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Steel vs. Polyurethane vs. Rubber Screen Panels: Which Is Best for Mining Screening?

Discover the Key Differences, Performance Insights, and Real-World Applications from HUATAO GROUP

2025-09-19

Choosing the Right Screen Panel: Steel, Polyurethane, or Rubber?

Steel vs. Polyurethane vs. Rubber Screen Panels: Which Is Best for Mining Screening? 1

As a leading provider of mining screening solutions, HUATAO GROUP specializes in manufacturing high-performance polyurethane screens and rubber screen panels for precise mineral separation.

Today, we’re breaking down the key differences between three common screen materials: steel, polyurethane, and rubber. Understanding these can help you optimize your screening efficiency, reduce downtime, and lower overall operating costs.

1.Material Comparison

A.Steel Screen Panels：Made from stainless steel woven or welded wire.

B.Polyurethane Screen Panels：Cast from polyurethane pre-polymer in open molds.

C.Rubber Screen Panels：Made from natural or synthetic rubber, vulcanized under heat and pressure in closed molds.

Steel vs. Polyurethane vs. Rubber Screen Panels: Which Is Best for Mining Screening? 2

2.Key Performance Comparison

Steel screens have the highest open area due to no need for reinforcement.

Polyurethane and rubber screens require internal support, so open area is slightly lower.

However, effective open area (EOA) and relative open area (ROA) are comparable across all three.

3.Open Area Rate

Steel screens have the highest open area due to no need for reinforcement.

Polyurethane and rubber screens require internal support, so open area is slightly lower.

However, effective open area (EOA) and relative open area (ROA) are comparable across all three.

Steel vs. Polyurethane vs. Rubber Screen Panels: Which Is Best for Mining Screening? 3

4.Screening Efficiency, Anti-Blinding & Self-Cleaning

Steel Wire:

High open area but prone to blinding with wet or flaky materials.

Low elasticity leads to rapid wear and short lifespan.

Polyurethane screen panel:

High hardness (85-95 Shore A), good wear resistance but poor rebound.

Can still blind with sticky materials. Modular design allows easy replacement.

Rubber screen:

Medium hardness (40-65 Shore A), excellent rebound and impact resistance.

Prevents blinding effectively, especially with wet or sticky materials.

Long service life and reduced downtime.

Steel vs. Polyurethane vs. Rubber Screen Panels: Which Is Best for Mining Screening? 4

Real-World Cases

Case 1: Aggregate Screening in Austrilia

Customer in Austrilia faced blinding issues with steel and PU screens due to wet weather.

We provided 40 Shore A rubber panels – almost zero blinding after 3 months.

Case 2:Molybdenum Ore Screening

Used 60 ShoreA at feed end and 40 ShoreA at discharge end on a banana screen.

No blinding, minimal wear, customer highly satisfied.

HUATAO GROUP / Our Global Presence

We actively participate in international mining and aggregate exhibitions, and have hosted strategic visits from global brands. We are committed to providing customized screening solutions worldwide.

Conclusion

When it comes to screening efficiency, anti-blinding performance, and longevity, rubber screen panels offer a superior solution—especially for wet, sticky, or large-sized materials.