Hinged steel belt conveyors move sharp, bushy, wet, or dry metal scrap and chips from the machine to the hopper, shift after shift.
Health & Safety: Fewer forklift trips and less hand contact with sharp scrap.
Low Maintenance: Known for dependable service and a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
Heavy-Duty: Built for the sharp, heavy, hot scrap metalworking products.
Value: Scrap moves on its own, so operators stay on production.
A steel belt conveyor, also called a hinged steel belt conveyor, hinged belt conveyor, or metal belt conveyor, uses linked steel pans that ride on heavy side chains. It carries metal scrap from the machine to a hopper, bin, or processing system. It can run flat, climb an incline, or do both. It works as a chip conveyor on CNC machines and as a scrap conveyor under stamping presses. It handles sharp, heavy, bushy, wet, or dry scrap that would tear up a rubber belt.
A PRAB steel belt conveyor moves scrap away from your machines so your operators can keep making parts. It is the most versatile metal scrap conveyor we build. It handles the hard stuff. Sharp stampings, bushy turnings, die scrap, and heavy chunks all ride the same belt, wet or dry.
These conveyors are built to last. One PRAB unit, known as Old Faithful, ran for 48 years before it retired.
Machining, die casting, stamping, forging, laser cutting, and finished parts handling.
On CNC machines and transfer lines, a steel belt chip conveyor pulls chips and turnings out of the machine and lifts them into a hopper. Bushy, stringy turnings that tangle in other conveyors ride flat on a hinged belt. Perforated belts let coolant drain back to the sump instead of leaving with the chips.
Under a stamping press, a steel belt conveyor catches slugs, skeleton, and trim scrap as it falls and carries it out from under the press. Impact plates protect the belt from heavy drops. For thin, oily stamping scrap that clings to belts, a pivot belt conveyor is often the better fit.
Read more: critical design elements for under-press steel belt conveyors.
PRAB builds and services steel belt conveyors in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for North American plants. Our team in Opole, Poland, builds and services them for customers in Europe and beyond.
The right conveyor depends on your scrap. Here is where a steel belt fits and when another type works better.
| Conveyor type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Steel belt conveyor | Mixed, sharp, heavy, hot, or abrasive scrap, wet or dry. Flat runs and inclines. |
| Drag chain conveyor | Highly abrasive material like cast iron. Enclosed designs help control dust. |
| Magnetic conveyor | Ferrous chips and fines, moved without carryover. Will not hold aluminum or other non-ferrous scrap. |
| Oscillating conveyor | Gentle horizontal transfer of chips and scrap, often machine-side or in a pit. |
| Pivot belt conveyor | Thin, oily, or sticky stamping scrap that clings to standard belts. |
Not sure which fits? Try the Find Your Conveyor tool, or send us a sample for free materials testing.
| Spec | Choices |
|---|---|
| Belt pitch | 2.5″, 4″, 6″, or 9″ |
| Layout | Straight, L-style, or Z-style |
| End shape | Round, square, or open |
| Belt surface | Smooth, dimpled, or perforated |
| Drive position | Above, below, or on the side |
| Frame | Open or closed |
Every PRAB hinged steel belt conveyor is built on a heavy-duty side chain and die-formed steel belt, so it keeps running with little upkeep.
| Belt type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Hinged steel belt | The standard choice for most scrap. Comes smooth, dimpled, or perforated. |
| Beaded apron pan | High heat and heavy wear. |
| Pivot belt (PRAB exclusive) | Thin chips and sticky scrap that would ride back around on other belts. |
| Combination belt | The grip of a rubber belt with the strength of a steel belt. |
| Mesh belt | Cooling hot parts and letting coolant flow through. |
| Bucket belt Z-pan | Free-flowing material up a steep incline. |
Picks up scrap low, climbs, then runs flat again to release at a set height. Good for large containers and overhead layouts.
A low flat section, then a climb. A low-cost way to feed smaller containers.
A single flat or inclined run.
Scrap collects in the low flat section of the conveyor. The belt then lifts it and releases it at the height you choose. Impact plates protect the belt from heavy drops. Chain oilers keep the chain and rollers moving freely.
A beaded pan steel belt conveyor built for high heat and heavy wear.
A beaded pan steel belt conveyor built for high heat and heavy wear.
PRAB’s steel belt conveyor transports copper chips to downstream processing equipment.
PRAB’s steel belt conveyor transports steel chips to downstream processing equipment.
Scrap collects in the low flat section of the conveyor. The belt then lifts it and releases it at the height you choose. Impact plates protect the belt from heavy drops. Chain oilers keep the chain and rollers moving freely.
