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Turning & Chip Processing Systems

What Does Metal Chip Processing Equipment Actually Do, and What Does It Save You?

Published September 9, 2026. Last updated September 9, 2026. Quick Answer Metal chip processing equipment reduces scrap volume by up to 91% and recovers up to 98% of the cutting fluid trapped in metal chips and turnings, turning a disposal cost into a documented revenue stream. Systems range from standalone crushers, shredders, wringers, and centrifuges to full crusher/wringer and shredder/wringer […]

What Systems Are Suitable for Aerospace Alloys and Titanium Chips?

Published September 4, 2026. Last updated September 4, 2026. Quick Answer Aerospace machining shops working with titanium and other exotic alloys need metal chip processing equipment built for the specific hazards and value of those chips. Titanium chips pose a fire risk and contain machining fluid that must be recovered, and the material is valuable enough that shredding and briquetting […]

Safety Guidance for Magnesium, Titanium, and Mixed-Alloy Chip Processing

Published August 11, 2026. Last updated August 11, 2026. Quick answer: PRAB engineers metal chip processing, conveying, and fluid recovery equipment for magnesium, titanium, and mixed alloy applications in line with NFPA 484 and its successor consolidated standard, NFPA 660, the governing framework for combustible metals handling. That means application-specific system design, wet-type handling approaches where fine particulate risk is […]

How Does PRAB Integrate Systems for Coolant Recycling, Filtration, and Metal Scrap Handling Equipment With Existing Facilities?

Published August 11, 2026. Last updated August 11, 2026. Quick answer: PRAB integrates coolant recycling, fluid filtration, wastewater treatment, and metal scrap conveying equipment with existing plant systems through a structured, phased framework, not a one-off install. The process begins with an application study and controls assessment, moves through a documented interoperability plan covering supported PLCs, robotic cells, and OEM […]

What Are Metal Chip Briquetters, and How Do they Increase Scrap Value?

Written by Paul Montgomery, Marketing Leader at PRAB. Published August 4, 2026. Last updated August 4, 2026. Quick answer: Metal chip briquetting is the process of compressing loose machining chips and turnings into dense, uniform pucks using a hydraulic briquetting press. Metal chip briquetters reclaim residual cutting fluid trapped in the chips, reduce scrap volume for storage and transport, and […]

Is PRAB’s Engineered Complexity a Retrofit Risk or a Managed Investment?

Written by Paul Montgomery, Published July 31, 2026. Last updated July 31, 2026. Quick Answer: No. PRAB’s engineered complexity is managed complexity. Modular, pre-wired skids cut installation from months to weeks, phased rollout sequences limit downtime, in-house lab testing verifies performance before shipment, and proven retrofit methods fit new equipment into existing pits, controls, and production lines. The result is […]

Why the Material You Cut Determines the Metal Chip Handling System You Need

Written by Paul Montgomery, Published 7/20/2026. Last updated July 31, 2026 Quick Answer Does the material being machined affect which metal chip conveyor or metal chip handling system I need? Yes, significantly. Chip morphology, bulk density, abrasiveness, and coolant affinity vary widely by material. Aluminum generates fine, stringy chips with high coolant retention and fire risk. Abrasive cast iron produces […]

What Is Tramp Oil?

Published July 30, 2026  |  Last updated July 30, 2026 Quick Answer: Tramp oil is unwanted hydrocarbon-based oil, such as way lubricant, hydraulic fluid, or rust-preventive coating, that leaks or migrates into metalworking coolant and washwater. It floats, disperses, or emulsifies in the fluid, where it reduces cooling performance, feeds bacterial growth, shortens tool life, and drives up disposal costs. […]

How Much Can a Coolant Recycling System Save My Manufacturing Facility?

Published July 20, 2026. Last updated July 20, 2026. Quick Answer: A coolant recycling system typically reduces new coolant purchases by 50 to 75 percent and cuts coolant disposal costs by up to 90 percent, while recovering 95 to 98 percent of metalworking coolant for reuse. Most manufacturers see full return on investment within 6 to 18 months, with high-volume […]

What Is Centralized Coolant Management and How Does It Improve OEE?

Written by Paul Montgomery, Marketing Leader at PRAB.  Reviewed by Mike Proos, Director of Engineering &Field Service.  Published 6/XX/2026.  Last updated 6/XX/2026.   Q: What is centralized coolant management, and how does it improve OEE? A: Centralized coolant management is the practice of filtering, conditioning, and recycling metalworking coolant from one central system that serves every machine in a plant, […]