Posted on: March 7th, 2025 by Zach Lewis
Maximizing cone liner wear life can significantly improve maintenance costs, crusher uptime, and overall profitability. According to Curt Theisen, crushing technical support engineer at Superior Industries, producers can boost liner lifespan by up to 30% with the right strategies. Here are his top tips:
Manganese steel is the top choice for cone liners due to its ability to work-harden. As rock compresses against a new liner, the manganese gradually hardens, increasing from 25 Rockwell (250 Brinell) to as high as 60 Rockwell (660 Brinell).
Start at 50% power (about 65% amps) while running a full cavity for six hours.
Increase to 75% power (about 80% amps) for the next two hours.
After this, the liners will be fully work-hardened and ready for full-capacity operation.
A continuous, steady feed is key to extending manganese wear life. Choke feeding means keeping the cone head covered with at least 150mm of consistent, homogenous material. This prevents erratic head movement, which can accelerate liner wear and damage components.
Avoid running the cone empty or feeding it inconsistently. Instead, use hoppers, feeders, and surge bins to maintain a steady flow of material throughout the shift.
By ensuring proper work-hardening and consistent choke feeding, producers can achieve:
-Longer liner wear life
-Higher crushing efficiency
-Increased product output
-More uniform, cubical material
Following these best practices leads to better performance, reduced costs, and greater profitability. Implement these strategies and get the most out of your cone liners!