Even minor improvements to a metal scrap processing system can have a big impact on operations. Here are three such examples of cost-effective upgrades shown to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
1. Keep stringy wads of metal scrap moving with a bundle breaker.
Stubborn bushy bundles of metal scrap often cause processing delays at metalworking operations.
Metal processing conveyance systems that use augers or steel belts to move stringy scrap are often unable to grab hold of large stringy bundles. Instead of moving up the conveyor, the bundles bounce around the in-feed hopper—often requiring an operator to break them up or manually guide them up the conveyor. Not only is this practice inefficient, but it is also unsafe.
Adding a bundle breaker to pre-condition aluminum, titanium, or other brittle metals before they are introduced to the conveyor can prevent the need to take care of the bundles manually.
Bundle breakers tear the wads of scrap apart, creating smaller wads that conveyors can move more efficiently. Bundle breakers also help free solid parts and bar ends trapped within the bundle that, if left in the bundle, may result in costly equipment damage.
2. Get more out of your cutting fluids with a low-maintenance, low-cost filtration system.
Paper bed filters are a cost-effective answer to the fluid filtration needs of many applications.
They can filter ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and a range of organic and inorganic contaminants, to extend the life of both tools and cutting fluids (oil and water soluble). The filter media is available in a variety of grades, enabling operations to achieve different levels of micron clarity.
When selecting a paper bed filter, here are a couple of things to consider:
3. Reduce conveyor downtime needed to perform belt maintenance with an automatic adjustment system.
As conveyor chains age, they begin to stretch. When this happens, the belt can slip off the sprocket and fold up under itself and possibly damage the belt. As a result, belt adjustments are a common cause of conveyor downtime.
Auto-take up systems, which can be designed into a new conveyor or retrofitted onto an existing conveyor, help eliminate the need to perform manual belt adjustments. They automatically monitor tension using load cells on chain conveyors and tighten the belt as needed. Adjustments can be scheduled to be completed during low production times or shift changes to prevent unplanned downtime.
To learn more about metal scrap and fluid recycling enhancements that will benefit your operation, visit PRAB.com.
