Understanding the Basics of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries

The future is now. Electric vehicles are no longer a sci-fi fantasy or something only accessible to individuals with deep pockets. Responding to the global push to reduce carbon emissions, more major auto manufacturers are coming out with affordable, everyday models bringing electric cars to middle-class consumers. As the demand surge begins, experts are already warning of a key sustainability risk that could be realized as soon as 2030.

The essence of EVs is the battery. It’s what makes electric vehicles, well, electric. Designed to last years and thousands of miles of use, EV batteries contain precious, non-renewable minerals deep within their thousands of cells. Scientists and manufacturers now need to figure out how to recycle electric vehicle batteries before we encounter a global mining crisis and (more) overloaded landfills.

But research efforts are underway! And this is one saga we at Solid Equipment Company will follow closely. For now, we’ll share what we know so far. We’ll start with a brief review of how batteries work, then get into the fascinating details of recycling electric vehicle batteries.

How Does a Battery Work?

A battery converts chemical energy into electrical energy. Thus, all batteries have some sort of liquid chemical inside of them.

The main components of a battery are:

  • Chemical base
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolyte solution

Nickel, cadmium, lead, acid, and lithium are the most common battery chemical bases. Electricity is generated when the chemical base flows between two electrodes (the “plus” and “minus” ends of a battery) via a conductive chemical called an electrolyte solution. The grouping of these basic components is called a cell. Lastly, all batteries have some sort of casing around them to protect the cells and hold them in place.

What Makes Electric Vehicle Batteries Different?

The main components of an EV battery are the same as other batteries, but the size and amounts of those components are vastly different (aka larger).

A standard car battery is a 12-volt battery with six cells. EV batteries have thousands of cells. A standard car battery weighs between 30 to 50 pounds. An EV battery weighs 1,000 pounds or more.

The other foundational difference is the chemical base. Standard car batteries have a lead-acid base, while EV batteries use the now infamous (thanks to cell phones) lithium-ion base.

Imminent Importance of Recycling Electric Vehicle Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the choice battery for electric cars and other high-use electronics because they can store a lot of electricity in a small amount of space (high energy density). Lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel are raw materials found in lithium-ion batteries.

Raw materials such as these come from the Earth and must be mined. But mining alone will not support mass EV battery production.

The amount of these minerals on the Earth is finite, therefore, industries must figure out how to recycle EV batteries and extract the minerals for reuse.

Better recycling methods are also needed to make sure the exceptionally large EV batteries don’t end up in landfills (spoiler alert: There isn’t enough space).

How Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Works

Only three methods exist currently. Each is very primitive but nonetheless presents useful pros and cons scientists can learn from. These methods are pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and direct recycling. While some are better than others in various areas, the collective benefits do not come close to addressing the issue on a large scale.

The most pressing need is an eco-responsible process for extracting the valuable (and non-renewable) raw materials from the chemical cells. Recycling industries have much to perfect with the extraction process. Current methods are not energy smart or eco-friendly — yet.

Many organizations throughout the world are facing the challenge head-on, including the Faraday Institution’s Reuse and Recycling of Lithium-Ion Batteries (ReLib) project at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Equipment for EV Recycling.

While there is much to discover around EV battery recycling, Solid Equipment Company has many products that can support the possibilities at a large scale, and we’re excited to contribute to the global cause.

The jury is still out on extracting raw materials from the chemicals, but stainless steel separation conveyors and wire granulators can extract the precious copper and aluminum from electrical wires. EV batteries have a fair amount of wiring to them as well, and our equipment is at the ready.

Given their built-to-last construction, cracking into EV batteries will likely require hydraulic equipment, while attachments for heavy-duty lifting offer safety and efficiency to any industrial operation. The GYRB-brand attachments we sell are adaptable to all types of machinery already on the market, perhaps creating opportunities for easy implementation when the time comes for large-scale EV battery recycling. Recyclers will need something to lift those 1,000-pound batteries!

