What is the difference between Jaw crusher and Impact crusher?

When it comes to crushing and breaking down materials, there are two primary crushers used in the mining and construction industries: the jaw crusher and the impact crusher. Both of these machines are powerful tools that have been around for decades, and both have unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the differences between jaw crushers and impact crushers, and provide a detailed breakdown of how each one works.

Jaw Crusher Overview

A jaw crusher is a machine that uses compressive force to break down materials. It works by crushing materials between two heavy metal plates, called jaws. The jaws are positioned in a V-shape, with one jaw moving back and forth to crush the material against the other fixed jaw.

Jaw crushers are typically used in large mining and quarrying operations where large rocks or ores need to be crushed into smaller pieces. They can also be used in recycling operations to break down concrete and asphalt for reuse. Jaw crushers are versatile machines that can handle a wide range of materials, including hard and abrasive materials like granite and basalt.

Impact Crusher Overview

An impact crusher, on the other hand, uses a high-speed impact force to break down materials. The material is picked up by a fast-moving rotor, which is then thrown against a stationary impact plate. This impact plate is located at the top of the crusher chamber and is designed to withstand the high-impact forces generated by the rotor.

Impact crushers are typically used in the mining and construction industries to crush hard and abrasive materials like limestone, gravel, concrete, and asphalt. They are often used as a secondary or tertiary crusher after a jaw crusher, and can also be used for primary crushing in some applications.

Comparison of Jaw Crusher vs. Impact Crusher

Now that we have a basic understanding of how jaw crushers and impact crushers work, let’s compare the two machines in terms of their design, applications, and operating principles.

  • Design

Jaw crushers and impact crushers have different designs. Jaw crushers consist of a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, which are mounted on opposite sides of a V-shaped chamber. The movable jaw moves back and forth to crush the material against the fixed jaw. The opening between the jaws is adjustable to control the size of the crushed material.

Impact crushers, on the other hand, have a rotor that rotates at high speed, and is equipped with blow bars or hammers that strike the material and break it down into smaller pieces. The impact plate, which is located at the top of the crusher chamber, is designed to withstand the high impact forces generated by the rotor.

  • Applications

Jaw crushers and impact crushers are used for different applications. Jaw crushers are commonly used in the mining and quarrying industries to crush hard and abrasive materials like granite and basalt. They are also used in recycling operations to break down concrete and asphalt for reuse.

Impact crushers are typically used in the mining and construction industries to crush hard and abrasive materials like limestone, gravel, concrete, and asphalt. They are often used as a secondary or tertiary crusher after a jaw crusher, and can also be used for primary crushing in some applications.

  • Operating Principles

Jaw crushers and impact crushers also operate on different principles. Jaw crushers use compressive force to break down materials, while impact crushers use impact force.

In a jaw crusher, the material is fed into the chamber and crushed between two jaws. The moving jaw moves back and forth against the fixed jaw, crushing the material until it is small enough to pass through the opening between the jaws.

In an impact crusher, the material is picked up by a fast-moving rotor, which is then thrown against a stationary impact plate. The high impact forces generated by the rotor break down the material into smaller pieces, then discharged through the bottom of the crusher.

Advantages of Jaw Crushers

Jaw crushers have several advantages over impact crushers, including:

  1. Lower initial cost: Jaw crushers are generally less expensive than impact crushers, making them a more cost-effective option for many applications.

  2. Simple operation: Jaw crushers are easy to operate and maintain, and they require less technical expertise to operate than impact crushers.

  3. Better for hard materials: Jaw crushers are better suited for crushing hard materials like granite, basalt, and quartz, which are more difficult to break down with an impact crusher.

  4. Adjustable discharge: The opening between the jaws can be adjusted to control the size of the crushed material, making it easier to achieve the desired product size.

Advantages of Impact Crushers

Impact crushers also have several advantages over jaw crushers, including:

  1. Higher reduction ratio: Impact crushers have a higher reduction ratio than jaw crushers, meaning they can break down larger and harder materials more effectively.

  2. Better for soft materials: Impact crushers are better suited for crushing soft materials like limestone and clay, which can be difficult to break down with a jaw crusher.

  3. Higher production capacity: Impact crushers can handle larger volumes of material than jaw crushers, making them a better choice for high-volume production operations.

  4. The better shape of the final product: Impact crushers produce a more cubical shape of the final product, which is desirable for many applications.

Conclusion

In summary, jaw crushers and impact crushers are powerful machines that can break down hard and abrasive materials. Jaw crushers are generally less expensive and better suited for crushing hard materials. In contrast, impact crushers are better suited for crushing soft materials and producing a more cubical shape of the final product.

When choosing between a jaw crusher and an impact crusher, it is important to consider the specific application and the properties of the material being crushed. Ultimately, the decision will depend on factors like cost, production capacity, and the desired final product size and shape. By understanding the differences between these two machines, you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve your crushing goals.

If you are in the market for a crusher, Sandrock Mining is your best choice. With years of experience in the mining and construction industries, Sandrock Mining has a wide range of crushers to choose from, including jaw crushers, impact crushers, and cone crushers. Our team of experts can help you choose the right crusher for your specific application and provide support throughout the entire purchasing process.

So why choose Sandrock Mining? With our extensive experience, knowledgeable team, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are confident that we can provide you with the best crusher for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our crushers and how we can help you achieve your crushing goals.