Crushers are machines designed to reduce the size of rocks, stones, and ore through powerful mechanical force. They are widely used in mining, aggregates production, construction material recycling, and laboratory sample preparation. Different types of crushers—such as gyratory, jaw, cone, and impact crushers—are optimized for various size reduction needs, handling materials ranging from medium-hard to tough and brittle substances.

The primary purpose of crushing is to break down large materials into smaller, more manageable pieces for disposal, recycling, or further processing. Crushers apply mechanical force to fracture or deform materials, allowing for easier handling or separation of different components. Early crushing methods involved simple tools like hand-held stones, querns, and mortars, which relied on muscle power and gravity to break materials.

Modern crushers offer efficiency, safety, and versatility, making them essential in industrial and laboratory settings. By applying amplified force between solid surfaces, they efficiently fracture or deform materials, enabling better resource utilization and waste management.