A scrap conveyor is a piece of equipment used to collect metal chips or scraps resulting from manufacturing processes. These conveyors are often connected to manufacturing equipment, including metal lathes, milling machines, and other machinery used to cut metal. The scrap conveyor automatically collects and stores metal dust, scraps, and chips in a bin or vessel. Workers can then simply remove this storage bin and empty the scraps into a Dumpster, or send them off for recycling and further processing. Scrap conveyors not only help keep manufacturing facilities clean and improve safety, but also reduce damage that can occur when metal scraps come into contact with motors and other equipment.
Buyers can choose from three main types of scrap conveyor systems. Hinged units are the most basic, and are used to collect most light and medium-weight metal scraps. These conveyors often work via gravity, and are sloped so that metal chips simply fall through an enclosed chute into a storage vessel located underneath. A hinged scrap conveyor may even be able to filter out coolant used in metal cutting from the metal chips and scraps, then direct this coolant back into the machine as the scraps are collected for disposal.
A magnetic scrap conveyor is designed to separate ferrous and non-ferrous materials, making it easier to recycle or reuse certain types of metals. Manufacturing systems that produce very fine metal scraps or iron dust may choose a scrape conveyor, which incorporates a dragline system to scrape small metal pieces off the conveyor and direct them to the desired location.
While some metal scrap conveyor systems feature an open design, others are enclosed to keep materials contained more effectively. This is particularly important when metal is being directed into the conveyor at high speed or force, as this could result in accidents and injuries to workers. Mesh screens and filters in these conveyors can also be used to sort smaller metal scraps from larger ones, and sometimes, the belt itself may even be made of mesh screen to simplify this process.
A scrap conveyor provides numerous benefits to manufacturing and metalworking companies. These machines make it easy to collect and recycle valuable metals, including aluminum and copper. They also help to extend the life of metalworking equipment by preventing metal scraps from becoming lodges in motors or gears. Scrap conveyors can even reduce plant maintenance requirements by keeping metal dust and scraps contained instead of allowing them to spread throughout the factory.