Project Background

In 2025, a medium-sized scrap recycling company based in South Africa approached us with a common challenge: large volumes of loose metal chips were taking up excessive storage space and generating low resale value.

The customer mainly handled:

• Steel chips from machining workshops
• Cast iron turnings
• Aluminum shavings

Due to the loose structure of these materials, transportation costs were high, and furnace efficiency was low when directly melting untreated scrap.

Customer Pain Points

• ❌ Low density of loose metal chips → low market price
• ❌ High transportation cost due to large volume
• ❌ Oil contamination affecting recycling quality
• ❌ Limited storage capacity in the yard
• ❌ Increasing labor cost for handling scrap

The customer needed a reliable solution to compress, clean, and upgrade the value of their scrap materials.

Our Solution

After evaluating the customer’s material type and daily processing volume, we recommended the 400-ton (4000 kN) Metal Chip Briquetting Press with the following configuration:

• Briquette size: Ø130 mm
• Capacity: approx. 4 tons/hour
• Hydraulic system with stable pressure output
• Optional oil recovery system
• Semi-automatic operation (upgradeable to PLC)

We also optimized the design to match local operating conditions, ensuring durability and easy maintenance.

Shipping & Delivery

• Delivery term: FOB Shanghai
• Loading: 1 × 40HQ container
• Total weight: approx. 15 tons
• Sea freight: shipped to Durban Port
• Transit time: approx. 30–35 days

The machine was delivered on schedule and installed with remote technical guidance.

Results & Benefits

After 2 months of operation, the customer reported significant improvements:

• ✅ Scrap volume reduced by over 80%
• ✅ Briquette density increased, resale price improved by 25–40%
• ✅ Oil recovery reduced waste and improved environmental compliance
• ✅ Furnace melting efficiency increased noticeably
• ✅ Overall profit increased by approximately 35%

Customer Feedback

“The machine is very stable and easy to operate.
It solved our storage and transport problems immediately.
The briquettes are much easier to sell and use.”

Why This Project Matters

This project clearly demonstrates how a 400-ton briquetting press can transform low-value scrap into high-value recyclable material.

For recycling companies in regions like Africa, where logistics costs are high, this solution provides:

• Faster return on investment
• Reduced operational cost
• Improved sustainability

Looking for a Similar Solution?

If you are facing similar challenges with metal chips, we can help you design a customized briquetting solution based on your material, capacity, and local conditions.