In-house exciter repair underpins Sandvik’s screen lifecycle support

Keeping screening equipment productive and dependable is essential for efficient mineral processing. To support this need, Sandvik Rock Processing operates a dedicated Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility focused on maintaining the performance and reliability of vibrating screens used across the mining sector.

The specialised facility plays an important role in ensuring that screening equipment continues to operate at peak performance throughout its lifecycle. By restoring critical vibratory components to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, the operation helps mining companies minimise unplanned downtime while improving the long-term value of their equipment investments.

According to Sydney Baloyi, Aftermarket Manager for Screening Solutions (Africa) at Sandvik Rock Processing, the facility forms a key part of the company’s lifecycle service approach for customers across the continent.

“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.”

Exciters, including exciter motors and gearboxes, are central to the performance of vibrating screens and feeders used in mineral processing plants. These components generate the controlled vibration required to separate material efficiently and maintain consistent throughput.

“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.”

To ensure optimal performance, the refurbishment process begins with a full strip-down and detailed inspection of the exciters and related vibratory components. This includes motors, gearboxes and other assemblies that influence the vibration performance of the equipment.

“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.”

Once repairs are completed, refurbished units go through the same assembly and testing procedures applied to new equipment. This ensures that performance, reliability and operational consistency are maintained when the components are returned to service in the field.

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

Maintaining OEM standards during refurbishment is critical in preventing premature failures that can occur when non-standard repairs are used. However, Baloyi notes that reliability depends not only on replacement parts but also on the expertise behind the repair process.

“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 operational efficiency, maintaining exciters correctly is also an important safety consideration. Vibrating equipment that does not perform properly can affect plant stability, process control and overall operational safety.

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

The value of the Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility is already being reflected in positive customer feedback. Mining operations using the service report measurable benefits such as reduced downtime, longer component life and improved confidence in repair quality.

“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.”