About Solid Equipment Company

Solid Equipment Company is an industrial recycling equipment distributor that offers an extensive selection of new and used equipment from top manufacturers, designed to recover full value from the entire range of metal and scrap products. We distribute all throughout the United States and Canada.

If you’re in the metal recycling business and looking to improve your profitability, call 855-952-2226 today and get started on a consultation with one of our experts.

Alligator Shears for Recycling & Scrap Processing

When your recycling facility or scrapyard needs to cut metals into smaller sizes for sorting and baling or shredding, alligator shears are a great for efficient recycling & scrap processing. They offer powerful blades that can quickly cut through things like rebar, car radiators, and thick copper cables. The stationary design makes this tool safer to use than portable hydraulic shears while adding additional power to cut through tougher materials.

How Do Alligator Shears Work?

Alligator shears use a fixed jaw on the bottom and a hinged jaw on the top with hardened steel blades to cut through materials. The top jaw pivots downward to cut, similar to scissors. A hydraulic pump and cylinder drive the upper jaw, with guards that pivot along with the jaw to protect the operator from injuries. Together, the two jaws look similar to an alligator’s mouth, hence the name. Other common names for the shears include crocodile shears or lever shears. The jaws can vary in size from 4 inches to over 36 inches, though typical models range from 16 to 24 inches.

What Are Alligator Shears Used For?

Most often, they are used to cut scrap metal into manageable sizes for recycling at industrial recycling facilities, scrapyards, or demolition sites. But they can also be useful for cutting steel or aluminum stock to size as long as a precision cut is not required, such as when you’re cutting rebar to length, angle iron, pipes, or ground stakes. Unlike portable hydraulic shears, the material must be brought to the machine for cutting, so material sizes are limited to what can easily be carried. Alligator shears are often used to cut:

  • Car radiators
  • Car exhausts
  • Copper cables or wire
  • Aluminum extrusions
  • Rebar
  • Copper, aluminum, or steel pipes
  • Angle iron
  • Small sheet metal parts or assemblies

More powerful models can be used at steel suppliers or construction sites to cut I-beams, C-channel, or steel tubing to length.

Benefits of Alligator Shears

Alligator shears are a great tool for any facility that needs to cut large volumes of metal in a safe and controlled manner. Some of their primary benefits include:

  • Hardened steel jaws to cut through tough materials
  • Powerful hydraulic cylinders to drive the jaws
  • Clean cuts with no chips and minimal waste
  • Stationary design with guards for worker safety
  • Multiple sizes for varying materials

Alligator Shears & Hydraulic Shears for Your Recycling Facility

If you are considering alligator shears or hydraulic shears for your recycling facility or scrapyard, turn to our experts at Solid Equipment Company. We feature collection with up to 250 tons of force and 16-, 20-, or 24-inch blade lengths. We also feature portable hydraulic shears for the disassembly of larger objects like car bodies, frames, or buildings, as well as battery-operated shears for the ultimate in portability.

Our company offers both new  and high-quality used alligator or hydraulic shears at competitive prices. Boost your business’s already efficient recycling & scrap processing, making it more productive and profitable. We serve industrial recycling facilities, scrapyards, vehicle recyclers, and demolition companies throughout the United States. With our extensive knowledge, we can help with all your recycling equipment needs, and we offer great service and support with all our equipment.

Give us a call today at 866-948-5406 or contact us online to request a quote for alligator shears or hydraulic shears, and be sure to stop by our used equipment page for quality equipment at significant savings.

Why Buy Used Recycling Equipment?

Recycling equipment like Wheel Poppers, Electric Motor Recycling Machines , or Wire Granulators can be a significant investment if you are buying new equipment, but there are often used options available that can be a great value. Why should you consider buying used equipment for your recycling facility? Here are a few reasons that may make sense for your needs:

Equipment Cost

Used recycling equipment will obviously cost less than new equipment. New machines can depreciate quickly due to their use in harsh environments, so the purchase price of used equipment is often far more affordable.

