What is an aggregate screening plant?
An aggregate screening plant is a machine that separates raw mixed aggregate — sand, gravel, stone — into distinct size fractions using vibrating screen decks. The Screen USA CD-410 and CD-516 are 2-deck vibratory screening plants: material feeds into the hopper, moves across two vibrating screen surfaces, and separates into three fractions — overs, middles, and fines — each stockpiled separately by a dedicated built-on conveyor. The screening plant is the machine that turns a mixed pile of run-of-pit aggregate into distinct, saleable products.
What fractions does a 2-deck screening plant produce?
A 2-deck screening plant produces three fractions: overs (above the top deck aperture), middles (below the top deck but above the bottom deck aperture), and fines (below both decks). The specific size of each fraction is determined by the screen media aperture sizes installed on each deck. Screen media on the CD-410 and CD-516 is customer-specified — we spec the right sizes for your target output and material. Call 770-433-2670 to discuss your gradation requirements.
Can the CD-410 or CD-516 handle wet sand and gravel?
Yes, with some performance considerations. Vibratory screens perform best on dry or moderately moist aggregate. On wet material with fine clay content, fines can blind (clog) the screen apertures and reduce separation efficiency. The CD-516 offers an optional steel apron feeder in place of the standard belt feeder — for river rock or wet aggregate material, the apron feeder handles the feed better than the belt. For very wet or clay-heavy aggregate, contact us to discuss screen media selection and deck configuration for your material.
What is the apron feeder option on the CD-516?
The CD-516’s standard configuration includes a 55-inch belt feeder. The steel apron feeder replaces the belt feeder with a heavy-duty steel plate conveyor designed for abrasive, heavy, wet, or angular material — river rock, blasted quarry rock, and aggregate with significant moisture or clay content. Steel apron feeders handle material that would wear or stall a belt feeder prematurely. If your feed material is abrasive or wet, the apron feeder option adds durability at the feed point.
What size screen media do I need for my aggregate?
Screen media aperture size depends on your target output gradation. For concrete sand, the bottom deck is typically at fine sand specification. For pea gravel as a mid fraction, the top deck is set at the pea gravel upper limit and the bottom deck at the lower limit. We do not publish standard aperture sizes because every operation has different target gradations — call us at 770-433-2670 and we will spec the right media for your feed material and target output.
Can I pair a jaw crusher with the CD-516 for a quarry circuit?
Yes. The CD-516 lists pre- and post-crusher screening as a specific application. In a quarry circuit, the CD-516 can screen blasted rock before the jaw crusher (removing fines that would reduce crusher throughput without needing to go through the jaw) and screen crusher output after the jaw (sorting crushed material into three graded fractions for stockpiling or sale). The CT-740 or CT-850 paired with the CD-516 is the full circuit for granite, limestone, basalt, and dolomite quarry applications. See the Natural Rock application hub for full circuit details.
What is the difference between the CD-410 and CD-516 for aggregate production?
The primary differences are hopper size, screen area, and engine power. The CD-410 has a 5.5 cubic yard hopper, a 4 ft. x 10 ft. screen box, and a 74 HP Cat engine. The CD-516 has an 18 cubic yard hopper, a 5 ft. x 16 ft. screen box, and a 145 HP Cat engine. For standard commercial aggregate operations running continuous production volume, the CD-410 handles the throughput. For high-volume production aggregate, river rock, or operations where the screening plant is fed by conveyor or high-cycle wheel loaders at production pace, the CD-516’s larger hopper and screen area prevent the screening plant from becoming the throughput constraint.
Can the CZ trommel screens handle sand and aggregate?
Yes. The CZ MDS MIDI and MDS BIG list sand and aggregate among their applications and handle light aggregate at throughput ranges of 25 to 60 tons per hour depending on model and material. The trommel handles wet or dirty aggregate better than a flat vibratory screen because the rotating drum prevents blinding. For smaller aggregate operations, landscape stone, and applications where portability and lower entry price are priorities, the CZ trommel is the right machine. For production aggregate operations running consistent high volume, the CD-410 or CD-516 is the production-grade machine.
