OST-Africa’s in-house manufacturing ensures optimum control and reliability in materials handling
STRINGENT manufacturing standards play a key role in operational reliability in most industries, including harsh bulk materials handling environments, where equipment is exposed to impact, abrasion, misalignment and continuous duty.
OST-Africa’s commitment to the highest standards encompasses the integration of engineering, fabrication, assembly, painting and inspection at one facility. This enables close control over quality, lead times and the performance of every component.
The company, which specialises in the design and manufacture of screen, transmission and materials handling products, designs and manufactures most equipment in-house. Systems installed at transfer points, screens and conveyors are required to withstand sustained impact, vibration, abrasion and environmental exposure, while operating continuously and often with limited access for maintenance. For this reason, OST focuses on durability and predictable performance, reducing the need for frequent adjustment or repair once equipment is installed on site.
OST’s portfolio comprises equipment used across transfer points, conveyors and screening applications, including niche screens, impact beds, feeders, belt scrapers and the High Impact Torsion (HIT) System. Supporting components encompass screen mounts, oscillating mounts, anti-vibration mounts, tensioner arms, self-tensioning motor bases and the Efficiency-Base (E-Base).
“By keeping our production processes internal, OST reduces reliance on external suppliers and our skilled designed team is able to implement design changes efficiently to meet each customer’s specific project requirements,” explains Chantelle Scheepers, Marketing Manager, OST-Africa. “To support our customers facing unplanned downtime, we maintain stock of key components and products, enabling quick response when breakdowns occur or when spares are required at short notice. This service, combined with our local manufacturing capability, reduces delays typically associated with imported equipment and contributes to improved uptime on site.”
Vibration and impact control as a system function
All OST products are built around the Neidhart system—a proven, high-performance design used globally in specialised materials handling applications. The system consists of three main components – an outer tube, inner tube and four specially shaped round rubber pieces positioned between them. When the inner tube rotates within the outer tube, it twists the rubber, generating a torsional force. This mechanism allows the system to absorb energy and dampen shocks, providing effective protection against impact and overload.
Advantages of corrosion resistant Neidhart units include natural oscillation and vibration damping, as well as shock load capabilities and extended service life.
Most standard frames can be converted to suit Neidhart impact suspensions and mounting pitches are suited to fit existing stringers. No special support structures are required when using standard conveyors.
Welding and assembly
Dedicated welding and assembly areas form a central part of the factory layout. Components are built and assembled prior to dispatch, ensuring correct fitment and alignment. This pre-assembly process reduces installation risk and limits the need for on-site modification, which can result in delays, safety risks and unplanned costs.
As part of OST’s quality control process, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is applied to welded components to assess weld quality and structural integrity, while ensuring the component remains fully intact and fit for use.
Surface protection and painting
OST’s in-house paint facility ensures components are prepared and coated to exact specifications, with Dry Film Thickness (DFT) measurement used to verify coating consistency and compliance. This facility is particularly important for equipment operating outdoors or in wet and abrasive conditions.
Maintaining painting operations internally not only reduces turnaround times, but also ensures that corrosion protection is suitable for the intended operating environment.
Quality control
Quality control is applied throughout the manufacturing process, with every product inspected before leaving the factory. Checks focus on workmanship, fitment and overall condition, to meet specific requirements for site use and compliance with internal and project requirements.
The OST team also conducts inspections and basic assessments on Visam vibrator motors, for which it is the sole importer. Adherence to ISO-certified management systems ensures compliance with quality, environmental management and occupational health and safety standards.
OST-Africa’s commitment to its broad customer base is to manufacture equipment that performs reliably in harsh conditions, requires less ongoing maintenance and delivers extended service life in harsh mining and bulk materials handling applications. By designing, fabricating, assembling and inspecting equipment at its own facilities, the company maintains direct control over quality standards.
