A Guide to Test Sieve Construction
Test sieves serve important purposes in the context of production. Test sieves guarantee products are made in a truly precise manner. However, test sieves must be made in their nuanced way to ensure they can make products following specific standards. Let’s take a look at the basics of wire mesh sieves and how they are made.
A Quick Explanation of Test Sieves
Test sieves are used in myriad industries to gauge product uniformity. Woven cloth is placed atop a round and rigid metal frame. The size and shape of the openings are the same to ensure test sieves properly evaluate the process necessary for production. Certain standard testing sieves are constructed for wet washes while others are made for dry particles. At Newark Wire Cloth, we offer superior quality test sieves with SuperlaSieveTM technology.
Test Sieve Construction
The first test sieves were made more than a century ago. Today, all sorts of complex components are required to build test sieves. The assembly process necessary to build test sieves is quite intricate. This process constructs the skirt, frame, and screening media. At Newark Wire we follow three types of test sieve construction:
Pure Tin Solder
The metal used for construction of these test sieves is Pure Tin Solder, which is used to secure the sieve cloth to the frame. This test sieve is most commonly used in the Pharmaceutical, Food, and Beverage industries and can be used in both wet and dry sieving applications. Pure Tin Soldered Test Sieves should not be used with temperatures greater than 350 and are not recommended for exposure to a caustic cleaning solution or acid as it can break down over time.
UV Adhesive
These test sieves are assembled using a proprietary polymeric adhesive to secure the sieve cloth to the frame to effectively seal the joint between the two. This sieve is the perfect choice for most dry sieving applications since it can break down and become weak overtime is wet sieving is used.
Welded Construction
In welded construction, no filler metal is used. The Sieve Cloth is welded directly to the frame whether a coarse mesh or fine mesh sieve. Although they can be used for most wet and dry sieving applications, they are ideal for critical pharmaceutical applications as they can handle exposure to caustic cleaning solution or acid.
In Test sieve construction, the cloth is not woven in the same manner as other types of wire mesh strainers and products. As test sieve mesh is weaved, there is close monitoring of the loom to guarantee the openings of the mesh are exact and adhere to the tolerances established by ASTM. The mesh must be visually analyzed after removal from the loom to determine if there are any problems. Additionally, all of our sieves are constructed with “Cleaner by Design” sanitary construction.
Test Sieve Assembly
Ideally, the components required for the building of test sieves will be made in-house. At Newark Wire, we are self-reliant in such a manner to ensure test sieve orders can be shipped promptly. The components are made ahead of time so they can be assembled as soon as an order is placed.
The frame of the test sieve requires the placement of a stainless steel coil into the stamping machine. This approach punches out blanks suitable to the sieve’s diameter size. The blanks are drawn, generating the frame’s cylindrical shape. However, there is the potential for sharp edges to result if the frame’s lip is not curled appropriately.
The next step is for the skirt to be stamped. Tensioning is added to the mesh of the test sieve so it has the appropriate tightness. The mesh is subsequently soldered to the skirt’s top edge. At this point, the frame is positioned atop the skirt and held in place. Our test sieve construction offers a “clean and smooth” transition from the sidewall to the surface of the sieve since there are no epoxy beads in our sieves for product to get caught in.
Laser Etching
The final step is the use of laser etching. This etching is used on all types of sieves to engrave the serial number to the exterior of the sieve frame which states the point in time at which the sieve was constructed and also the machine that made it. At Newark Wire Cloth, each test sieve is identified with a serial number and a matching Test Sieve Certification of Compliance.
Key Takeaways:
- Test sieve construction is a highly detailed process.
- Test sieves are closely inspected for quality control purposes before shipment.
- Specialized machinery and techniques are necessary to construct reliable test sieves.
Order The Best Test Sieves Online Today!
Our wire cloth specialists are here to serve you and your business. From fabricating wire cloth parts to strainers and filters, we have the nuances of fabrication perfected. Reach out to us today to learn more about our wire mesh products, test sieves, wedge wire products, and additional offerings. You can contact us by dialing 1-800-221-0392 (the US only) or 973-778-4478. If you would like to reach out to us on the web, fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.