Proper screen tension is crucial for effective screening and longer screen life. Proper screen
tension helps spread material across the full width of the screen. Uniform tension must be
also maintained on the screen surface to prevent whipping and to maintain contact between
the screen surface and the capping rubber (also called channel rubber, bucker-up rubber,
etc.) on the longitudinal support (camber) bars for preventing damage to (breakage of)

screen cloth.

As shown in above figure, for proper screen tensioning; tension plates (also called tension
bars, tension rails, clamp down rails, side hold down, etc.) and tension bolts with swivel nuts
(or swivel/spherical/taper washer and hex nut) are commonly used for heavy wire cloth or
perforated plate (screen cloth) with edge hooks (hook strips) on side tensioned vibrating
screens. Tension plates, tension bolts, etc. are called screen accessories.
During operation, as the screen may become loose due to stretching (as the screen cloth
wire wears thin) and loosening of the hooks, it is important to periodically check the screen,

and retighten the hooks.

Above figure shows the most common type of tensioning device for fine and medium weight
cloth consisting of tension wedge and rubber spring. This tensioning device has the
advantage of quick tightening or easy release, while at the same time providing constant
tension through the action of the molded rubber spring. Because the wedges are held firmly

in place by spring action, constant attention (retightening) is not required.

Above figure shows other automatic tensioning device for fine and medium weight wire cloth
or light weight perforated plate consisting of steel spring assembly. As the screen cloth gets
stretched, the springs automatically keep the cloth in constant tension.