PRODUCT QUESTIONS
Q: What is the difference between a standard nickel screen and Atulmax?
A: Standard nickel screens are manufactured to established industry specifications — 9% open area for B massecuite and 6% for C massecuite. Atulmax is our proprietary modified screen with a higher open area (up to 11.5% for B massecuite), offering either more throughput or tighter slot sizes for better sugar recovery, combined with greater screen thickness for longer life. Both use the same 99.99% S-nickel and 14–16 micron chrome plating base.
Q: What slot width should I use for B massecuite?
A: Standard B massecuite screens use a 0.09mm slot width with 9% open area. If you want more throughput, the Atulmax configuration offers 0.09mm slots with 11.5% open area. If you want lower molasses purity and better sugar recovery, the Atulmax purity configuration uses 0.07mm slots. Contact us with your current molasses purity data and we can recommend the right specification.
Q: What slot width should I use for C massecuite?
A: Standard C massecuite screens use 0.06mm slot width with 6% open area. Atulmax offers 0.06mm with 7.5% open area (for throughput) or 0.05mm with 6.7% open area (for tighter crystal retention and lower molasses purity).
Q: Why is 14–16 micron chrome plating better than 12–14 micron?
A: Chrome hardness is what protects the screen’s slot geometry from the abrasive action of massecuite during centrifugal operation. Thicker chrome means a harder surface, more resistance to slot enlargement, and a longer service life before replacement. At the same nickel substrate quality, a 14–16 micron chrome screen will consistently outlast a 12–14 micron screen in the same operating conditions.
Q: Can you manufacture screens for my machine if it is not in your standard range?
A: Yes. We manufacture custom screens from your existing screen (as a sample), a dimensional drawing, or a written specification. Our in-house R&D and design team has manufactured screens for every major centrifugal brand and several non-standard machines. Send us your requirements and we will confirm feasibility within 24 hours.
Q: What is the difference between an electroformed screen and a punched or woven screen?
A: Electroformed nickel screens are grown atom by atom on a mandrel, creating slots with a precise conical taper, smooth internal walls, and perfectly consistent width. This conical profile promotes self-cleaning during operation and minimises slot blinding. Punched or cut screens have square-edged slots with less precise geometry and are more prone to crystal damage and blinding. All modern high-performance continuous centrifugals use electroformed nickel screens.
QUALITY AND SUPPLY QUESTIONS
Q: How many parameters do you inspect on each screen?
A: We check every screen against 20+ performance and dimensional parameters before dispatch, including slot width at multiple locations, open area, chrome plating thickness, overall dimensions, surface finish, conical perforation geometry, and structural integrity. This inspection is logged in our ERP system and a quality certificate is available on request.
Q: What is your typical lead time for a standard order?
A: Lead times depend on order quantity and screen model. For standard models in our production range, typical lead time is 2–4 weeks from order confirmation. For custom specifications, lead time is confirmed at the time of quotation. We recommend placing pre-season orders 6–8 weeks before your crushing season begins to allow comfortable lead time.
Q: Do you supply screens as emergency replacements during the crushing season?
A: We do our best to accommodate urgent requirements, but lead times during peak season are longer and stock availability is limited. We strongly recommend pre-season procurement. If you have an urgent in-season requirement, contact us immediately and we will advise on current lead time and available stock.
Q: Do you accept orders for a single screen or is there a minimum quantity?
A: We supply single screens on request. For cost efficiency, most mills order a full season’s requirement — typically 4–8 screens per machine — at one time. Contact us for pricing at your preferred quantity.
EXPORT RELATED QUESTIONS
Q: Do you export outside India?
A: Yes. We export nickel screens to sugar mills in Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya, the Philippines, Thailand, and other countries. We have export registration (IEC) and full capability to handle export documentation.
Contact us with your country, machine model, and quantity for a quote.
Q: What payment terms do you accept for export orders?
A: For new international buyers, we are happy to discuss first-order payment arrangements. Contact us to discuss your preferred terms.
Q: What shipping terms do you offer?
A: We offer FOB Nhava Sheva (JNPT), CIF to your destination port, and can discuss DDP for specific destinations. Our facility in Ahilyanagar has good road connectivity to JNPT. We work with established freight forwarders for reliable shipping timelines.
Still Have a Question?
Our technical team is available to answer any questions about screen specification, machine compatibility, or export orders.