cover is airtight and the heat cannot be dissipated, it may cause the equipment to overheat and shut down. A reasonable structure will open air outlets at the top or side and install dust-proof nets at the same time – which can not only allow hot air to escape but also prevent dust from entering. For instance, if the ventilation openings are designed with inclined louvers, rainwater is less likely to seep in and dust accumulation can also be reduced. For those crushers with high rotational speed and large heat generation, the size and position of the air vent are crucial. Usually, it is directed at the heat dissipation area of the motor, allowing cold air to blow directly through to quickly cool down.
The ease of operation makes maintenance easier. The crusher needs to have its internal parts inspected regularly and its vulnerable parts replaced. If the outer cover is difficult to remove, it will take up a lot of time. Nowadays, many outer covers are designed in a “segmented” style. For instance, the side panels are connected by clips or hinges. When opening, there is no need to completely remove them; you can reach the internal components with your hand. Some outer covers have observation Windows at key positions, made of transparent and impact-resistant materials. Operators can see the operation of the internal parts without opening the outer cover, which is both convenient and safe. Although these details are small, they can significantly reduce the workload during maintenance.
The sealing performance and noise reduction design cannot be ignored. If there is a gap at the connection between the outer cover and the equipment, dust will take the opportunity to get in, and over time, it will wear out the internal parts. So a good outer cover will add rubber sealing strips at the edges to fit the surface of the equipment and block the gaps. Meanwhile, a layer of sound insulation cotton can be pasted inside the outer cover, which can absorb some noise and make the workshop environment more comfortable. For instance, crushers used for processing hard rocks such as granite and basalt generate particularly high levels of noise. An outer cover with sound insulation cotton can reduce the noise by over 20%, protecting the hearing of the operators.
Tips for choosing an outer cover: Start from your actual needs
When choosing an outer cover, there is no need to pursue the “most expensive one”, but rather the “most suitable one”. First, let’s look at the working environment of the crusher: choose metal for outdoor open air, plastic for indoor clean environment, and composite materials for acid and alkali corrosion. Let’s look at the working intensity of the equipment: For processing hard materials and high-frequency operation, a metal cover should be given priority. For soft materials and occasional use, plastic or composite materials are more cost-effective.
Also, don’t neglect the maintenance requirements. If the equipment needs to be inspected frequently, choose a structure with pivots and observation Windows. If the equipment generates a large amount of heat, it is essential to ensure that the ventilation port design is reasonable. Finally, when installing, make sure the outer cover fits the equipment tightly and do not omit the sealing strip; otherwise, the dust-proof and soundproof effects will be greatly reduced.
Although the outer cover is small, it is the “first line of defense” of the crusher. Choosing the right materials and structures can not only extend the service life of equipment, reduce downtime due to faults, but also make the working environment safer and more comfortable. For a crusher, a suitable outer cover is like taking out a “long-term insurance” for the equipment.
Post time: Jul-24-2025