Background and Identification
Plate compactors are commonly used in construction work for packing down and solidifying foundations and creating level grades. The vibration that they produce comes from rapidly rotating a centrifuge inside the machine. Centrifuges are commonly used to separate two substances from each other. As the centrifuge spins, the lighter substance will go towards the outer rim of the centrifuge container while the denser or heavier material stays more towards the center. However, they can be used to create vibration as well. A centrifuge usually works by putting an object into rotation around a fixed axis. If the object is uneven, then the rotating motion will result in the object creating a periodic downwards force. At a fast enough rotation, the force of the object spinning around will cause the machine to vibrate. This vibration is then used to pack down the concrete, improving it’s durability and quality by making it denser and getting rid of air bubbles.
Plate compactors are commonly called ‘wackers.’ This nickname actually comes from Wacker Neuson, a company which manufactures and sells a variety of concrete-based equipment as well as other construction and worksite tools. This company is very well-known for manufacturing and selling plate compactors, including the ones in this category.