Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher (Sand Making Machine)
The Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher (VSI), also known as a sand making machine, is LIMING's solution for producing high-quality manufactured sand and cubical aggregate. The VSI uses a high-speed vertical rotor to accelerate material against a surrounding rock-lined crushing chamber, where material-on-material impact produces exceptionally well-shaped, cubical particles. This autogenous crushing action delivers superior product shape, minimal elongated or flaky particles, and controlled fines content—meeting specifications for concrete, asphalt, and high-end construction applications. The VSI is the key equipment for manufactured sand production as natural sand resources diminish globally.
Working Principle
Material is fed into a high-speed vertical rotor (60-90 m/s tip speed) through a central feed tube. Centrifugal force flings material outward against a surrounding rock-lined crushing chamber. Material impacts the rock lining (autogenous crushing) and other rebounding particles, fracturing through impact. The rock lining acts as both a wear surface and a crushing surface. Crushed material exits through the bottom discharge opening.
The grinding process is precisely controlled by the integrated classification system, which separates qualified fine powder from coarse particles. Coarse particles fall back to the grinding chamber for regrinding, while fine powder is conveyed by airflow to the cyclone collector and then to the finished product silo. This closed-circuit design ensures consistent product quality and high grinding efficiency.
Key Features & Advantages
Superior Product Shape
Autogenous impact crushing produces the most cubical particle shape of any crushing method, meeting concrete and asphalt specifications.
Dual Crushing Modes
Rock-on-rock (autogenous) mode for high-quality sand production; rock-on-steel mode for higher throughput and coarser output.
Low Wearing Parts
Autogenous mode uses the material itself as the crushing surface, dramatically reducing wear part consumption compared to other crushers.
Adjustable Fines Content
Rotor speed and feed rate control the amount of fines generated, allowing producers to meet sand gradation specifications.
Dust Sealed Design
Enclosed crushing chamber with dust collection connection minimizes environmental impact.
Applications & Industry Use
This equipment is widely used across multiple industries for various powder processing applications:
- Manufactured sand production
- Concrete aggregate
- Asphalt aggregate
- Railway ballast
- Highway construction material
- Golf course sand
- Frac sand processing
Processable Materials
The versatile design of this equipment allows it to process a wide range of non-metallic minerals and industrial materials. Below are some of the most commonly processed materials. For detailed grinding solutions for each material, please visit our materials page.
Technical Specifications
The following table provides detailed technical parameters for each model in this product series. These specifications are based on standard configurations and may vary depending on material properties and specific application requirements. Contact our engineering team for customized configurations.
| Model | VSI-7611 | VSI-8518 | VSI-9526 | VSI-1140 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotor Dia (mm) | 760 | 850 | 950 | 1140 |
| Max Feed (mm) | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 |
| Capacity (t/h) | 100-180 | 200-320 | 300-460 | 500-640 |
| Power (kW) | 90-110 | 160-220 | 250-320 | 400-500 |
Performance & Efficiency
The Vertical Shaft Impact Crusher (Sand Making Machine) is designed for maximum grinding efficiency and energy savings. The optimized grinding chamber geometry, combined with high-precision classification, ensures that energy is used effectively for particle size reduction rather than wasted on over-grinding or heat generation. Compared to conventional milling systems, our equipment typically achieves 20-30% lower power consumption per ton of finished powder.
Key performance metrics include stable fineness control with deviation less than 5%, low noise levels below 75 dB at 1 meter distance, and dust emissions below 20 mg/m3 when equipped with our pulse bag filter system. These performance characteristics make our equipment suitable for even the most demanding industrial environments and stringent environmental regulations.
Installation & Commissioning
Proper installation is critical for optimal equipment performance and longevity. Our experienced engineers provide on-site installation and commissioning services, including equipment positioning, alignment, electrical connection, piping installation, and system integration. The typical installation timeline ranges from 15 to 45 days depending on equipment model and production line complexity.
During commissioning, we conduct comprehensive performance tests including no-load test, load test, and production trial runs. We verify all performance parameters meet design specifications, calibrate control systems, train your operators on proper operation and maintenance procedures, and deliver a complete commissioning report with all test data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The VSI is the primary equipment for manufactured sand production. With proper rotor speed and feed control, it produces sand meeting concrete gradation specifications with excellent particle shape.
Rock-on-rock (autogenous) uses the material itself as the crushing surface, producing better shape with less wear. Rock-on-steel uses anvils instead of rock lining, producing higher throughput but more wear and slightly less cubical output.
Fines content depends on rotor speed, feed rate, and material type. Higher speeds produce more fines. The VSI typically produces 10-20% fines, which can be partially removed by screening. Fines can be sold as mineral filler or used in asphalt.