FLEX-MAT tensioned screens
Tighten as you would a regular woven screen.Use a 12″ to 16″ 1/2″ drive ratchet and tighten good by hand.
If installed and tightened properly this will not happen. However in recycle and topsoil applications you will want to remove any type of debris that will hang up between wires. If not they will file themselves until they break.
There are many reasons as to why, however the biggest reason is there are no knuckles in the wire like you would see in woven wire. So therefore you have no high points to wear quicker than the rest of the wire, FLEX-MAT has no woven crimps. This is why you can use a smaller wire diameter than woven and get more wear life.
There are many reasons why, however the biggest reason is because of the independent wires that stratify during operation.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to give an average torque that you would need for the tension (or the stretch) of the FLEX-MAT. We advise that you tighten your FLEX-MAT like a drum, which means that you tension your screen to the point that it springs back when pressed on, or to the point that it is difficult to push the FLEX-MAT under the strip from the crown support bar.
Tip: When you tap on the FLEX-MAT, you will feel the rigidity of the wire, if not, the wire should open very easily. All FAQs
Yes, it is possible to overtighten any series of FLEX-MAT, which is why we recommend that you tighten it to the point of feeling like a drum. You should stop applying torque at this point.
For an end-tensioned or a side-tensioned screen, it is not a problem to not have the strip align with the crown support bar. What will be very important is to have some brand-new full length U-channel rubbers everywhere, then you will be able to use your media without any problems.
Tip: It is best is to have the strips on the U-channel rubber. You will be able to give us the new measurements, and we will be able to put the polyurethane strips in the right place for your next order.
In the case of Series D and S, when we receive your measurements, we apply the stretch for the small opening. We cannot apply the stretch for larger openings in Series D and S; we also cannot stretch Series L and T, because we cannot stretch a straight wire.
Tip: You do not need to make this calculation; simply tell us what you are currently using, and we will apply the stretch if applicable.
FLEX-MAT series
Some series can be tightened like a woven cloth; however, FLEX-MAT Series L and T, because of the straight wire, cannot be stretched. In a Series D or S, it is possible to stretch the screen media, but for larger wire diameters in D, S and DD, the wires are too rigid to stretch.
Tip: If your screen box is wider than 84″ inside from wall to wall, in the case of Series D and S, we suggest that you increase the size of the wire.
Yes, it is possible to repair the open wires, depending how open they are. Install your screen media as usual, and once the screen is stretched, you will see the wires fitting into the right place. If they don’t fit perfectly into place, you can use long-nose pliers to bend them into place.
Tip: If you are still unsure, you can send a photo to your representative, who will assist you in figuring out if it is possible to stretch the wires or not.
We use Stainless Steel for FLEX-MAT with small openings when there is a blinding problem. Stainless steel is smoother as compared to other wires, and fine or clay-like material won’t stick to it, eliminating the blinding problem.
Tip: With some exceptions, we can use Stainless Steel on larger openings, like topsoil or materials with a high-clay content. Stainless Steel is also used for corrosive materials, such as Salt, Fertilizer, Potash, etc.
FLEX-MAT has a flat surface without any crimps, as compared to woven wire. This means that the material bounces instead of wearing the surface as it does with woven wire. FLEX-MAT will have a better wear life until half of the wire size is worn.
Usually FLEX-MAT will blind if the screen is not tight enough, or if wedge bolts are used. It is very important that FLEX-MAT is tensioned with a bolt and nut and washer. We do not suggest using a spring to put a tension on the FLEX-MAT with the clamp rail.
Tip: For natural sand, the only series we can use will be Series L because it has the most open area on the screen media. If you have a blinding problem with Series L, do not change it for another series because there will be less open area, and you won’t be able to eliminate the blinding problem.
STAINLESS STEEL
Because Stainless Steel is used for very small openings and the coarser material is already screened on the upper decks, the very fine material is not abrasive enough to adversely affect the wear life.
STratification
Stratification is a natural phenomenon. With vibration, fine materials falls while coarse material rises. Faster vibration creates quicker stratification.
optimumwire woven screens
No, the composition and the patented process allows for better results.
Remember, any kind of tensioned screen media always needs to wear before it breaks; however, if the media breaks before it wears, there is a problem with the screen box and installation.
Tip: There is often more than one problem present in these situations. These include crown curve support problems, missing bolts and nuts on the clamp rail, using wedge bolts instead of bolts and nuts, worn clamp rails, mixing old and new U-channel rubbers for the crown support bar, tensioning the screen to the wall on one side instead of leaving an equal gap on each side between the outside and the wall, etc.
It is because when we weave the wire cloth, we create the hook from the outer sides of the cloth, with 1 wire going down and 1 wire going up, due to the weave. This is a vulnerable part of the screen, and for this reason, we suggest that you use a shroud with a wire diameter of 0.362″ or less to drastically increase the wear life of your screen cloth.
Tip: If you have this problem on top-deck end-tensioned screens with a 2″ diameter or more, we suggest that you use FLEX-MAT Double Wire with a maximum diameter of 0.362″, or a Double Weave woven cloth with the shroud. You will be able to increase the wear life of your screen media, as this keeps all of the wires tight in the shroud.