Keeping screens productive and reliable is vital to mineral processing. To support this, Sandvik Rock Processing operates a dedicated Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility that ensures the highest standards are applied to maximise screen uptime and performance.

According to Sydney Baloyi, Aftermarket Manager for Screening Solutions (Africa) at Sandvik Rock Processing, the facility plays a strategic role in supporting customers throughout the operational life of their screening equipment. Its specialist capability is designed to restore key vibratory components to OEM specifications, while reducing downtime and total cost of ownership.

“By repairing and refurbishing customers’ exciters locally, we can give customers rapid turnaround times without compromising our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards,” Baloyi says. “This aligns directly with our lifecycle focus on extending equipment life, improving reliability and reducing ownership costs.”

He highlights that the condition of the exciters – including exciter motors and gearboxes – is fundamental to the efficient operation of vibrating screens and feeders. Their ability to generate the intended controlled vibration is central to effective material separation and throughput efficiency.

“Exciters are essentially the driving force of the screen; without that vibration, the screen simply cannot perform its function,” Baloyi explains. “At the same time, exciters experience significant wear due to continuous dynamic loading.”

The refurbishment process begins with comprehensive stripping and inspection of the exciters and associated vibratory components, including motors, gearboxes and related assemblies.

“Our repairs follow strict OEM processes, designed to restore equipment to original specifications rather than applying temporary fixes,” he emphasises. “Any worn or damaged components are replaced so the unit is returned to its original condition and performance standard.”

Refurbished units then undergo the same assembly and testing procedures as new equipment, ensuring consistent performance and reliability once returned to service.

“Meeting the same performance expectations as new equipment means that refurbished exciters can fully support customers’ need for operational continuity,” Baloyi says.

This emphasis on OEM standards protects customers from premature failures often associated with non-standard repairs. However, he notes that reliability depends on more than just the right parts.

“The workmanship and the repair process are equally critical to ensuring long service life,” he says. “We rely on proven repair processes backed by skilled technicians who understand the equipment in detail. This combination of quality parts, correct processes and experienced workmanship is what protects reliability.”

Beyond productivity, correct and regular maintenance of exciters is also a safety consideration, he continues, as poorly performing vibrating equipment can affect plant stability and process control.

“The safe and consistent performance of screening equipment is dependent on reliable exciters,” Baloyi says.

He adds that the value of the Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility is reflected in customer feedback, with tangible operational benefits reported.

“We see reduced downtime, longer component life and greater confidence in repair quality from customers who use the facility,” he concludes. “In the end, customers want equipment that keeps their operations productive – and this facility helps us deliver exactly that.”