Guide to Mining Crusher Types: Jaw, Cone, Impact & VSI Crushers

In the field of mining and industrial processing, crushers are indispensable core equipment. Based on working principles, material particle size, and structural characteristics, mining crushers are generally classified into the following main categories:

1. Primary Crushing: Jaw Crusher

This is the first stage of the mining process (Primary Crushing).

• Working Principle: It crushes large rocks by the compression movement of a movable jaw plate and a fixed jaw plate, similar to “chewing.”
• Features: Simple and robust structure, ideal for handling high-hardness materials and large-sized ores.
• Application: Primary crushing of various hard rocks and ores.

2. Secondary/Tertiary Crushing: Cone Crusher

Commonly used for the second or third crushing stages to process materials after primary crushing.

• Working Principle: The crushing mantle moves within the bowl liner in a gyratory motion, squeezing and breaking the material between them.
• Classification: Includes single-cylinder hydraulic, multi-cylinder hydraulic, and spring-type cone crushers.
• Features: High efficiency, long service life of wear parts, suitable for medium-hard to extremely hard materials like granite and basalt.

3. Secondary/Fine Crushing: Impact Crusher

• Working Principle: It utilizes high-speed rotating blow bars to strike the ore and throw it against impact plates for further crushing.
• Features: Excellent final product shape (mostly cubical) and adjustable discharge size.
• Application: Suitable for medium-hardness, relatively brittle materials such as limestone and concrete recycling.

4. Sand Making & Shaping: VSI Crusher (Vertical Shaft Impactor)

Commonly known as a “Sand Maker.”

• Working Principle: Uses “stone-on-stone” or “stone-on-metal” principles, causing materials to collide at high speeds.
• Features: Primarily used for manufactured sand production and shaping construction aggregates with lower wear costs.

5. Special Purpose Crushers

• Hammer Crusher: Uses high-speed hammer head impacts, typically for medium-hardness materials with low moisture.

• Roll Crusher: Crushes through compression and friction between two counter-rotating rollers, often used for coal or chemical raw materials requiring strict size control.
• Mobile Crushing Plant: These crushers are mounted on tire or crawler chassis, allowing them to move directly into the mining site, significantly reducing transportation costs.

Crusher Selection Reference Guide