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Vibratory Table FAQs | Compaction, Settling & Sizing 

By CVC Team

Vibratory tables are used to settle, compact, densify and de-air materials and can also be incorporated into production, packaging, weighing and testing processes. 

Cleveland Vibrator offers flat-deck, low-profile, grid-top, weigh, belt conveyor and foundry shakeout table configurations, with custom designs available for a wide range of container sizes, materials and load requirements. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

What does a vibratory table do? 

A vibratory table transfers controlled vibration into a container, mold, product or bulk material. Depending on the process, vibration can settle loose product, remove trapped air, increase bulk density, consolidate material in a mold or perform testing. 

Common applications include packaging, bulk-material compaction, concrete and refractory consolidation, foundry processes and quality testing. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

What materials can be compacted on a vibratory table? 

A broad range of materials can respond to vibration, including foundry sand, powdered materials, ceramic mixes, concrete, refractories and packaged products. 

The important question is not simply whether a material can be vibrated, but what combination of frequency, force and stroke produces the desired result. 

Read to Learn More: Stroke, Frequency and Force: Keys to Vibratory Compaction 

How do I choose the right vibratory table? 

Start with the process. 

Consider the dimensions and weight of the item being vibrated, material characteristics, desired amount of compaction, available floor space, loading/unloading method, conveyor integration, weighing requirements, controls and required vibration characteristics. 

Those requirements help determine whether the best solution is a flat-deck, grid-top, belt, weigh or other specialized table. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

What is a flat-deck vibratory table? 

A flat-deck table provides a solid vibrating surface on which a container, mold or product is placed. 

It is a versatile configuration for production, packaging, testing and material compaction and is often appropriate when the load can be placed directly onto and removed from the table deck. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

What is a grid-top vibratory table? 

A grid-top table is designed to integrate with roller conveyor systems. 

At the vibration station, the grid rises through or above the rollers, lifts the container off the conveyor, vibrates it and then lowers it back onto the rollers so it can continue through the production line. 

Read to Learn More: Grid Top Vibratory Table 

What is a vibratory weigh table? 

A vibratory weigh table combines settling or compaction with weighing. 

Grid-top weigh tables can incorporate digital scale instrumentation and set points to coordinate filling, weighing and vibration, allowing the station to become part of an automated or semi-automated packaging line. 

Read to Learn More: Grid Top Vibratory Weigh Table 

What is a vibratory belt table? 

A vibratory belt table combines vibration with conveyor movement so material can be settled inside a container while that container moves toward the next packaging operation. 

This can be useful where compaction needs to fit into a continuous production or packaging process rather than operating as a separate manual station. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

How much can vibration compact my material? 

The percentage of compaction varies significantly by material. Particle size, particle shape, bulk density, moisture, initial aeration and vibration parameters all affect the result. 

Instead of relying on a universal compaction percentage, testing a representative sample can determine how the material responds and estimate achievable compaction. 

Read to Learn More: Stroke, Frequency and Force: Keys to Vibratory Compaction 

How long should material be vibrated? 

There is no universal time. Many materials achieve most useful compaction relatively quickly, and continuing to add vibration after the material has settled may provide little benefit. 

Testing is the best way to determine the point at which additional vibration stops providing meaningful compaction. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Table Compaction Conundrum 

Can you over-vibrate a material? 

Yes. More vibration does not necessarily create more compaction. 

With an unsuitable combination of force and frequency, some materials can begin to aerate or fluidize instead of densifying. The objective is to identify the vibration conditions that reach maximum useful compaction efficiently. 

Read to Learn More: Stroke, Frequency and Force: Keys to Vibratory Compaction 

What frequency is best for vibratory compaction? 

It depends on the material. Material characteristics determine the appropriate combination of frequency, force and stroke. 

Heavier or fine materials may respond differently from light or coarse materials. Actual testing is valuable for difficult or high-value applications. 

Read to Learn More: Stroke, Frequency and Force: Keys to Vibratory Compaction 

Can a vibratory table help fit more material into a container? 

Yes. Settling an aerated bulk material can reduce its volume, allowing more product to fit into a drum, box, bulk bag or other container. 

The economic benefit can include improved use of container capacity and reduced packaging or shipping requirements, depending on the material and process. 

Read to Learn More: Bulk Bag / Box Filler Densification 

Can a vibratory table be used for concrete? 

Yes. Vibratory tables can help remove air and voids and consolidate poured concrete in molds. 

