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The trays used in the Tru-Balance Box-Type Sifter have screens that are attached using one of three methods.
The stapled-on attachment method stretches and bonds the sieving media to the sieve frame through the use of
staples or tacks. The glued-on attachment method stretches and bonds the sieving media to the sieve frame
through the use of an adhesive. A third method of attachment is comprised of a system of looped edges sewn in
the perimeter of the sieving media and secured by rods, clamps, and set screws.

When it is necessary to replace the screen cleaners or the screen itself due to wear or damage, two alternatives
exist:

· Return the sieves and/or trays to Great Western for replacement. Great Western will remove the old
screens and cleaners, clean and inspect the tray frame, and replace the screens and cleaners, if necessary.

· Replace the screens and cleaners in your facility. With respect to the stapled-on and looped-edge screen
attachment methods, this consists of either purchasing the screen and cleaners from Great Western or
another provider of these materials. On-site glued-on attachment requires the purchase of a pneumatic or
mechanical screen stretcher. Provided that you own the proper equipment to perform glued-on screen
attachments, the procedure is quick and simple. Great Western can provide the equipment and supplies for
this option.

Instructions for stapled-on and looped-edge screen attachment methods are provided in this manual section.

When ordering replacement screen for the Tru-Balance Box-Type Sifter, give the supplier the frame size, number
of side channels, the throat width, the type of screen fabric, and the mesh size of the screen. The supplier will
make allowances for the proper amount of stretch in the screen.

Stapled-On Attachment Instructions

Safety Consideration:
Read all instructions before beginning this process.

Tools and Materials Required:

· Light-Duty Hammer
· Awl/Staple Remover
· Duckbill Jaw Screen Stretching Pliers
· Staple Gun
· Diagonal-Cutting Pliers

Although tacks can be used for screen attachment, Great Western recommends
using a good pneumatic or mechanical staple gun. Staples should have a 1/2”-
wide crown with a 3/8” leg length. Staples should be installed at a 45° angle.

c When removing or replacing screens, use a clean, flat, stable work surface.

c Remove all old screen and staples, using an awl or staple remover, from the tacking frame. Ensure that the
backwire is tightly stapled to the frame and cross pieces. Also, check the sieve compartment liners for areas
that are missing or loose. All cleaners that are badly worn should be replaced.
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c Place the screen on the tacking frame so it is square against the head-end and the right-side. Staple that
corner with 2 or 3 staples, 1/2” to 1” apart. See Figure 1, Position A.

Great Western recommends using a crossed staple pattern on the corners of the
screen.

c Using screen pliers, pull the screen

across the right-side as tightly as
possible and staple at the right-side,
throat-end corner. See Figure 1,
Position B. Staples are then installed
across the right side, 1/2” to 1” apart,
and at a 45° angle. See Figure 1,
Position C.

c The head-end of the screen is stretched

to the left-side using the pliers until
tight, and then stapled at the left-side,
head-end corner. See Figure 1,
Position D. Staple the head-end with
staples 1/2” to 1” apart and at a 45°
angle. See Figure 1, Position E.

c Using the pliers, stretch the left-hand

side of the screen to the throat, placing
staples at the left-side, throat-end
corner. See Figure 1, Position F. Pull
with the awl or pliers (Great Western
recommends the use of an awl with
wire screen, and the pliers with
synthetic screen) to stretch the screen
toward the left-side. Begin at the head
working to the throat, stapling at 1/2” to 1” intervals
and at a 45° angle. See Figure 1, Position G. Figure 1: Stapled-On Tray Diagram

If the screen puckers at the end, remove the staple(s) and restretch the end.

c With the awl or pliers (Great Western recommends the use of an awl with wire screen, and the pliers with
synthetic screen), tightly stretch the throat side of the screen. Work from the left-side to the right-side with the
staples 1/2” to 1” apart and at a 45° angle. See Figure 1, Position H.

The screen, when pressed down firmly with one finger, should depress no more
than 1/2”.
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Looped-Edge Attachment Instructions

Safety Consideration:
Read all instructions before beginning this process.

Tools and Materials Required:

· Smooth, Flat, Clean Plywood (or equivalent)
· Large Slotted Screwdriver (blade should have rounded edges)
· Large Pair of Slip-Joint Pliers (teeth ground to match contour of rods)
· 1/8” Allen Wrench
· Light-Duty Hammer

c When removing or replacing screens, use a clean, flat work surface. Place a piece of plywood on the work
surface. The plywood must be cut to the size of the tray or up to 1” greater than the sides of the tray.

c When removing screens, place the tray, with backwire side up, on the plywood. Loosen all set screws.
Remove loops (containing rods) from the grooves of the tray. Lift tray off of screen. Remove cleaners and
remove rods from loops.

c When replacing screens, put the screen, looped edge up, on the plywood. Slide the appropriate size rod into
each loop.
c Place cleaners on the screen, ensuring all are in compartment areas, and not on wear strips. With set screws
partially tightened, place tray over cleaners, backwire side up and centered on the screen (centering both the
rods and tray is extremely important).

c Beginning with the corner of sides AD, bring rods of sides A and D up and over the edge of the tray until
seated in the groove of the tray. Tighten only the
corner set screws, just enough to hold rod in
groove. Do not tighten securely. Repeat this
procedure in this order: Corners AB, BC, and CD
(Note: If you cannot tighten the remaining corners
by hand, use the rounded-tip screwdriver. Place tip
of screwdriver between rod and edge of tray. Using
the tray edge as a leverage point, pry out and up
on the rod).

Figure 2: Looped-Edge Tray Diagram

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c While prying, keep pressure against the rod with the thumb of opposite hand. Bring the loop out and up far
enough to clear the edge of the tray. Be careful not to pry too hard: this may cause damage to the screen.
c Push the rod into the groove of the tray, tapping lightly with a hammer, if needed. While partially tightening set
screws, use slip-joint pliers to squeeze and hold the rod into the groove of the tray. (Ensure pliers are gripping
the plywood, not the screen.)
c After partially tightening all corner set screws, partially tighten side set screws. Finally, securely tighten all
corner and side set screws. Return the tray to the sifter.

Photo 1: Screen Replacement Using the Looped-Edge Attachment Method