Equipment Upgrades

It can be a great way to upgrade to a better model at a lower cost. If you need to upgrade to a scrap handling magnet or a grapple, for example, or you need a shredder that can handle larger amounts of material, buying used can allow you to upgrade without paying a premium for new equipment. Plus, if you are buying equipment that was replaced simply because it no longer meets the capacity or feature needs of the original owner, that equipment may be in good overall condition for the price.

Exploring New Markets

If you would like to explore more recycling options for your business, buying new may not make financial sense until you know there is a profitable market available for the material you would like to process. For example, a used electric motor recycler or wire stripping machine can be a good option if you would like to expand into copper recycling without a large upfront investment. Once the market is proven and you are making a profit, you can consider upgrading or buying new equipment.

Expanding Your Business

As your business grows, you may need to add more workers to keep up with demand. It may not always be possible, or even advisable, to equip new workers with the best equipment possible. Used equipment gives you the opportunity to expand your business faster with a smaller investment. And in the case of new workers, equipping them with a set of used hydraulic shears, for example, instead of new ones, reduces the loss should they dull the blades or break a hydraulic hose.

Used Recycling Equipment at Cost-Effective Prices

When you are interested in quality used recycling equipment for your scrapyard or recycling facility, turn to our team at Solid Equipment Company. As a nationwide dealer of scrap recycling equipment, vehicle recycling equipment, demolition equipment, and more, we have a wide range of both new and used equipment available at all times. Our company features top-quality products, competitive prices, and impressive value.

Give us a call at 866-948-5406 request a quote for recycling equipment. You can also view our used equipment inventory online.

How Do You Scrap an Electric Motor?

Electric motors are found everywhere, from heavy equipment and household appliances to industrial facilities and electric vehicles. They contain significant amounts of materials like copper, brass, aluminum, and steel that have some scrap value, though harvesting these materials in an efficient and cost-effective manner can be a challenge. The basic steps for recycling an electric motor include:

  • Disassembly: All the fasteners that secure brackets and endplates to the housing are removed, and the motor is stripped of all external components like capacitors, bearings, pulleys, or controls.
  • Splitting the case: To access the rotor, stator, commutator, and windings, the case must be opened. This can be done with hammers and chisels, hydraulic shears, or a hammer mill.
  • Separating the components: The copper windings need to be separated from the ferrous core. Cutting or splitting the iron or laminated steel core is often the easiest way to access the copper windings.
  • Sorting the materials: Any tape and insulation layers, cording, and plastics need to be removed, then the materials can be stripped and sorted according to metal type for scrap recycling.

 

At Solid Equipment Company, our electric motor recycling machines make quick work of scrapping electric motors. They feature specialized hydraulic shears to split cases, steel stator or transformer cores, and a semi-automatic copper extraction system that uses clamps and presses to extract the copper windings. Our systems make recycling electric motors less labor-intensive, faster, and more cost-efficient.

Electric Car Recycling

Electric vehicles have far more in scrap value than just the materials in the electric motors. Steel and aluminum from the body and frame can be recycled, as well as the batteries powering the car.

To recycle an electric vehicle, it is important to disconnect and remove the battery packs safely. They have extremely high and dangerous DC voltages, leading to potential electrocution and fire hazards. Once the battery is safe, the aluminum and steel components can be salvaged, while plastics, fabric, and other materials can be discarded or redirected to other recycling channels.

Batteries that have some useful service life remaining can be transferred to secondary markets like solar battery storage systems, while batteries that have no service potential can be discharged and stripped down to salvage valuable metals such as aluminum, steel, cobalt, and lithium. Recycling batteries takes special training and equipment to complete safely, so this is usually done by third parties that specialize in the service.

