I. What is an aluminum scrap briquetting machine?

Aluminum chip briquetting machines, also known as aluminum chip baling machines or metal chip briquetting machines, are designed to press loose, fluffy aluminum chips (or aluminum alloy chips) produced by processes such as turning, milling, and drilling into high-density cylindrical or square briquettes (referred to as "aluminum briquettes") at room temperature under high pressure.

Main Objectives:

Reduced Volume: Compression ratios can reach over 10:1, significantly reducing storage and transportation space and lowering logistics costs.

Easy Transportation: After being compressed into cakes, they can be neatly stacked and transported using forklifts or cranes, preventing spillage.

Improved Melting Efficiency and Yield:

The high density of the cakes allows them to quickly sink to the bottom of the molten aluminum in the furnace, reducing oxidation and burn-off from contact with air.

This prevents loose aluminum shavings from floating on the surface during melting, which can lead to severe oxidation and a burn-off rate as high as 15%-30%.

The cakes are heated evenly, resulting in faster melting and reduced energy consumption.

Maintaining Cleanliness: The pressing process allows for the extrusion and recovery of some cutting oil mixed in with the aluminum shavings. The cakes are also easier to store, reducing contamination and fire hazards.

II. Main Types

Aluminum scrap briquetting machines are mainly divided into two categories, suitable for different scenarios:

Vertical Briquetting Machine

Structure: The main hydraulic cylinder is vertically arranged, and the mold cavity is mostly a vertical cylindrical shape.

Features: Small footprint, compact structure, suitable discharge height, often used in conjunction with conveying devices. It is currently the most common mainstream model on the market.

Applications: Suitable for workshops with small to medium scrap production volumes, especially suitable for non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and copper scrap.

Horizontal Briquetting Machine

Structure: The main hydraulic cylinder is horizontally arranged, and the mold cavity is horizontal.

Features: Longer in length but lower in height, facilitating maintenance and cleaning. Some models can perform "pre-compression" followed by "main compression," resulting in extremely high briquetting density.

Applications: Suitable for scenarios with huge scrap production volumes and extremely high briquetting density requirements; also commonly used in steel plants for processing steel scrap.

III. Core Working Principle

Feeding: Aluminum shavings are fed into the machine's hopper via a screw conveyor, elevator, or manually.

Pre-compression/Feeding (Optional): Some models are equipped with a pre-compression cylinder, which initially pushes the aluminum shavings from the hopper into the main mold cavity, ensuring the cavity is full and increasing the weight of the pressed cake per batch.

Main Compression: The main hydraulic cylinder pushes the pressure head, applying extremely high pressure (typically 200-500 tons, or even higher) to the aluminum shavings in the mold cavity. Under high pressure, the aluminum shavings undergo plastic deformation and bind tightly together.

Pressure Holding: The maximum pressure is maintained for a short time to shape the cake and reduce springback.

Cake Discharge: The main hydraulic cylinder returns, and the cake discharge cylinder (or mold side push mechanism) actuates, pushing the pressed aluminum cake out of the mold cavity.

Circulation: After cake discharge, the equipment automatically enters the next working cycle.

Key parameters: System pressure, clamping force, cake size (diameter/side length and thickness), cake density, cycle time, motor power.

IV. Key System Components

Main Frame: Welded from high-strength steel plates, capable of withstanding all working pressure.

Hydraulic System: The core power source, including oil pump, motor, hydraulic valve block, cylinders, oil tank, and cooling system. Its performance directly determines pressure magnitude and stability.

Mold System: Includes mold cavity, pressure head, and cake ejection device. Mold material and heat treatment process are crucial, directly affecting wear resistance and lifespan.

Electrical Control System: PLC control with a touchscreen human-machine interface. Allows setting pressure, holding time, manual/automatic operation, and fault diagnosis.

Feeding System (Optional): Automated feeding devices, such as conveyors and elevators, are key to achieving unmanned operation.

V. Selection and Usage Considerations

Clarify Requirements:

Aluminum Shavings Type: Dry or wet shavings (oil/emulsion content)? Long or short shavings? Different materials require different pressures and mold designs.

Output: Daily/hourly shavings production volume determines the equipment model and level of automation.

Pad Requirements: Ideal pad density (typically ≥2.2g/cm³), size, and weight.

Factory Conditions: Space, height, and power configuration (typically three-phase 380V).

Key Equipment Considerations:

Structural Strength: Thickness of the main frame steel and welding quality.

Hydraulic Configuration: Brand and reliability of key hydraulic components (pumps, valves).

Mold Quality: Material (e.g., H13 mold steel) and heat treatment process.

Intelligent Control: PLC brand, ease of operation, and support for customized programs.

Safety Protection: Completeness of photoelectric protection, two-hand operation buttons, protective covers, etc.

Use and Maintenance:

Strictly Prohibit Mixing: Avoid mixing hard impurities such as iron and stainless steel into the aluminum chips, as this can easily damage the mold.

Uniform Feeding: Ensure that the amount of aluminum chips fed into the mold each time is approximately uniform to guarantee consistent cake weight.

Regular Maintenance: Replace the hydraulic oil and filter element periodically according to the manual, and check the electrical wiring and fasteners.

Mold Maintenance: Keep the mold clean, prevent scratches, and apply anti-rust oil if not used for extended periods.