Loose used beverage cans (UBCs) are valuable aluminium feedstock, but they are difficult to store, load and ship efficiently. Their low bulk density can turn a recycling yard into a space and logistics problem long before the material reaches a remelter.

An aluminium UBC shear baler solves that problem by feeding loose cans into a hopper, shearing oversize or irregular material where required, and hydraulically compressing it into compact bales. For recycling centres, MRFs, scrap yards and aluminium processors, the right baler helps create a more consistent feedstock stream while reducing handling steps.

DerShan's HBW Hopper Type Metal Shear Baler is designed for aluminium UBC, aluminium scrap, light metal scrap and selected non-ferrous materials. The HBW series is available in configurations listed from 500 to 5,000 kg/hour, with model selection based on material, feed method and required bale size.

What is an aluminium UBC shear baler?

UBC means used beverage can. In a high-volume recycling operation, UBCs may arrive as loose cans, pre-compacted cans or mixed light aluminium scrap. A hopper-type shear baler is a hydraulic recycling machine that combines material feeding, cutting/shearing where needed and bale compaction in one process.

The working sequence is straightforward:

1. Loose UBC or aluminium scrap is loaded into the hopper manually, by loader or by conveyor.

2. The hydraulic system moves material into the processing chamber.

3. The shear section reduces unsuitable or bulky pieces to a manageable size.

4. Hydraulic rams compress the prepared material into a dense, regular bale.

5. The finished bale is pushed out for weighing, storage and shipment.

This is not simply “crushing cans.” The goal is repeatable bale geometry and density that fit the downstream handling and shipping plan.

Why densify UBC before transport or remelting?

Aluminium can recycling is important both commercially and environmentally. The International Aluminium Institute states that recycling aluminium saves about 95% of the energy required for primary aluminium production, and that aluminium can be recycled repeatedly. 

At yard level, the immediate benefits of baling are operational:

- More material per square metre: loose cans occupy disproportionate floor space.

- More efficient freight: denser, stable bales make truck and container loading more practical.

- Better yard organisation: defined bales are simpler to inventory, stack and move with standard handling equipment.

- More consistent downstream feeding: repeatable bale size can simplify handling before shredding, decoating or remelting.

- Lower manual handling exposure: hopper or conveyor feeding can reduce repeated hand handling of bulky scrap.

Actual savings depend on incoming density, contamination, freight rates, selected bale dimensions and local operating practice. A reliable feasibility review should use the customer's own material and logistics data rather than a generic percentage claim.

How the DerShan HBW Hopper Type Metal Shear Baler supports UBC processing

The DerShan Hopper Type Metal Shear Baler(https://www.dershan.com/Hopper-Type-Metal-Shear-Baler) is specified for aluminium scrap, aluminium UBC, light metal scrap, stainless steel and other suitable non-ferrous material. Its product page lists automatic/manual control options, conveyor feeding, push-out discharge, industrial oil cooling and remote monitoring/support features.

Key configuration points include:

- HBW series output:  listed at 500–5,000 kg/hour; actual output is material- and model-dependent.

- Hydraulic power range: listed at 1,250–4,000 kN across the series.

- Chamber length: listed from 1,000–2,000 mm.

- Bale weight range: listed from 25–200 kg.

- Controls and service: options described on the product page include automatic/manual operation, Schneider electrical components, remote service and video support.

What to check before buying a UBC baler machine?

1. Define the material honestly

“Aluminium cans” can include clean loose UBC, pre-crushed cans, aluminium profiles, thin-gauge scrap, moisture, plastic labels and occasional non-aluminium contamination. Provide photos and, if possible, a representative sample. This protects the equipment selection and avoids unrealistic throughput expectations.

2. Work backwards from the required bale

Ask the buyer, transporter or downstream processor what bale dimensions, weight range and handling method they prefer. A bale that is dense but incompatible with your forklift, container plan or processor is not an optimised result.

3. Specify the feed system with the baler

The baler is only one part of the line. Consider the loading method, conveyor capacity, sorting stage, magnetic separation where ferrous contamination is present, control interlocks and access for maintenance. DerShan also provides an aluminium scrap shredding and baling solution for customers planning a broader preprocessing line.

4. Confirm service and commissioning scope

Before placing an order, confirm the machine layout drawing, electrical standard, oil cooling requirement, spare-parts list, installation support, operator training and remote-service arrangement. DerShan states that it provides site planning/design, installation and commissioning guidance, plus after-sales support.

FAQ: aluminium UBC shear balers

1> What materials can an aluminium UBC shear baler process?

The DerShan HBW product page lists aluminium UBC, aluminium cans, aluminium scrap, light metal scrap, stainless steel and selected non-ferrous materials. Suitability depends on material thickness, piece size, contamination and the selected model. Send material details before finalising the configuration.

2> What capacity should I choose for UBC recycling?

Choose capacity from measured hourly input, peak feed rate, operating hours and desired buffer time—not from an average monthly tonnage alone. DerShan lists the HBW series at 500–5,000 kg/hour; the appropriate model must be matched to the actual feedstock and workflow.

3> Does a shear baler replace sorting?

No. Baling improves handling and density, but it does not replace upstream sorting. Ferrous metal, excessive moisture, plastics and unsuitable oversize pieces should be managed according to the downstream recycler’s specification.

4> Can the baler be fed by conveyor?

Yes. The published HBW configuration lists conveyor feeding. The conveyor and hopper should be sized as a system to avoid starving the baler or overloading it during peaks.

5> What bale size can the HBW series produce?

The listed HBW models produce bale cross-sections from 300 × 300 mm to 500 × 500 mm, with listed bale weights from 20–150 kg depending on model and material. Final bale results vary with the scrap stream and operating settings.

6> How long does delivery take?

DerShan's product page lists a 30-day delivery time, while also noting that final lead time varies by model and project scope. Confirm the current production schedule when requesting a quotation.

Request a tailored UBC baling proposal, To receive a model recommendation,  Please share:

- Material photos and a short feedstock description

- Average and peak throughput required

- Target bale size or downstream buyer specification

- Existing or planned conveyor/sorting equipment

- Site layout, electrical standard and destination country

Then the Dershan Engineering Team will suggest you the most suitable solutions and best offer accordingly.