Apron Feeder Manufacturer | Heavy Duty Mining & Cement Feeder

Description

Apron feeders are widely used in mining operations, cement plants, crushing stations, and raw material handling systems, especially where materials are large-sized, abrasive, or have high bulk density. Compared with belt feeders, apron feeders perform reliably under high impact loads, heavy-duty conditions, and extreme environments.

In a typical crushing line, the apron feeder works together with crushers, or belt conveyor to ensure stable system operation and protect downstream equipment.

Applications

Mining: iron ore, copper ore, limestone, coal
Cement plants: limestone feeding and crushing lines
Aggregate & quarry plants
Power plants and bulk material handling systems

Working Principle

The apron feeder operates using a chain-driven conveying system equipped with overlapping steel pans mounted on heavy-duty chains.

When the drive motor starts, it transmits power through the gearbox to the drive sprockets. The sprockets actively pull the chains forward and move the steel pans along the feeder frame. The feeder then carries bulk material steadily from the hopper discharge to the next processing stage, ensuring uniform and controllable feeding.

This rigid mechanical structure allows the apron feeder to withstand high static loads and strong impact forces while maintaining long-term operational stability in harsh mining and cement environments.

Advantages



Small running resistance

Multiple pallets with built-in bearings support the plate feeder chain, ensuring even stress distribution and preventing deformation.



Easy to Maintain

The tight coupling design makes the whole machine easier to assemble and maintain and ensures the high precision of synchronization of the double chains.



Stable and Easy Operation

The plate feeder adopts a variable frequency speed motor to set different speeds according to output requirements—reliable and easy operation.



Not Easy to Damage

The plate feeder uses a compound rubber spring for stable pull-in and reduced failure.

Parameters

Model	Width (mm)	Inclination	Feeding Capacity (t/h)	Transporting Particle Size (mm)	Transporting Velocity (m/s)
WB800 * 1500	800	23	40-70	350	0.014-0.14
WB800 * 1500	1000	23	40-100	600	0.014-0.14
WB800 * 1500	1250	23	40-200	800	0.014-0.14
WB800 * 1500	1500	23	40-250	1200	0.014-0.14

Note: The data in this sample form is for reference selection only, and the equipment guarantee index is subject to the contract.

FAQ

What is an apron feeder used for?

An apron feeder is used for controlled and continuous feeding of bulk materials under heavy-duty conditions.

What is the most fundamental difference between an apron feeder and a belt feeder?

The most fundamental difference lies in their design philosophy:
Apron Feeder: Designed as "heavy-duty equipment" for severe-duty and harsh conditions. Its core strength is robustness and durability.
Belt Feeder: Designed as "general-purpose equipment" for regular, efficient conveying. Its core strengths are cost-effectiveness and continuous operation.

What are apron feeders and belt feeders typical application scenarios?

Main Applications for Apron Feeder: The primary feeding stage in processes handling harsh materials—mining (before primary crusher), cement plants (clinker, limestone), metallurgy (slag, sinter), and chemical raw materials.
Main Applications for Belt Feeder: Bulk material handling, yard reclaim, dosing systems, and homogenizing feeding in industries like coal, grain, light industry, building materials, and power.