To learn more about the recycling processes for electric motors and electric vehicles, as well as the equipment that can make these tasks easier, browse our industrial recycling equipment guide or talk to our experts at Solid Equipment Company. Call us at 866-948-5406 or contact us online.

Electric Motor & Vehicle Recycling Equipment for Your Scrap Facility

Are you interested in equipment that makes it easier and more cost-effective to scrap electric motors and vehicles? Contact our team at Solid Equipment Company. We offer reliable, high-quality electric motor recycling machines, hydraulic shears, hammer mills, vehicle recycling equipment, scrap metal balers, high-volume wire strippers, and more. We serve scrapyards, recycling centers, demolition companies, and construction firms throughout the United States, and we offer both new and used equipment at great prices. With unsurpassed service and support, a knowledgeable team, and quality products, we are here to help with all your scrap and recycling needs.

Call 866-948-5406 or contact us online to learn more about our electric motor recycling equipment or to request a quote.

Guide to Recycling Precious Metals

Every year, an unimaginable amount of precious metal goes to waste in landfills. People often don’t know they can recycle jewelry or electronics containing these metals, with few refineries equipped for the task. Solid Equipment Company aims to change this by offering equipment to separate precious metals from scrap. This helps the environment and allows our customers to profit and thrive.

What Are Precious Metals?

A precious metal is a natural metallic chemical element that has a low supply and a high value. They are generally more flexible and less reactive than more commonly available metals. The primary four precious metals are:

  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum
  • Palladium

These metals can be found in some astonishing places. In addition to being found in coins, jewelry, and electronics, precious metals appear in X-ray film, catalytic converters, and electrophysiology catheters.

How Are Precious Metals Recycled?

The first step is to collect all the materials you believe contain precious metals. When you’re working primarily with jewelry, the process is simple. If you are working with large batches of scrap, it’s crucial to sort out the metals visually or use tools like high-powered magnets. It can be helpful to compress the recovered metals with something like a scrap metal baler to make the next step easier.

The metals should then be shredded using equipment like hydraulic shears. Shredded metals melt faster and more evenly, which results in less energy waste through the process.

After being melted, the metal must be purified and checked for homogeneity. Once the batch is confirmed to be thoroughly mixed and contaminant-free, the melted metal solidifies into a bar-shaped mold after being poured. The bar shape makes it easier to sell to a variety of different merchants.

The Impact of Recycling Precious Metals

Collecting, sorting, and fully recycling precious metals may seem challenging, but the payoff is tangible from two perspectives. The United Nations estimates that about $10 billion worth of precious metals in electronic waste is dumped in landfills each year. This growing mountain of electronic waste causes severe pollution issues, which can be mitigated with more robust recycling efforts.

This untapped market for wasted metals offers a profitable opportunity for industrious individuals or organizations, while also helping to combat climate change.

Solid Equipment Company is here to help by providing the specialty equipment you need to recycle precious metals effectively. Call us at 866-948-5406 for more information on how we can fulfill your needs.

Know the Difference Between Ferrous & Non-ferrous

Scrap metal recycling is a lucrative, environmentally friendly business. Before you can get started, it’s imperative to understand the difference between ferrous & non-ferrous metals. In short, ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous metals do not. This defining characteristic determines which uses and applications these metals are best suited for and how they are recycled.

What is Ferrous Metal?

Ferrous metals are alloys, meaning they contain several different metals, including iron. This makes ferrous metals strong, durable, and magnetic. Unfortunately, the high iron content also makes ferrous metals prone to rusting in wet environments.

Examples of these metals include steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. These materials are used in the following applications:

  • Engines and car parts
  • Building materials
  • Industrial piping
  • Machinery
  • Shipping containers
  • Heating elements
  • Electrical applications
  • Nails and tools
  • Cookware
  • Sheet metal
  • Chains and fencing

What is Non-Ferrous Metal?

