Hand and finger injuries remain one of the most common safety concerns in mining, often occurring during physically demanding maintenance tasks. To help address this risk and remove potential safety hazards, Multotec has developed a range of hammer-less screening media attachment systems that significantly reduce the amount of hammer blows traditionally required when installing or removing screen media. 

Designed for faster, easier changeouts while lowering the number of hammer blows needed, these systems not only make the process quicker and easier for maintenance, but also significantly improves operator safety, reducing the risk of injuries, fatigue and unplanned downtime in demanding mining environments.

“Safety is at the heart of every innovative solution we design," says Denzyl Macauley, Screening Support Manager at Multotec. “By reducing hammer use during panel changeouts, we are directly addressing one of mining’s most common safety hazards and helping reduce the number of hand injuries on site,” Macauley adds. 

Conventional attachment systems require repeated hammer blows to fasten modular screen panels to support frames on mineral processing equipment such as trommels and vibratory screens. Each panel typically requires multiple hammer blows per pin, as well as additional tools such as screwdrivers and crowbars. The removal process is also two-step, which increases both time and risk. These tasks are often carried out in confined and ergonomically challenging spaces.

For maintenance personnel, this creates multiple safety hazards: from hand and finger injuries caused by missed hammer blows, to pinch points when holding pins in place during hammering, to repetitive strain from repeated, forceful exertion. In some cases, hot work such as flame cutting is required, which introduces additional burn and spark risks. In today’s mining industry, where safety is non-negotiable, such risks not only endanger personnel but also contribute to unplanned stoppages and productivity losses from extended installation times.

Invest in both safety and productivity simultaneously

As an alternative to this, Multotec’s hammer-less attachment systems for screen media simplify static and vibrating screen media changeouts, making them faster, safer and more efficient. Instead of repeated hammering, panels can be clipped or snapped into place using just a few light hammer blows, or simple hand leverage. This minimises the force required, reduces the number of moving parts compared to conventional systems, and lowers overall maintenance effort and cost.

“By simplifying the process and reducing hammer blows, our latest attachment systems make screen panel changeouts faster, easier, and safer,” explains Jean Laurens, Screening Support Engineer at Multotec. “That means fewer injuries, greater efficiency and less disruption to production,” adds Laurens.

Furthermore, Multotec offers several latest-generation hammer-less systems for use on modular runner-type screens that accommodate interlocking, standardised screen panels. These systems can also be retrofitted to any existing screen decks or applications currently in operation.

The ERX system, designed for extremely heavy-duty applications, secures modular interlocking polyurethane or rubber panels using fixed clamping strips and a top locking strip. This eliminates the need for multiple bolts and nuts and removes hot work such as grinding or cutting during changeouts.

The Y-LOK system is specifically tailored for Multotec trommel screens, where modular polyurethane or rubber screen panels attach via a snap-on mechanism along a Y-shaped groove rail system, enabling quick and secure installation with minimal hammering.

For general screen attachment needs, the CCX and HALO systems provide versatile clip-in and snap-on solutions suitable for applications ranging from sizing and dewatering to media recovery. These systems reduce reliance on tools, allowing single-person changeouts to be done by hand, while being compatible with all screen media materials.

Derived from the ERX series, Multotec's Adaptable, Cost-effective, Ergonomic (ACE) fixing solution requires zero hammer blows, eliminating the risk of impact injuries during screen panel changeouts. The ACE panels lock in place with just hand pressure so there is no impact risk and no pinch points. By reducing physical effort, it lowers the risk of strain or injury, creating a safer, more ergonomic work environment.

Once in place, ACE is engineered for unparalleled security and features a robust dual locking mechanism that ensures maximum reliability. When paired with the top locking strip, it becomes virtually fail-proof, staying securely in place even where other fastening solutions have failed. This exceptional resilience makes the system the most reliable solution on the market.

When the time comes for removal, ACE requires no screwdrivers or pry bars. Multotec’s engineered, battery-powered tool makes panel removal simple, fast, and safe, which is the smarter way to get the job done. 

Together, these advanced attachment systems demonstrate Multotec’s focus on putting personnel safety first while streamlining changeouts. By reducing hammering and simplifying installation, they lower the risk of hand injuries and pinch points, cut down on repetitive strain and decrease operator fatigue, improving alertness and morale. The result is a safer working environment, faster maintenance, greater plant availability and improved productivity, fully aligned with the mining industry’s growing emphasis on both safety and operational efficiency.

Available through Multotec’s global branch network, these attachment systems reflect the company’s strong commitment to innovation and safety. They give mines a practical, proven way to reduce injuries, improve worker conditions and achieve higher productivity during routine maintenance.