The appropriate vibration characteristics depend on the mix, mold, load and desired finished-product characteristics. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

Can a vibratory table be used for refractory materials? 

Yes. Refractory consolidation is a common vibratory-table application. 

Vibration can assist with de-airing and settling castable refractory material into molds. Because mixes differ significantly, material testing can be valuable when specifying the vibration system. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Table Applications 

How much weight can a vibratory table handle? 

Capacity depends on the table design. Cleveland Vibrator has experience designing compaction tables for both small loads and very heavy industrial loads. 

Table construction, deck dimensions, isolation system and vibratory drive are selected around the actual load and process. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Tables 

Can a vibratory table be built to custom dimensions? 

Yes. Table designs can be customized around the customer’s product, container, available space and manufacturing process rather than forcing every application into one standard deck size. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Compaction Table Design Options 


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Vibratory Feeder FAQs | Selection, Sizing & Feed Rates 

By CVC Team

Vibratory feeders provide controlled movement of bulk materials from one process to another. They can be used to feed mixers, crushers, screeners and furnaces; meter ingredients; fill containers; or spread material across another product or process. 

Cleveland Vibrator offers air-powered, electromechanical and volumetric feeder configurations with adjustable material flow and a wide range of tray, discharge, isolation and control options. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

How does a vibratory feeder work? 

A vibratory feeder moves material through a series of very short, rapid movements along the feeder tray. Although it appears to the eye as a continuous stream, the material is actually making repeated small hops forward. 

The vibratory drive and tray are designed to create controlled movement in the desired direction. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

What is a vibratory feeder used for? 

Vibratory feeders can move bulk material from one process to another, meter ingredients into a process, feed furnaces or equipment, fill containers and spread or sprinkle material. 

Applications can include feeding ingredients to mixing tanks, adding foundry binders, feeding metal components to heat-treating furnaces and delivering scrap or glass cullet to furnaces. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

How do you size a vibratory feeder? 

Feeder sizing begins with the material and required capacity. Important factors include required feed rate, bulk density, particle characteristics, desired bed depth, tray width and length, tray shape, discharge arrangement and downstream process requirements. 

These variables should be evaluated together rather than selecting a feeder solely from a nominal tons-per-hour figure. 

Read to Learn More: How to Design and Size a Vibratory Feeder Conveyor 

What determines the capacity of a vibratory feeder? 

Capacity depends on several variables, including tray width, tray configuration, material bulk density, material depth and the rate at which the material travels. 

A flat tray, V-shaped tray and tubular feeder of similar overall dimensions will not necessarily have the same capacity. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

How do I control the feed rate of a vibratory feeder? 

Depending on the feeder design, feed rate can be adjusted by changing vibration intensity, operating frequency and material depth at the feeder inlet. 

A variable-frequency drive can provide additional control on electromechanical feeders, while air-powered and electromagnetic designs have their own methods of varying vibration. Hopper gate position can also influence the amount of material placed on the feeder tray. 

Read to Learn More: 3 Variables that Influence Material Flow from Vibratory Hopper Feeders 

Why is my vibratory feeder feeding inconsistently? 

First look at the material itself. Significant changes in particle size, density, moisture or flowability can make consistent metering difficult even when the feeder is operating correctly. 

Other variables include hopper gate opening, bed depth, vibration force, frequency and downstream process speed. Work through these variables systematically when precise material delivery is required. 

Read to Learn More: 3 Variables that Influence Material Flow from Vibratory Hopper Feeders 

Can a vibratory feeder provide precise metering? 

It can provide controlled and repeatable volumetric flow when the material and process conditions are suitable. 

For precise applications, consistency in particle size, density and flow characteristics becomes increasingly important. Variable controls allow the feed rate to be tuned to the application. 

Read to Learn More: 3 Variables that Influence Material Flow from Vibratory Hopper Feeders 

Can a vibratory feeder handle powder? 

Yes, vibratory feeders can be designed for many powdered and granular materials, but the material’s flow characteristics must be considered. 

Very fine, cohesive, dusty or aerated powders may require different hopper geometry, tray design, covers, liners or vibration parameters than a coarse, free-flowing granular material. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

What feeder tray shape should I use? 

The best tray depends on the material and process. 

Cleveland Vibrator offers flat, V-shaped and tubular configurations, along with different discharge styles. A flat tray can maximize open conveying area, a V-shaped design can help contain material and a tubular design can provide greater containment where dust control or enclosed conveying is important. Tray shape also affects capacity. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

Can a vibratory feeder be enclosed? 

