For decades, lab technicians have relied on test sieves and test sieve analysis to ensure their products meet a certain level of quality that customers expect. Achieving results that are accurate and repeatable starts with the test sieve manufacturer properly assembling your sieves.
That said, how is a test sieve made?
W.S.Tyler created one of the first test sieve standards over 100 years ago and, over the years, our team of experts has developed the know-how needed to ensure you implement the right test sieve configuration for your particle size analysis process.
In this article, we will analyze the different components that are used to create a test sieve, break down the differences between brass and stainless steel sieves, provide an in-depth look at the test sieve assembly process, and provide insight into how test sieves are shipped safely.
Test sieves consist of three main components: a frame, a skirt, and the screening media.
The frame is used to provide space between test sieves when stacked, allowing the material being tested to move freely. Typically, test sieves come in a standard size of 3 inches, 8 inches, or 12 inches in the U.S. and 100 millimeters, 200 millimeters, or 300 millimeters internationally.
The skirt provides support to stacked test sieves, preventing the stack from toppling over when conducting a test sieve analysis.
The screening medium, such as woven wire mesh, is the most critical part of any test sieve. It is used to separate the larger particles from the smaller ones, giving you an accurate reading of the material being worked with. Generally, stainless steel wires are used to construct the mesh and have a mesh opening size range of 4” (100mm) to 635 mesh (20um).
It should be noted that test sieve cloth is woven slightly different than other woven wire mesh. When weaving test sieve mesh, the loom is monitored far more strictly in efforts to make sure the mesh openings are precise and fall within the tolerances set by ASTM or ISO.
Once removed from the loom, the mesh must be visually and physically inspected for any sort of flaws or imperfections before being classified as test sieve cloth.
Generally, there are two alloys that are used to construct the different components of a test sieve: brass and stainless steel.
Brass mesh, in particular, was introduced several decades ago as it was significantly less expensive than stainless steel. It is also softer than stainless steel, which makes it easier to work when constructing a test sieve.
However, in today’s market stainless steel is much more widely used than brass. As it is three times as strong as brass, stainless steel can be used to test abrasive materials and harsh conditions.
Most components used to construct our test sieves are produced in-house so the process can be controlled all the way through. As a result, we can typically have your test sieve order shipped within five business days if the raw material is available.
With that, all the components are pre-made and stored so that when your order comes in, all the components needed to construct your desired specification can just be pulled from the shelves.
NOTE: Test sieves are not sterilized before being shipped. While you can use them to run heavily regulated material, such as food and pharmaceuticals, the sample should not be placed back into the production line.
As test sieve analysis requires precise equipment, any dents or imperfections that are the result of rough shipping conditions are a natural concern. In order to prevent occurrences, extra steps are taken to ensure your sieves arrive in pristine condition.
Prior to being placed in the main box that will be handed over to the shipper, each test sieve is placed into its own individual box. In these individual boxes, the sieve’s certificate of compliance, as well as the test sieve itself, are placed inside a plastic bag to further protect them from harmful elements, such as moisture, that may occur during shipment.
As an extra layer of protection, packing paper is used as a filler to prevent movement inside the box and serve as a
shock-absorbing medium if the box were to fall or be mistreated during shipment.
Test sieve analysis is one of the most reliable forms of quality control. When it comes to yielding accurate results that are also repeatable, it is vital that lab technicians implement reliable test sieves that were properly assembled.
Assembling the ideal test sieve requires high-quality material to form the frame, skirt, and screening medium. Depending on your industry standards, these parts can be constructed of either brass or stainless steel.
In order to guarantee customer satisfaction, extra steps need to be taken to ensure your sieves are not damaged or compromised in any way during transit.
Having been pioneers of test sieve analysis for over 100 years, W.S. Tyler and our team of experts have the experience needed to help you perfect your test sieve analysis process.
For more information regarding test sieves and test sieve analysis, refer to our Test Sieves, Sieve Shakers & Particle Analysis Equipment Product Guide.
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