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One of the biggest problems metal stamping facilities have to deal with is scrap metal, though this problem can be overcome with electric shakers. During metalworking, huge stamping machines fitted with dies punch out metal to create a workable part. These machines are useful for a variety of applications, like stamping out automotive parts, metal frames, or pieces for metal tools. However, stamping machines are also sensitive to debris, particularly the left over scrap that’s punched out.
If this scrap is not removed, it can cause great damage to the die or the stamping machine itself. Fixing a device of this size can cost the plant a crippling amount of time and money. Metalworking companies can ill afford significant downtime on their processes. The profitability of the plant is entirely dependent on minimal maintenance and minimal stoppages in production. This is where scrap removal systems come in. Scrap removers are similar to most processing conveyors. Their purpose is to ferry away the scrap that’s produced from stamping. Oscillating conveyors, drop conveyors, drag conveyors and pneumatic conveyors are all options for this process. However, none of them can match the reliability and efficiency of electric shakers.
These devices operate with a motor that drives the conveyor back and forth. The scrap is shuffled to the end of the conveyor where it is dropped into a bin for removal. The process is simple, but it is highly effective. The motor that drives these machines is much quieter than the popular pneumatic conveyor. Also, they are greener than other options, making it easier for the plant to meet environmental codes. They require minimal maintenance, no lubrication, and are extremely rugged. In short, they won’t bring the plant to a standstill for maintenance reasons, and that means more money for the plant.
This is particularly important, because most alternatives to the electric shakers require frequent maintenance. Pneumatic conveyors are notorious for this, and even though they are a popular option, they can reduce production volume by 50 percent or more once they start breaking down. Pneumatics tend to be less reliable over the long haul due to the heavy forces they use to convey material, so this is an important consideration for a plant operator. Another thing to keep in mind, pneumatic scrap removers require a constant source of pressurized air to function. This air is typically siphoned off from elsewhere in the plant, requiring additional infrastructure to bring the scrap remover online.
This isn’t a problem with an electric remover, which only requires a power source to operate. These machines are easy to get started and designed to fit into any plant layout. They are built for industry standard T-slot configurations that most plants operate with, so they can be integrated immediately. They can handle huge volumes of scrap, all the way up to 10,000 pounds, and can do this without any loss of efficiency. In all, these machines represent a huge step forward in plant safety and production.
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