Yes. Dust covers and tubular tray configurations can be incorporated into feeder designs. 

Enclosure may be beneficial where the process involves dusty material, product containment or environmental control. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

Can a vibratory feeder spread material evenly? 

Yes. In addition to transporting material from Point A to Point B, a properly configured vibratory feeder can spread or sprinkle bulk material across another product or conveyor. 

Feeder force, frequency and operating speed can be adjusted to create a controlled layer of material across a process below the feeder. 

Read to Learn More: How to Design and Size a Vibratory Feeder Conveyor 

Can a vibratory feeder feed a mixer, screener or furnace? 

Yes. These are common applications. Vibratory feeders can serve mixers, shredders, crushers, screeners, furnaces, production processes and final containers. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

What is the difference between an air-powered and electric vibratory feeder? 

Air-powered feeders use pneumatic vibration and can provide a simple solution where compressed air is readily available. Electric electromechanical feeders use electric vibratory motors and can incorporate controls for speed and vibration intensity. 

Air-powered feeders can also be attractive in some hazardous-area applications, subject to the requirements of the installation. 

Read to Learn More:  Air-Powered Vibratory Feeders 

Can a vibratory feeder be integrated with a hopper? 

Yes. Feeders are frequently supplied beneath storage hoppers. 

The hopper can be attached to the feeder system or remain a separate, non-vibrating structure depending on the process. Hopper geometry and gate opening should provide material to the feeder without placing excessive head load on the tray. 

Read to Learn More: Attached vs. Unattached Volumetric Hopper Designs 

Can a vibratory feeder be integrated with weighing or batch controls? 

Yes. Special control options can include batch weighing, remote operation, two-speed operation and multiple-feeder systems. 

Read to Learn More: Vibratory Feeders 

 


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Bin & Hopper Vibrator FAQs | Material Flow Solutions

By CVC Team

Material hang-ups in bins and hoppers can slow production, create inconsistent discharge and lead operators to strike the vessel manually. Industrial vibrators provide a controlled way to introduce energy into the vessel wall to promote bulk material flow and cleanout. 

Cleveland Vibrator applies pneumatic and electric vibration to applications involving bridging, ratholing, sticking material and incomplete hopper discharge across industries including aggregate, feed and grain, cement, foundry, dust collection and wood products. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

What causes material to bridge in a hopper? 

Bridging, sometimes called arching, occurs when material forms a stable arch across the hopper outlet. Friction between particles and the hopper wall can support the material above the outlet even as material below it is discharged. 

Industrial vibration helps reduce the conditions that allow this arch to remain stable, encouraging material to move toward the discharge. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

What is ratholing in a bin or hopper? 

Ratholing occurs when material flows through a narrow channel above the outlet while material surrounding that channel remains stuck to the vessel walls. 

The result is incomplete discharge and reduced usable capacity. External vibration can help mobilize the material remaining along the hopper walls and promote more complete flow. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

What is the difference between bridging and ratholing? 

Bridging typically blocks the outlet with an arch of material. 

Ratholing allows some material to discharge through a central channel while a substantial portion remains along the vessel walls. Both can restrict production, but the location and behavior of the material differ, which can affect vibrator selection and placement. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

How does a hopper vibrator improve material flow? 

A properly sized and installed vibrator transfers energy through the hopper wall and into the bulk material. This helps overcome friction and material cohesion that contribute to bridging, ratholing and sticking. 

The objective is not simply to shake the hopper harder. Effective vibration applies the right force and frequency to the appropriate portion of the vessel. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

Where should a vibrator be mounted on a hopper? 

Placement depends on the vessel and the location of the flow problem. For a typical sloped-wall hopper installation, a common starting point is partway up the sloped wall from the discharge, positioned so the energy reaches the problem area. 

When additional vibrators are required, their locations can be staggered on opposing walls so the vibration energy is distributed effectively rather than concentrated in one area. 

Read to Learn More: Proper Installation of Industrial Vibrators 

How many vibrators does my hopper need? 

Vessel size, geometry and application determine the quantity. A correctly sized vibrator has a limited zone of influence, so a large hopper may need several vibrators positioned strategically rather than one large vibrator. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

Should two hopper vibrators be mounted directly across from each other? 

