Ways to use vibrating plates

The device and principle of operation of the vibrating plate

The device of the vibrating plate of different manufacturers is approximately the same, with the exception of small parts. Vibrating plates have the following structural elements:

1) Sprinkler; 2) Protective cover; 3) Working plate; 4) Vibrator; 5) V-belt transmission; 6) Centrifugal clutch; 7) Engine; 8) Plastic water tank; 9) Carrier; 10) Tank fixing block; 11) Belt tensioner; 12) Carrier shock absorber; 13) Motor frame; 14) Pen.

The principle of operation of the device is quite simple: when starting, a 4-stroke engine (7) transmits rotational movements to a vibrator (4). That, in turn, turns them into oscillatory impulses, which are transmitted to the working plate (3). The working plate directs vibrations to the ground or other bulk material, which is compacted and fills all voids, making the material denser and harder, and the surface itself smoother.

Some models of vibrating plates are equipped with an irrigation system, represented in the design by a water tank (8), supply pipes and a sprinkler (1). From the tank, water is supplied in uniform portions through the tubes to the sprinkler, which in turn waters the entire sole of the plate. This design feature is very necessary when working with hot bitumen and asphalt, so that the material does not stick to the sole during tamping.

According to the power source of the engine, rammers distinguish:

• Electrical. They are more environmentally friendly than diesel or gasoline because they do not emit exhaust gases, and are also lighter due to the lack of a fuel tank. However, their main disadvantage is the electric cable, which must be constantly dragged along. Also, compared to gasoline and diesel models of the same size, they are weaker in power (up to 3 kW).

• Petrol. These are powerful models of vibrating plates, the engine of which can produce up to 7 kW. Thanks to this, the rammer depth can reach 90 cm. Also, some gasoline rammers (as well as diesel ones in principle) are equipped with a reverse stroke function, which allows you to drive not only forward, but also backward, additionally compacting the material. However, such units are very heavy and noisier.

• Diesel. Vibratory plates of this type can be called "giants" in terms of size and power. The engine of diesel units is capable of delivering up to 11 hp, which corresponds to 8.1 kW, as well as ramming material with a thickness of over 1 metre (tamping depth). The tool can be started manually or by pressing the electric starter (some models are equipped with compact batteries). But it is worth noting the large weight of powerful models — up to 500 kg, which creates difficulties during transportation. Also they are very expensive. Such units are usually purchased by large construction and road companies.

Scope of vibrating plates

If you are concerned about the question “What is a vibrating plate for?”, then pay attention to the following areas of application of these units:

• Construction. Most often, vibrating plates are used for tamping trenches for foundations, sandy foundations for blind areas and cement screeds, fine crushed stone and gravel for sleepers, etc.
• Road works. Vibrating-type units compact the base (sand or crushed stone) under the roadbed, ram asphalt and bitumen, level the surface for laying paving slabs or paving stones.

Tips for choosing vibrating plates

When choosing a vibrating plate for your own needs, pay attention to the following:

• Power. For compacting the base (sand, gravel, asphalt) up to 50 cm thick, an engine with a power of up to 5 kW is sufficient. If you plan to compact the base over 50 cm, then pay attention to more powerful models.
• The weight. For layer-by-layer compaction of large crushed stone, vibrating plates from 80 to 150 kg are suitable, depending on the thickness of the base. For sand, you can take the aggregates easier.
• Performance. For large volumes of work that need to be completed quickly, it is recommended to purchase vibrating plates with a speed of at least 20 — 27 m / min, which allow compacting up to 770 m2 per hour.
• Impact strength. The higher the impact force, the faster the soil will compact. The only exception is paving slabs — the impact force of the rammer should not exceed 10 kN, otherwise the risk of damage to the tile is high.
• vibration frequency. This indicator ranges from 5000 to 7000 beats / min. Often, the higher the number of vibration impulses, the lower the impact force. Therefore, depending on the working material, select the unit that is optimal in terms of impact force / vibration.