Benefits of Can Baler Machines for Metal Recycling Operations

An Introduction to Can Baler Machines

Can baler machines are an important piece of equipment for many recycling facilities and scrapyards. These powerful machines take discarded metal cans and compress them into dense bales to reduce their volume. This allows more cans to be stored and transported efficiently to processing centers. With environmental sustainability becoming increasingly important, can balers play a key role in the metal recycling industry.

What Are Can Baler Machines?

Can balers, sometimes called metal balers or tin balers, are hydraulic baling press machines designed specifically for baling empty steel cans and tin cans. They operate by using a hydraulic ram powered by an electric motor to compress cans fed into the baler chamber into tight, brick-sized bales.

These baled cans take up much less space, allowing more cans to be stored in preparation for collection and transport to scrap metal recycling facilities. Compressing cans also reduces shipping costs as more bales can fit into each truckload.

Types of Can Baler Machines

There are two main types of can balers used in recycling facilities and scrapyards - vertical balers and horizontal balers.

Vertical can balers orient the baling chamber vertically. Cans are loaded from above and compressed into bales that exit through the front of the machine. These take up less floor space but produce irregularly shaped bales.

Horizontal can balers have a horizontal baling chamber that is loaded from one end. Cans are compressed into uniform block shaped bales that are easier to stack and store. However horizontal balers have a larger footprint.

Both baler systems create dense bales rapidly weighing from 600 to 1500 pounds depending on the machine size and configuration.

Benefits of Using a Can Baler Machine

Installing a can baler machine has become an essential equipment choice for junkyards, recycling plants, scrapyards, supermarkets, distribution warehouses and any operation that accumulates high volumes of empty steel cans.

Here are the key advantages of baling cans for recycling operations:

Space Saving

Without compacting, cans take up a lot of warehouse floor space. Baling reduces volume substantially - as much as 20 to 1 ratio. More cans can be stored onsite leading to fewer collection runs.

Easier Handling & Transport

Loose cans must be handled and loaded manually or with shovels. Compressed into bales, cans are easier and safer to move with forklifts and load onto trucks.

Higher Rebate Returns

Scrap yards pay out more rebates for cans supplied in dense bales rather than loose cans. This provides a bigger financial return for recycling operations.

Lower Shipping Costs

With space savings also comes transport savings. More baled cans can be loaded into shipping containers and trucks allowing larger bulk loads. This means lower transport costs per can to recycling facilities.

Key Features of a Can Baler

Can balers are robustly constructed machines built for high duty cycles in demanding scrapyard and waste transfer station environments. When selecting a baler, key features to look for include:

Baling Chamber Size

The baling chamber must match daily can volumes. Channels guide and feed cans into the chamber efficiently.

Bale Size & Density

Machines are rated on the bale size and density they can produce. Select capability to match storage capacity and transport requires.

Duty Cycle

Heavy-duty units can compress up to 60+ bales per hour on high speed settings. Check crushing force and bale weights.

Electrical Requirements

Some small units run on 220V single phase power. Larger horizontal balers require 208V or 440V 3-phase electrical supplies and stronger amp circuits.

Safety Features

Industrial balers incorporate interlocked access gates, emergency stops and warning lights to enable safe operation.

Aftercooler System

This cycles hydraulic oil through a cooling system to prevent overheating damage on continuous operations.

Easy Bale Handling

Conveyors, rollers or forklift pockets enable fast handling of output bales.

Operating a Can Baler Safely

Installed correctly, can recycler balers are very safe pieces of scrap equipment. However, as powerful machines caution should still be exercised, including:

• Staff training on safe working practices
• Ensuring interlocks and sensors are working
• No overloading beyond rated capacities
• Locking out power during servicing
• Providing operators with right safety gear
• Regular maintenance checks as per manufacturer guidelines

Consistently following the safety guidelines will lead to efficient, trouble-free baler performance.

Investing in a Can Baler for Recycling Operations

Installing a can baler machine is an excellent equipment upgrade for any high-volume scrap recycling facility. The right baler will soon pay for itself through increased space savings, lower transport costs due to weight reductions, and better rebates income from compressed bales.

To select the optimal machine, it's important to factor in required bale weights and production throughput rates. Leading manufacturers such as Harris, Marathon and other industry specialist also offer customized balers tailored to precise operational needs.

Once installed, a metal can baler will streamline materials handling, cutting labor while boosting sustainability and profit margins. They represent a sound investment into more efficient recycling operations.

FAQs

What materials can be baled with a can baler?

Can balers are designed specifically for baling steel and tin cans. They should not be used to bale cardboard, plastics or other materials as this can damage the machine over time.

How much noise and dust do can balers create?

Enclosed hydraulic can balers operate very quietly compared to older models. They produce minimal dust as cans are compressed tightly inside the chamber, with no loose materials spilling out.

Do can balers require special permits or zoning?

You need to check zoning regulations in your area, as some jurisdictions require permits for certain types of recycling equipment. The machine also needs appropriate power supply and clearance around it for safe operation.

Should staff be professionally trained to operate balers?

Yes, the manufacturer provides detailed operating manuals for safe procedures. It's vital staff are trained to load, monitor and remove bales correctly. Refresher training should be conducted regularly to prevent accidents.