How Roll Crushers Work
Roll Crushers are simple in design and construction, long-lasting, economical, and versatile across many applications and industries.
A combination of impact, shear, and compression are the forces necessary to perform the crushing and size reduction in a Williams roll crusher. The material enters the roll crusher machine and is impacted by the roll as it rotates. Then, as the material is pulled between a crushing plate or rolls, shear and compression forces act upon the material.
The rolls act as flywheels, contributing to smooth operation and efficient use of power. Roll crushing surfaces operate at a fixed distance apart, as opposed to the continually changing distances in a jaw or cone crusher. This creates a more consistent product size. Roll crushers are low in profile and relatively easy to install. They can be fed with a minimum of headroom, or even choke fed. Adjustments are simple and internal parts are readily accessible.
Applications for Roll Crushers
Typical feed materials for Williams Roll Crushers include: bauxite, cement clinker, chalk, cinders, clay, coal, glass, gypsum, limestone, burnt lime, rock salt, sandstone, shale, sulfur ore, sea shells, and sewer sludge clinker. Single Roll Crushers, sometimes called lump breakers, can also be used for breaking frozen or agglomerated materials.
Williams Roll Crushers are used in a variety of industries such as, mining recycling, and power industries. Interested in learning more about the Williams Roll Crushers for your specific industry and application? Contact our sales engineers!
Single vs. Double Roll Crushers
Choosing between a single roll crusher and double roll crusher depends upon the type of feed material, feed size, product size desired, and consistency of both feed and product.
Both single and double roll crushers operate most efficiently with dry, friable materials. However, single roll machines have been widely and successfully used for the reduction of moist clays. They also have been long used as primary and secondary coal crushers, both at mine sites and power plants, where a minimum of fines is desired.
Single Roll Crushers
Williams single roll crushers reduce via a combination of impact, shear, and compression. The rolls are always toothed in patterns suited to the feed material. Single Roll Crushers generally handle larger feed sizes at higher reduction ratios in higher capacities and are particularly well suited to be used as lump breakers.
Double Roll Crushers
Double roll crushers reduce primarily through compression, although some shear is obtained with toothed rolls. Rolls for these crushers come in combinations of smooth, corrugated, and toothed designs. Double Roll Crushers produce a finer product at lower reduction ratios and capacities.
Williams Roll Crusher Features
Heavy-Duty Drive Shafts & Bearings
Oversized, heat-treated, alloy steel shafts plus self-aligning, roller-type bearings assure long life and maximum use of power. Jackshafts for control of roller speed are standard on double roll crushers, optional on larger Single Roll Crushers.
Protective Spring Releases
Heavy-duty compression springs permit movement of floating roll to pass tramp metal and other uncrushables, avoiding overload and damage. Smaller Single Roll Crushers are equipped with a shear pin release.
Simple Roll Adjustment
Quickly set and maintained via manual bolt/shim arrangement. Allows shock loads to be taken in compression rather than tension.
Choice of Drives
Multiple V-belt drives recommended for maximum shock absorption. Shaft-mounted speed reducers optional.
Easy Accessibility
Housings for single crushers split and open at centerline for access to all working parts. Double Roll Crushers models dismantle easily.
Low Peripheral Speed
Combined with compression-type reduction, results in less maintenance when crushing abrasive materials.
Welded Steel Frame
Heavy rolled plate and welded structural shapes for rigidity and resistance to shock.
Reversible, Replaceable Liners
Protect internal surfaces and frame. Thick, abrasion-resistant alloy are reversible for added life and easily replaced.
Custom-Engineered Replaceable Roll Faces
Faces Tooth patterns and corrugations to fit feed material; abrasion-resistant alloy; easily replaceable.
Ash Crushers have additional features including dust-tight design and sealed cover plates for breaker plate access.
Ash Single Roll Crusher
Williams Single Roll Crushers are also available in a 15 inch (381mm) diameter dust-tight version for applications such where it would be expensive to have dust collection air.
Already well known for rugged construction, low profile, high reduction ratio, and economical cost, Williams Dust-Tight Ash Single Roll Crushers also have easy access to the rotor for maintenance.
These dust-tight roll crushers are perfect for applications such as crushing ash, limestone, coal, or glass.

Williams Roll Crusher Dimensions
Get a close-up look at the Williams Roll Crusher specs. Our industrial roll crushers come in a variety of sizes depending on your application and volume needs.