Product Brochures
Product Brochure: Steel Belt Conveyor
Product Brochure: Beaded Pan Conveyor
Application Review
Application Review: A Die Cast Company Improves Melting Process and Cuts Operating Expenses
Application Review: Automotive Powertrain Manufacturer Sees Results BEFORE Installation of PRAB Wringer and Conveyor Through PRAB’s ‘Prove It Before You Use It’ Approach
Application Review: Full-Service Recycler Increases Profits with Orbital Load-Out System
Application Review: Mobile Conveyor Helps a High-Volume Stamping Operation Improve Production and Increase Safety
Case Studies
Case Study: Aerospace Components Manufacturer Turns Its Waste Stream into a Revenue Stream
Case Study: Cashing in Your Chips
Case Study: C&A Tool Increases Profitability, Maintains Clean Facility With Chip Processing System
Case Study: Martin-Baker Turns Scrap Metal and Fluid into Revenue Stream
Case Study: Metal Stamping Company Implements Successful Expansion Project in Partnership with PRAB Conveyors
Case Study: Metalworking Company Finds Increased Asset Utilization by Focusing on Scrap Management
Technical Brief
Technical Brief: Critical Design Elements for Maximizing the Life of Under Press Steel Belt Conveyors
White Paper
White Paper: Avoiding Accidents, Injuries & Illnesses In Metalworking Operations
White Paper: Reallocating Labor in the Metalworking Industry
Other Downloadable Content
Conveyor Solutions
Die Cast Scrap Conveyor Systems
Stamping Scrap Conveyors & Systems
PRAB Builds Equipment for the Toughest Jobs in Manufacturing and Metalworking
Conveyor Performance White Paper
The Challenge Kalamazoo, Mich., February, 2015 – Featured in Modern Machine Shop Magazine. The more chips a company cuts, the better. But once the output reaches a certain volume, it may be time to look beyond traditional disposal methods toward more efficient systems. New chip processing equipment, linked with coolant filtration systems, can raise the value of […]
CHALLENGE A machining supplier needs an automated chip processing system and Coolant recycling for metal turning and chip management, while simultaneously capturing expensive cutting fluids for reuse. CUSTOMER C&A Tool Engineering, Inc. www.catool.com INDUSTRY Machining PRODUCT Diagonal-Shaft Wringer Steel Belt Conveyor Screw Conveyor Tramp Metal Separator Vertical Axis Crushers C&A Tool Engineering, Inc. is a premier international supplier […]
CHALLENGE Aerospace manufacturer needs a chip and fluid processing system to keep up with its machining demands by reducing the volume of metal turnings and to recover expensive cutting fluids for reuse. The goal was to transform their metal scrap and fluid into a viable source of revenue. CUSTOMER Martin-Baker INDUSTRY Aerospace PRODUCTS Dualpak™ Briquetter, Steel Belt […]
A metal scrap conveyor is a system used in manufacturing to transport metal chips, turnings, swarf, and other waste for recycling or disposal. Common types include steel belt, oscillating, drag chain, magnetic, pneumatic, and specialty conveyors; each is chosen based on scrap size, abrasiveness, coolant content, or temperature. These systems improve efficiency, safety, and the value of metal scrap while preventing downtime.
PRAB metal scrap conveyors are engineered for 30+ years of continuous operation—with documented installations exceeding 40 years. Systems handle up to 2,000 lb/hr of scrap and integrate seamlessly with metal chip processing and coolant recycling systems. Known for their low-maintenance and durable design, PRAB metal handling systems are trusted by automotive, aerospace, die-casting, CNC, and heavy manufacturing plants worldwide.
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Durable metal scrap conveyors are engineered with abrasion-resistant components, heavy-gauge steel, sealed bearings, and bolt-free flight connections.
Metal scrap conveyor durability in harsh metalworking environments is required to reduce downtime and extend lifespan. Factors like temperature resistance, magnetic properties, incline, and maintenance requirements should be considered.
PRAB incorporates AR-steel wear bars, NEMA-rated motors, and replaceable side wings in its steel belt and drag conveyors. In high-volume machining environments, these design choices have doubled belt life compared to light-duty competitor units. Documented cases show PRAB conveyors requiring 50% fewer unscheduled maintenance interventions annually.
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Conveyors integrate with metal chip processing and coolant recycling systems by automatically moving metal chips and swarf to downstream equipment such as crushers, wringers, centrifuges, or briquetters. This seamless flow allows for fluid reclamation, cleaner scrap handling, and more efficient scrap load-out.
PRAB engineers metal scrap conveyors to function as part of complete chip and fluid management cells, with built-in integration points for crushers, wringers, and fluid recycling systems. In one aerospace components facility, a full PRAB system increased scrap value by 25% and recovered more than 90% of machining fluids, saving over $120,000 annually in coolant purchases.
Metal scrap conveyors eliminate manual scrap handling, reduce forklift traffic, spill risks, and operator injuries. They improve workplace safety by keeping floors cleaner, reducing slip hazards, and improving workflow efficiency.
PRAB conveyor systems have helped facilities cut forklift scrap transport by up to 80%, reducing accident risk and freeing floor space for production. In one metal stamping plant, installation of an in-floor trough conveyor system reduced housekeeping labor by 15 hours per week, improving both safety and productivity metrics.
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Choose a metal scrap conveyor supplier that offers documented performance guarantees, preventive maintenance programs, and long-term parts availability.
Every PRAB conveyor is backed by the Performantee® Guarantee. PRAB also offers a Managed Maintenance Program, which, in one machining operation, reduced unplanned downtime by 40% over 18 months through scheduled inspections, OEM parts, and 24/7 technical support.