Not necessarily. When multiple vibrators are used, consider opposite-side placement and staggered mounting heights so vibration energy is distributed through the vessel rather than simply concentrated at one elevation. 

Read to Learn More: Two Vibrators Are Always Better Than One? 

Can a vibrator damage my hopper? 

A correctly sized and properly installed vibrator should be selected with the vessel construction in mind. Problems attributed to vibration are often associated with improper sizing, mounting, reinforcement or installation rather than the mere use of vibration. 

The mounting system must transfer the vibration into the vessel correctly without creating an excessive localized stress concentration. 

Read to Learn More: Proper Installation of Industrial Vibrators 

Why shouldn’t employees hit a hopper with a hammer? 

Manual hammering may temporarily loosen material, but repeated impacts can dent and damage the hopper wall while also creating an unnecessary manual task around process equipment. 

A properly engineered vibratory flow aid provides a repeatable way to address material hang-ups without relying on manual striking. 

Read to Learn More: Bin & Hopper Application 

What vibrator is best for sticky material in a hopper? 

Impacting piston vibration is commonly considered for sticky or cohesive bulk materials because the impact can help release material clinging to hopper walls. 

For a localized cleanout problem, a single-impact air knocker may also be appropriate. Dry bulk-flow applications may be better served by non-impacting vibration. 

Source / supporting content: Sizing and Selecting Air Piston Vibrators 

Can vibration help completely clean out a hopper? 

Yes. Final cleanout is one of the applications considered during vibrator selection. 

However, the force requirement and vibrator type used for removing residual material from an almost-empty hopper may differ from the requirements for keeping material flowing while the hopper is substantially full. 

Source / supporting content: Sizing an Industrial Vibrator on a Bulk Barge Hopper 

Can vibration make a material-flow problem worse? 

It can if the vibrator is incorrectly selected or operated. Certain materials can compact, aerate or otherwise respond unexpectedly to an unsuitable combination of force and frequency. 

Sizing should therefore account for the material itself—not merely the dimensions of the hopper. 

Read to Learn More: Stroke, Frequency and Force: Keys to Vibratory Compaction 

Can I use a hopper vibrator if I cannot permanently modify the vessel? 

Potentially. Portable or vacuum-mounted vibrator configurations can be useful where permanent installation is not desirable or practical. 

Read to Learn More: Vacuum-Mounted Vibrator 


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5 Reasons the VertaBrute is the Ultimate Solution for Additive Manufacturing
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5 Reasons the VertaBrute is the Ultimate Solution for Additive Manufacturing

By Cleveland Vibrator Team

Spoiler alert: Spending money to purchase additional equipment for screen deblinding is a thing of the past. Enter the VertaBrute, HK Technologies’ all-purpose, high-energy fine mesh screener that is taking the additive manufacturing world by storm. 

Here are five reasons to give the VertaBrute a closer look: 

  1. Cost-Effective Deblinding: The VertaBrute provides ultrasonic sieving performance without having to purchase costly ultrasonic equipment. 
  1. High-Frequency Vertical Vibration: The VertaBrute delivers effective deblinding action directly through the screen, enhancing performance with high-amplitude, low-frequency vibrations. 
  1. Fine Particle Screening: The VertaBrute is now available in 17-inch and 36-inch screen diameters and is capable of screening down to 20 microns, which makes it ideal for additive powders.  
  1. Durable Construction: The VertaBrute comes standard with mild steel construction and a powder coat finish making it built to last in even the harshest production conditions. Additional upgrade options using 14-gauge stainless steel in all contact areas is perfect for contamination-free environments.  
  1. Quick Screen Changeovers: The VertaBrute is designed for rapid screen changes to minimize production downtime and maximize operational efficiency. 

Explore HK Technology’s all-purpose, high-energy VertaBrute here and reach out to HK’s #PowderSiftPros to learn even more ways to elevate your screening operations. 


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The Ultimate Powder Sieving Solution: High-Energy Screeners That Save Time & Money
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The Ultimate Powder Sieving Solution: High-Energy Screeners That Save Time & Money

By CVC Team

Advanced powder screening technology needs are increasing for high-energy sieving screeners, calling for smaller particle sizes with stricter specification requirements. Industries that work with dense materials, such as 3D printing or additive manufacturing, need precise control over particle size for production. This contributes to maintaining the desired quality and consistency of the powder material.

The problem with high-density materials is their tendency to blind the screen deck when using traditional ultrasonic sieving solutions. Other screens deblinding solutions like sliders or ball tray decks don’t provide the efficiency to keep operations running smoothly.

