GELSENKIRCHEN. Haver & Boecker Niagara, a leading global supplier of processing technology, and the European market leader for surface technology, ZINQ Group from Gelsenkirchen, have jointly developed a new design for vibrating screen machines with further partners. The redesigned Niagara T-Class screen machine is the first of its kind to completely dispense with welded seams and combines a hybrid construction method with a powerful microZINQ surface finish. This combination not only increases the machine’s fatigue strength and economic efficiency but also ensures sustainable resource utilisation.

Marcus Lindenlauf, business development at ZINQ Technologie GmbH, the ZINQ Group's innovation hub, emphasises: „This project is a prime example of how interdisciplinary collaboration produces innovative results.“ Vibrating screen machines such as those in the T-Class series from Haver & Boecker are crucial for the efficient processing of bulk materials. The screening box is permanently excited with four times the force of gravity, creating up to a million load cycles daily. Welded seams, in particular, pose a risk to fatigue strength in such high-stress areas.

Premiere: A sieve machine without welding seams

Working together in an interdisciplinary team comprising ZINQ Technologies experts as a think tank for the ZINQ Group, Haver & Boecker Niagara, and AML Bulk Technology, and utilising the latest findings from research work at technical universities, an innovative hybrid construction method without welds has been developed. Instead of welds, only riveted and bolted connections are used to increase the fatigue.

The high-performance surface microZINQ

 microZINQ provides an extremely durable, uniform surface that is ideally suited to bolted and hybrid joints. The technology saves up to 80 % of zinc – without compromising on corrosion protection. Thanks to the strong bond between microZINQ and the base material, time-consuming finishing work is no longer required, which significantly optimises production processes. „The decision to choose microZINQ as a sustainable corrosion protection solution has once again demonstrated that technological excellence and resource conservation can go hand in hand,“ said Marcus Lindenlauf.

From development to series production: a collaborative partnership

„For several years, the teams at ZINQ Technologie, Haver & Boecker, and other partners worked intensively and trustingly together to technically implement the unique combination of weld-free construction and a resource-efficient microZINQ surface. The galvanising was intended to be possible without complex surface finishing,“ recalls Klaus Fennenkötter, Head of Design and Production at Haver & Boecker Niagara. „And when we finally had all the parts of our revised ‚modular system‘ on site, the designers at Haver & Boecker became fitters on the spot and assembled the first micro-galvanised prototype of the new T-Class with their own hands.“

The first Niagara T-Class with microZINQ corrosion protection was successfully commissioned at the end of 2022. Since then, nine machines have proven their worth worldwide – from gravel to limestone plants. And the collaboration continues: with the partnership concept based on ZINQ 360, uncoated components from various sub-suppliers are specially prepared and galvanised just in time for Haver & Boecker by ZINQ, which further optimises the processes in final assembly.

Through interdisciplinary, customer-focused development and innovative solutions, Haver & Boecker Niagara and ZINQ are driving new developments in screening technology – sustainable, cost-effective and future-proof.