To measure for a replacement vibratory screen, you need the screen frame outside diameter (OD), the frame depth, the mesh size, and the wire material. These four measurements, along with knowing your separator brand and model, give your screen supplier everything needed to produce an exact drop-in replacement. The entire measurement process takes less than 15 minutes with a tape measure, a magnifying glass, and a small magnet.
Your measurement should fall close to one of these standard nominal sizes:
- 18 inches (approximately 457 mm)
- 24 inches (approximately 610 mm)
- 30 inches (approximately 762 mm)
- 36 inches (approximately 914 mm)
- 40 inches (approximately 1,016 mm)
- 48 inches (approximately 1,219 mm)
- 60 inches (approximately 1,524 mm)
If your measurement does not match any of these standard sizes, you may have a non-standard or custom-manufactured screen. Contact ScreenerKing for a custom screen quote with your exact dimensions.
Step 2: Measure the Frame Depth
With the screen still lying flat, measure the height of the frame from its bottom edge to its top edge. This is the frame depth. Standard frame depths vary by separator manufacturer and model. Recording this measurement ensures your replacement screen sits at the correct height within the separator body, which is necessary for proper clamping and sealing.
Typical frame depths range from about 1 inch (25 mm) for shallow frames up to 3 inches (76 mm) or more for deep-frame configurations. If you are unsure whether your frame depth is standard or custom, include this measurement when you request a quote.
Step 3: Identify the Mesh Size
Mesh size refers to the number of openings per linear inch in the screen cloth. To determine your mesh size, place a ruler across the mesh and use a magnifying glass to count the number of individual openings within one inch. That count is your mesh number.
For example:
- If you count 20 openings per inch, you have a 20-mesh screen.
- If you count 80 openings per inch, you have an 80-mesh screen.
- If you count 200 openings per inch, you have a 200-mesh screen (you will definitely need the magnifying glass for this one).
If the screen is too worn or damaged to count accurately, check your previous purchase records, look for markings on the screen frame, or consult the original equipment documentation. You can also reference our mesh size conversion chart to match a known particle size to the correct mesh number.
Step 4: Identify the Wire Material Using a Magnet Test
Different wire materials respond differently to a magnet. This simple test helps you determine what your current screen is made of so you can order the same material or make an informed change.
| Wire Material | Magnet Response | Visual Characteristics | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304 Stainless Steel | Weakly magnetic (slight attraction) | Bright, clean surface with no rust | General-purpose screening, food, chemical |
| 316 Stainless Steel | Non-magnetic (no attraction) | Bright, clean surface with no rust | Corrosive environments, pharma, marine |
| T430 Stainless Steel | Strongly magnetic (strong attraction) | Slightly duller surface than 304, no rust | Nickel-free requirements, abrasive dry materials |
| Carbon Steel | Strongly magnetic (strong attraction) | May show surface rust or dark patina | Mining, aggregates, non-food applications |
For a detailed comparison of screen materials and when to use each one, see our article on 304 vs. 316 vs. T430 stainless steel.
Step 5: Determine If You Have a Single Screen or Sandwich Configuration
Flip the screen over and look at the underside. A standard single-layer screen has one layer of mesh bonded to the frame. A sandwich screen has a fine mesh on top bonded to a coarser support mesh beneath. Sandwich screens are used for fine separations where the fine mesh alone would be too fragile to withstand vibratory stress.
Also check whether a ball tray sits beneath the screen in your separator. If so, you have a self-cleaning configuration, and you should order your replacement screen along with the appropriate ball tray and de-blinding balls to ensure everything fits and functions together.
Step 6: Identify the OEM Separator Brand
Look for a manufacturer nameplate on the body or base of your vibratory separator. It is typically a metal plate riveted or welded to the housing, or a label on the motor cover. Common brands you will encounter include Sweco, Kason, Midwestern Industries, Cleveland Vibratory, Russell Finex, and Rotex.
Knowing the brand is important because different manufacturers use slightly different frame dimensions, profiles, and clamping systems. A ScreenerKing replacement screen is manufactured to match the specific frame profile required by each OEM brand, ensuring a proper fit without modifications.
Step 7: Record the Model Number If Visible
While you are at the nameplate, record the model number and serial number if they are legible. Common model designations include Sweco S30, Kason K24-1, Midwestern Industries MR-30, and Cleveland Vibratory CVM-24. This information allows your screen supplier to confirm exact compatibility and identify any model-specific variations.
How Do ScreenerKing Screen Sizes Map to OEM Separator Models?