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Consider scrap size (fine chips vs bushy turnings), material (aluminium vs steel vs cast iron), coolant content (wet vs dry), and elevation/incline.
PRAB’s engineering teams conduct scrap and coolant testing before specification, ensuring conveyors meet throughput and wear requirements. In one stamping plant, a PRAB pivot belt conveyor reduced carryover delays by 35% and improved scrap evacuation speed by 28%. This data-driven selection process extends belt life and minimizes energy use.
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Rule of thumb:
A magnetic conveyor and a magnetic separator both use magnets to handle ferrous material, but they perform opposite functions. A magnetic conveyor is a material handling device that transports solid ferrous chips and parts. A magnetic separator is a fluid filtration device that pulls ferrous fines out of coolant. One moves metal. The other cleans fluid.
| Magnetic Conveyor | Magnetic Separator | |
| Primary job | Transports solid ferrous scrap | Removes ferrous fines from fluid |
| Acts on | Chips, slugs, turnings, small parts | Coolant or cutting oil |
| Category | Material handling and conveying | Fluid filtration |
| Typical position | Machine side, feeding downstream processing | In the coolant loop, often as a pre-filter |
| Output | Scrap delivered to a bin or processor | Cleaner fluid returned to the process |
The difference is what they act on. A magnetic conveyor transports solid ferrous scrap such as chips, stamping slugs, turnings, and small parts from the machine to downstream equipment or a container. A magnetic separator removes suspended ferrous fines and sludge from a fluid stream so the coolant or oil runs cleaner. A conveyor is used for material handling. A separator is fluid filtration.
A magnetic conveyor moves ferrous material cleanly and without carryover. PRAB uses a beltless slide design, with permanent magnets on a chain beneath a stationary stainless steel slider bed that grip the material and carry it to the release point, including up inclines. It is the right tool when the goal is to reliably move fine or thin ferrous scrap to a wringer, centrifuge, briquetter, or bin. See the full magnetic conveyor product page for models and configurations.
A magnetic separator removes ferrous contaminants from liquid. PRAB separators use a rotating drum fitted with ferrite or rare-earth magnets. As contaminated coolant or cutting oil flows across the drum, ferrous particles are captured and carried out of the fluid stream, and the cleaned fluid continues on. It is commonly used in grinding, honing, and gear cutting, and often runs as a pre-filter ahead of other fluid filtration equipment. PRAB ferrite models remove up to 97 percent of ferrous particles larger than 40 microns, and rare-earth models capture down to 15 microns, per PRAB published specifications.
Choose based on the problem you are solving. If solid ferrous chips are piling up at the machine and need to be moved away cleanly, you need a magnetic conveyor. If your coolant is loaded with fine ferrous particles that hurt tool life and surface finish, you need a magnetic separator. Many operations end up using both because moving the scrap and cleaning the fluid are two separate goals.
Yes, and they often work as a pair. A magnetic conveyor handles the solid scrap leaving the machine, while a magnetic separator keeps the coolant clean in the same cell. Both feed the larger goal of recovering fluid and scrap value, which is where coolant recycling systems complete the loop.
No. A magnetic conveyor is a conveying and material handling device, not a filtration device. It can help the coolant drain off the scrap as it moves, which reduces fluid carried away with the chips, but it does not filter the fluid itself. Removing particles from the fluid is the job of a magnetic separator or other fluid filtration equipment.
Both use permanent magnets, but are configured differently. A PRAB magnetic conveyor uses ceramic magnets, with rare-earth available, mounted on a moving chain under a fixed slider bed to grip and carry solid scrap. A PRAB magnetic separator uses ferrite or rare-earth magnets inside a rotating drum to attract fine particles out of flowing fluid. The conveyor holds and transports. The separator attracts and extracts.
For non-ferrous or mixed scrap that a magnet cannot hold, a steel belt conveyor is the appropriate transport choice instead of a magnetic conveyor.
Start by separating the two questions: how do I move the scrap, and how do I keep the fluid clean. For the scrap side, use PRAB’s conveyor selection tool or browse the full conveyor lineup. For the fluid side, the surest path is to test your actual coolant. PRAB offers free fluid testing for separator sizing and free materials testing for conveyor selection, so the equipment is matched to your real material rather than a generic profile.
Not sure which one fits, or whether you need both? Contact an expert at PRAB, or explore magnetic conveyors and magnetic separators to compare them side by side.
PRAB, Inc. of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has engineered and built metal scrap conveyors since 1950. A PRAB Roller Bucket Conveyor at Zircoa ran 48 years on abrasive silica and zirconium material without causing an emergency shutdown, and PRAB still supplies parts for conveyors sold more than six decades ago. PRAB designs its conveyors with replaceable wear parts (chain bushings, wear bars, impact plates), heavy-duty side frames, and options such as auto-lube systems and self-adjusting take-ups so plant maintenance teams can service them in-house. Every PRAB conveyor comes with a one-year warranty and the Performantee® Guarantee, including 24/7/365 technical support and optional Managed Maintenance Programs.
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