Prab Expands Scrap Metal Testing Capability

Prab Inc., a global manufacturer of engineered chip processing and fluid recycling systems, has expanded its on-site test laboratory to include complete in-feed and discharge conveying volume reduction, fluid removal, and briquetting simulation.

Today’s machining processes are very sophisticated, offering higher speeds, wider ranges of material options, cost-effective short runs, and the ability to handle a broad range of coolant types. These operating dynamics can create scrap metal processing challenges due to the volume, shape, hardness, and bulk density of the turnings, chips, and fines. Prab has expanded material test capabilities to provide a comprehensive analysis of metal processing and fluid separation prior to making a final equipment recommendation.

“The value of our expanded test capabilities is risk mitigation for our customers,” says Mike Hook, Prab North American Systems Sales. “We have been processing scrap metal for 65 years, and our experience has taught us that the only constant is that virtually every machining output is different.” The test facility is designed to allow engineers to evaluate the type and volume of tramp metals and bar ends, the variability of the shape, size, and bulk density of the machining scrap, and the fluid recovery rate and discharge storage options. “Knowing and testing the make-up of the scrap allows us to precisely recommend all processing and component equipment for a given application. We stand behind our equipment design with a 100% operational guarantee. We can do this because we test the material up-front. This is a significant benefit to our customers because it takes the risk out of their capital decision,” notes Mr. Hook.

Prab’s test lab includes hoppers, automatic dumpers, and in-feed conveyors to measure material movement, crushers and shredders to access volume reduction and required tramp metal removal, a wringer/centrifuge for separating fluids and drying chips, and the Dualpak Briquetter, for metals that command a higher return for dry, pucked material. The test lab also features an E-Series chip processing system—a skid-mounted system designed for scrap loads of less than 800 lbs/hr.

Material testing is performed at no charge to customers seeking a scrap processing system and comes with a complete written report accompanied by recommended system components based on the test results.