The table below cross-references ScreenerKing screen sizes with the most common OEM separator models. Use this chart to confirm which ScreenerKing screen fits your equipment. For the complete cross-reference including all brands and models, see our OEM cross-reference chart.
| ScreenerKing Screen Size | Sweco Models | Kason Models | Midwestern Industries Models | Cleveland Vibratory Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18" | LS18, S18 | K18 | MR-18, Gyra-Vib MR-18 | CVM-18 |
| 24" | S24, ZS24 | K24, K24-1 | MR-24, Gyra-Vib MR-24 | CVM-24 |
| 30" | S30, LS30, ZS30 | K30, K30-1 | MR-30, Gyra-Vib MR-30 | CVM-30 |
| 36" | S36 | K36 | MR-36 | CVM-36 |
| 40" | S40 | K40 | MR-40 | CVM-40 |
| 48" | S48, US48 | K48 | MR-48, Gyra-Vib MR-48 | CVM-48 |
| 60" | S60, US60 | K60 | MR-60 | CVM-60 |
What Are the Most Common Measurement Mistakes?
After decades of helping customers order replacement screens, we see the same measurement errors repeatedly. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Measuring the mesh area instead of the frame OD. The screening surface is smaller than the frame. Always measure the outside edge of the frame, not the mesh.
- Measuring inside diameter instead of outside diameter. The inside dimension of the frame is 1 to 2 inches smaller than the outside dimension. Ordering based on ID will result in a screen that is too small.
- Confusing mesh size with micron size. Mesh size is the number of openings per inch. Micron size is the opening dimension in micrometers. A 100-mesh screen has openings of approximately 150 microns, not 100 microns. Use our conversion chart if you have a micron specification.
- Assuming all brands use the same frame dimensions. A 24-inch Sweco screen and a 24-inch Kason screen have the same nominal diameter, but the frame profile (depth, lip, clamping groove) may differ. Always specify the brand.
- Forgetting to check for sandwich or self-cleaning configuration. Ordering a single-layer screen when you need a sandwich screen or a self-cleaning setup will result in a screen that does not perform as expected or does not fit with your existing ball tray.
What If You Cannot Measure the Old Screen?
If your old screen is already disposed of, severely damaged, or unavailable for measurement, you can still order a replacement:
- Measure the separator body. The internal diameter of the separator body where the screen frame sits tells you the screen size. Measure the bore at the screen seat location.
- Use the model number. If you have the separator brand and model number (e.g., Sweco S30 or Kason K48), your screen supplier can look up the exact screen specifications.
- Send a photo. Take photos of your separator, the screen seat area, and the nameplate. Email them to the ScreenerKing team, and we can typically identify the correct screen specifications from photos and model information alone.
- Order a custom screen. If all else fails, order a custom screen based on whatever measurements you can provide. ScreenerKing manufactures custom screens for non-standard applications and can work from partial specifications when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring for Replacement Screens
How do I measure a vibratory screen for replacement?
Remove the screen from the separator, lay it flat, and measure the outside diameter of the frame from edge to edge through the center. Then measure the frame depth, count mesh openings per inch to determine mesh size, and use a magnet test to identify the wire material. Record the separator brand and model number from the nameplate. These measurements give your screen supplier everything needed for an exact replacement.
What is the difference between a 304 and 316 stainless steel screen?
Both are stainless steel, but 316 SS contains molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance against chlorides and acids. 304 SS is the standard general-purpose choice. On a magnet test, both are weakly magnetic to non-magnetic, with 316 SS typically showing less magnetic attraction than 304 SS.
Can I use a ScreenerKing screen in my Sweco separator?
Yes. ScreenerKing replacement screens for Sweco are manufactured to match Sweco frame dimensions exactly. They are direct drop-in replacements for all standard Sweco round separator models from the LS18 through the US60. The same applies to Kason, Midwestern Industries, and Cleveland Vibratory separators.
What if I cannot determine my mesh size from the existing screen?
Check your purchase records, contact the separator manufacturer with your model and serial number, or send a sample of the screen to ScreenerKing. We can identify the mesh size, wire diameter, and material from a small sample. You can also describe your application (material, target particle size) and we can recommend the appropriate mesh.
Do I need to know my separator brand to order a replacement screen?
Knowing the brand helps confirm exact compatibility, but is not strictly required. If you provide the screen frame outside diameter, frame depth, and mesh size, ScreenerKing can manufacture a screen to those dimensions. However, identifying the brand and model ensures the fastest match and eliminates any guesswork about frame profile.