The VertaBrute Series by HK Technologies is a cutting-edge powder sieving solution that provides numerous advantages to tackle these screen blinding challenges in your powder processing.

Boost productivity and cut costs and downtime in operations.

Simple design elements, such as quick screen changeover, keep powder processing operations moving. A screen frame securely holds a loose wire mesh cloth above a fixed wire mesh, eliminating the use of any adhesives on the screen deck. Operators can store a variety of screen mesh sizes in-house and can switch out the loose mesh screen at any time, providing the ultimate flexibility in powder processing.

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Ultrasonic Sieving Spotlight: What You Need to Know
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Ultrasonic Sieving Spotlight: What You Need to Know

By Cleveland Vibrator Team

Are you experiencing any delays in your fine mesh screening processes? Do you find that your materials get clogged in the mesh of your screen deck? Finding a solution to roadblocks can be difficult. Ultrasonic Vibratory Sieving Systems can assist in making this process easier. Let’s dive deeper into them and learn more about what they can do for your production.

What is an Ultrasonic Sieving System?

A simple description of Ultrasonics is that they are high-frequency vibrations that go through screen mesh to relieve surface tension. By applying Ultrasonics, you can improve the throughput of materials up to 10x. You may also experience a boost in productivity when used with your vibratory sieve.

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Here’s the Nitty Gritty on Remeshing Your Old, Worn Out Fine Mesh Screen
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Here’s the Nitty Gritty on Remeshing Your Old, Worn Out Fine Mesh Screen

By Cleveland Vibrator Team

As a manufacturer of vibratory and ultrasonic screening systems, screen wear is a huge issue for any fine mesh equipment. One frequently asked question we get from customers is, “How often should I replace my screen or mesh frame?” That can be a complicated question to answer since there are many variables to consider, including:

  1. What type of material are you screening?
  2. How often and how long do you run your screening equipment?
  3. What mesh are you using? i.e., How fine is the mesh or micron size?
  4. Are you running your screener with ultrasonics?
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Fine Mesh Equipment: How to Automate Your Sifting Process in the Cannabis Industry
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Fine Mesh Equipment: How to Automate Your Sifting Process in the Cannabis Industry

By CVC Team

The cannabis industry has many applications in which fine mesh screening can increase the quality of the cannabis product and the efficiency of the production process. We’ve worked with many customers with differing goals for their wet sifting, dry sifting, or sizing applications. During this time, we’ve found that many potential solutions automate cannabis sifting and optimize the production process.

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Eggs and Potato Chips; Shrinkflation and Slack Fill; and Vibration, of course!
Craig Macklin

Eggs and Potato Chips; Shrinkflation and Slack Fill; and Vibration, of course!

By Craig Macklin

Very proud father here today! This morning in the kitchen of the Macklin Family, there took place a scene featuring the current economic condition, consumer package goods, and industrial vibration, birthed by the amazing breakfast food: eggs. 

I had just finished cooking and cooling a batch of hardboiled eggs (yay, protein!). My glorious-wife-whose-fantastic-shadow-I-walk-in picked one up to peel and noted, “These are small eggs.” So attuned and observant is that one. 

I replied, “They indeed are. What size does the package say?”

“Large,” we found. Same as we have always bought.

Side note here:

Just a few months ago, I noticed that the Large eggs were bigger than I thought they should be, and they didn’t taste that good. Almost like somehow the same amount of flavor in a Large egg got put in an Extra Large egg and got diluted. Oddly, I thought the small Large eggs we had this morning were quite good like the flavor was concentrated. If anyone has facts on egg-making science to explain this, please don’t tell me. I might swear off eggs.

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What Is On Size Sieving?
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What Is On Size Sieving?

By Cleveland Vibrator Team

Many times, a customer’s problem with product throughput can be solved with some simple solutions. I am not going to discuss screener ball decks, screen rings, or ultrasonic sieving but rather some simple solutions for those applications where the powder wants to sieve but is just not going through the screen! First, let’s discuss on size sieving.

What is On Size Sieving?

On Size Sieving is a problem that occurs when the actual particle that should pass through your sieve or screen is just a hair too big or too small for the screen you’re using.

For example, the lab indicates that your sieve analysis shows 70% of your powder is passing through a 53-micron sieve (270 mesh), but you can only achieve 45% passing through the 270 mesh in production.

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