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The VSI, also called a vertical shaft crusher, is mainly a third or fourth stage machine which combines crushing and grinding processes especially for all abrasive, brittle and moist materials. Closed rotor VSI’s use rock-on-rock impact crushing system which means that the rock fed into the machine crushes itself. This allows economical and high quality solution for the production of concrete, asphalt and base mixtures.
VSI900-CR | VSI800-CR | VSI700-CR | VSI900-OR | |
| ROTOR DIAMETERmm | 900 | 800 | 700 | 900 |
| MAX. FEED SIZEmm | 50 | 40 | 40 | 120 |
| ROTOR SPEEDm/s | 45-65 | 45-65 | 45-70 | 40-60 |
| OUTPUTtph | 250-350 | 115-185 | 50-100 | 240-280 |
| POWERkw | 320-500 | 220-264 | 120-150 | 320-500 |
| WEIGHTkg | 13.600 | 8.900 | 6.800 | 13.800 |
GELEN VSI Series vertical shaft impact crushers cover rotor diameters of 700, 800 and 900 mm with throughputs from 50 to 350 tph and drive power from 120 to 500 kW. Closed rotor (CR) models accept feed up to 40–50 mm and deliver the best particle shape; the open rotor VSI900-OR accepts coarser feed up to 120 mm.
Product control: Rotor speeds of 40–70 m/s and an adjustable cascade ratio let operators fine-tune the product curve, fines content and particle shape for each application.
Choosing a machine: Not sure whether a vertical or horizontal shaft impactor fits your circuit? Read the HSI vs VSI comparison guide, or see GELEN cone crushers and HSI crushers for other secondary and tertiary options.
GELEN VSI crushers work in the final crushing stage of aggregate, mining and recycling plants, where product shape and sand quality decide the value of every ton produced.
Mechanical sand with a consistent, cubical grain for concrete production. The rock-on-rock chamber grinds as it crushes, producing well-graded sand in a single pass.
Final-stage shaping of limestone, granite and basalt aggregates downstream of jaw and cone crushers, for concrete, asphalt and base mixtures with strict particle-shape specifications.
Fine crushing of abrasive, brittle and moist materials where conventional crushers wear quickly. Rock-on-rock action lets the material crush itself, keeping wear costs low.
The VSI Series applies GELEN's four decades of crushing experience to the stage of the plant where product quality is decided.
Impact crushing at high rotor speed produces the cubical product that concrete and asphalt specifications demand.
In closed rotor models the material fed into the machine crushes itself against a rock-lined chamber, minimizing wear on components and reducing maintenance costs.
Combines crushing and grinding processes in a single third- or fourth-stage machine, simplifying the flowsheet and saving plant space.
Designed for abrasive, brittle and moist materials that punish conventional crushing chambers.
Rotor speed (40–70 m/s) and cascade ratio adjust the gradation and fines content without changing wear parts.
Closed rotor (CR) for the finest shape and sand duty; open rotor (OR) for coarser feed up to 120 mm when upstream preparation is limited.
Vertical Shaft Impact (VSI) crushers are versatile machines primarily used in the third or fourth stage of crushing. They are ideal for processing abrasive, brittle, and moist materials, making them perfect for producing high-quality aggregates for concrete, asphalt, and base mixtures.
VSI crushers are also widely used in the production of mechanical sand, where a consistent and cubical product shape is required. Their ability to combine crushing and grinding processes in a single machine makes them a cost-effective solution for industries requiring precise particle sizing and high-quality end products.
The rock-on-rock crushing system in a VSI crusher is a unique feature that allows the material fed into the machine to crush itself. This is achieved by accelerating the material within the rotor and throwing it against a solid rock-lined chamber.
This self-impact mechanism minimizes wear on the machine's components, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures a consistent, high-quality output. The closed rotor design of GELEN VSI crushers enhances this process, making them highly efficient for producing well-graded, cubical aggregates and mechanical sand.
VSI crushers offer several advantages over traditional crushing technologies. They provide superior particle shape, making them ideal for producing high-quality aggregates and mechanical sand. The rock-on-rock crushing system reduces wear and tear, leading to lower maintenance costs and longer operational life.
Additionally, VSI crushers combine crushing and grinding processes in one machine, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption. GELEN VSI crushers are designed to handle abrasive and moist materials, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions. Their ability to produce a well-graded, cubical product makes them a preferred choice for concrete and asphalt production.
Optimizing the performance of a VSI crusher involves several key factors. First, ensure the feed material is evenly distributed and within the recommended size range to prevent blockages and uneven wear. Regularly inspect and maintain the rotor, anvils, and liners to ensure they are in good condition.
Adjusting the rotor speed and cascade ratio can help achieve the desired product shape and size. GELEN VSI crushers are designed with user-friendly controls and adjustable parameters, allowing operators to fine-tune the machine for optimal performance. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of wear parts are essential to maximize efficiency and extend the crusher's lifespan.
Closed rotor (CR) models — VSI700-CR, VSI800-CR and VSI900-CR — use the rock-on-rock crushing system: material accelerated by the rotor crushes itself against a rock-lined chamber. They accept feed up to 40–50 mm and deliver the best particle shape with the lowest wear part consumption, which makes them the first choice for sand production and final shaping.
The open rotor VSI900-OR accepts coarser feed up to 120 mm at slightly lower rotor speeds. It is chosen when upstream feed preparation is limited and a larger top size must go straight into the machine.
A horizontal shaft impact (HSI) crusher breaks rock with blow bars mounted on a horizontal rotor and is typically used in primary or secondary duty with much larger feed sizes. A VSI accelerates the material itself and uses impact against rock or anvils, which makes it a shaping and sand-making machine for the third or fourth stage.
In many plants the two work together: an HSI or cone crusher handles the reduction, and the VSI finishes the product. See the HSI vs VSI comparison guide for a full breakdown.
Yes — manufactured (mechanical) sand is one of the main applications of the VSI. The rock-on-rock chamber grinds as it crushes, producing well-graded sand with a consistent, cubical grain that concrete producers require.
Operators control the fines content and gradation by adjusting the rotor speed and the cascade ratio, so one machine can serve different sand specifications without changing wear parts.
GELEN closed rotor models accept feed up to 40 mm (VSI700-CR, VSI800-CR) or 50 mm (VSI900-CR); the open rotor VSI900-OR accepts up to 120 mm. Feed should be clean and consistent — screened, free of tramp metal, and within the recommended size range — to prevent blockages and uneven rotor wear.