Astec unveils new screening technology

Astec Industries' Vari-Frequency technology has been implemented on its 6203 LP horizontal screen, a feature the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based company says is “a next-generation solution built to boost screening performance.”

“The new design minimizes blinding and maximizes uptime, giving producers a smarter, more reliable way to keep processing material," Astec says.

Installed on the bottom deck of a horizontal screen, the Vari-Frequency deck has been designed to significantly increase throughput and efficiency while minimizing plugging and blinding, two common challenges in screening operations.

The live portion of the deck’s flexible surface is supported by a system of tensioned cables that create rapid, localized G-force spikes across the screen, stimulating the screen media and material to maintain throughput.

“This launch represents a major step forward for producers who want to increase throughput without adding complexity,” Astec Group President Michael Norris says. “The addition of Vari-Frequency technology on horizontal screens gives customers a smarter, more productive way to process material even in demanding applications.

“It’s another example of how Astec is bringing industry-changing solutions to the market, and we’re excited to expand this technology across more of our screening lineup. We can’t wait to showcase the 8-foot model at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026,” referring to the Las Vegas equipment show taking place next March.  

Astec's Vari-Frequency technology is built for standard side-tensioned screen cloth, requires no external power source and provides an adaptable, energy-independent solution that seamlessly integrates into existing systems.

The company says the technology’s development was driven by extensive testing and customer collaboration to ensure reliable performance in demanding conditions.

“The screen has been a total game changer for our production,” says Damon Eggert, operations manager of Show Low, Arizona-based Perkins Cinders. “It’s had a huge impact on our output and what we’ve been able to accomplish on site. The efficiency it brought allowed us to get more done, faster.”

According to Astec, features the Astec Vari-Frequency horizontal screen can offer include reduced blinding, lower maintenance obligations and seamless integration that allows the screens to be interchangeable with units requiring replacement or a performance upgrade.

Astec says it plans to incorporate Vari-Frequency technology into additional screen models in its portfolio.