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, making them light, malleable, and non-magnetic. They are also much less likely to rust and corrode than ferrous metals.

Examples include aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, and zinc. The characteristics of these metals make them the ideal choice for numerous applications, including:

  • Aircraft parts
  • Food and drink cans
  • Sheet roofing
  • Outdoor signage
  • Power cables and batteries
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Galvanization (applying zinc to iron or steel to prevent rust)

Ferrous Scrap Metal Recycling

Ferrous scrap is the world’s most recycled material. In 2016, 65 million metric tons of iron and steel scrap valued at $15.9 billion was recycled worldwide. As a result, 40% of the world’s steel production is made from recycled ferrous scrap. Manufacturing new products from recycled metal consumes 75% less energy than using raw materials.

Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal Recycling

Aluminum and other non-ferrous metals maintain their chemical properties even after repeated recycling and reprocessing. As a result, they are infinitely recyclable. In fact, 75% of all aluminum processed since commercial manufacturing began in the 1880s is still in productive use today. The process is fast, too. Used aluminum cans can be recycled and put back on grocery store shelves in as little as 60 days.

Non-ferrous scrap metal recycling is critical to conserving natural resources. It comprises less than 10% of all scrap recycled in the United States by volume, but it represents nearly 50% of the total scrap value. In 2018, the U.S. recovered more than 9.2 million metric tons of non-ferrous scrap with an estimated worth of more than $34 billion.

How to Tell the Difference Between Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals

Both kinds of metal are used in buildings, cars, plumbing and electrical systems, and more. This means scrap from a remodeling or construction site is likely to contain both kinds of metal.

Industrial magnets are the key to separating the two quickly and efficiently. After all, magnetic ferrous metal will stick to the magnet, while non-ferrous metal will remain on the ground. Industrial magnets come in several forms, including electromagnetic overhand magnets and drum separator magnets.

Other Useful Tools for Recycling Scrap

In addition to separating different kinds of metal, you also need industrial recycling equipment to cut, compress, and otherwise reduce scrap down to a manageable size. The tools you may find useful in the scrap metal recycling business include:

If you need assistance with selecting the right scrap metal recycling tools, turn to the specialists at Solid Equipment Company. We offer new, used, and refurbished equipment to meet your needs.

Call 866-948-5406 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your  scrap metal recycling business with a knowledgeable industry expert.

The Basics of Industrial Recycling

Every industry—from manufacturing and medicine to agriculture and energy products—generates reusable and recyclable materials. Much like household waste, including cardboard, paper, aluminum cans, and plastic containers, industrial waste is considered a valuable commodity. Using the correct processes and equipment, industrial waste can easily be reused or recycled.

What is Industrial Recycling?

Industrial recycling is the process of re-incorporating valuable secondary materials generated from industrial processes into newly manufactured products. Depending on what waste your industry produces, you may be able to reuse these materials in your company processes or sell them to another company that can use them. Examples of recyclable industrial waste include:

  • Scrap and residuals from production processes
  • Coal combustion products
  • Construction and demolition debris
  • Products that have been recovered at the end of their useful life, including appliances, motor vehicles, and tires

Industrial Recycling: An Effective Part of Waste Stream Management

Many industries focus on curbing their energy and water consumption during the manufacturing process. While noble, these goals often overshadow the impact that material disposal can have on the economy, human health, and the environment.

Proper waste stream management is a sustainability effort that can have tremendous benefits when implemented properly. Consider that industrial recycling is an effective part of waste stream management. Any waste that cannot be prevented or reused should be recycled to divert it away from landfills.

What is Beneficial Use?

Hundreds of millions of tons of non-hazardous secondary materials are disposed of each year. This comes at a substantial cost, both to the company generating the waste and the companies that must purchase more expensive raw materials because recycled goods aren’t available. Many of the industrial byproducts that end up in landfills have the potential to be recycled—or beneficially used—instead of going to waste.

Beneficial use is when recycled materials are substituted for raw materials in such a way that:

  • Provides beneficial functionality
  • Meets performance standards
  • Does not pose a risk to human health or the environment

Examples of industrial waste recycling for beneficial use include:

  • Using coal fly ash in place of Portland cement in concrete
  • Substituting desulfurization gypsum for mined gypsum in drywall
  • Utilizing spent foundry sands and slag in soil-related applications, such as base material at construction sites
  • Recycling crushed concrete and asphalt from construction projects for use as aggregate in new pavement

Common Industrial Recycling Equipment

Using the proper industrial recycling equipment contributes to a more efficient, profitable business. Consider some of the most common tools in use today:

  • Wire granulators recover the valuable copper and aluminum found inside industrial cables and wiring.
  • Hydraulic shears reduce scrap metal to a more manageable size.
  • Wire strippers strip and separate wiring of various diameters and materials.
  • Vehicle recycling equipment is used to drain, dismantle, separate, depollute, and recycle cars. Examples include vehicle tilting tables, fuel extractors, airbag deployers and wheel poppers.
  • Scrap balers make it easy to compress large metal objects into smaller, more transportable pieces.
  • Roll splitters are used to cut surplus or defective aluminum coils and other packing material reels.
  • Hammer mills break up everything from electric motors and transformers to green boards and copper meatballs.
  • Magnets help purify the product stream by separating metal from other recyclable materials, including plastic, rubber, paper, and wood.

Benefits of Industrial Recycling

Because of the potential for numerous economic, environmental, and performance benefits of industrial recycling, every company should pursue appropriate beneficial uses for the secondary materials they generate. Some of the advantages of doing so include:

  • Reduced costs: Everyone involved in the industrial recycling process saves money. The companies generating the waste reduce costs by reusing or reselling byproducts that would otherwise be thrown away. The companies purchasing secondary materials receive a discount compared to buying raw materials.
  • Conserved natural resources: When waste products are reused, it reduces the need to produce new raw materials, minimizing the dependence on virgin resources.
  • Fewer greenhouse gas emissions: Municipal solid waste landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the US. By reducing landfill volume, industrial recycling can help slow global climate change. The recycling process also usually emits fewer pollutants than the extraction and production of new materials.
  • Improved public perception: If your company strives to be a good corporate citizen, participating in industrial recycling brings you another step closer to this goal.

Industrial recycling rules and regulations vary across North America. If your business is looking for opportunities to reuse and recycle secondary materials, contact your local environmental protection office for more information.

You also need access to the proper industrial recycling equipment for the job. The specialists at Solid Equipment Company can help you identify the best machines to satisfy any industrial recycling challenge.

Call 866-948-5406 to discuss your industrial recycling needs with a knowledgeable industry expert.

Industrial Recycling Equipment Guide

Access to the proper industrial recycling equipment is the key to an efficient and profitable business. With so many machines available for different purposes, how do you know which ones are best suited for the application at hand? Use this industrial recycling equipment guide to help you answer that question.

Wire Granulators

The copper and aluminum found inside industrial cables and wiring often go to waste. With the proper wire granulator, you can efficiently recycle and recover these valuable components. Find a model designed for the capacity and type of cable you need to process. Your options include:

Hydraulic Shears

Industrial hydraulic shears reduce scrap metal to a more manageable size. Whether you need powerful shears for bulky jobs or handheld shears for more precise work, you can find a product to meet your needs. Your options include:

 

Wire Strippers

Recycling scrap wire components can be very profitable. If you need to strip and separate wiring of various diameters and materials, wire strippers are the right tool for the job. The Kab-W is a popular model capable of splitting everything from thin PVC to heavily armored underground cables and steel mesh.

Vehicle Recycling Equipment

Meet the challenges of car recycling with a range of equipment designed to drain, dismantle, separate, depollute, and recycle motor vehicles.

  • Vehicle drainage: Remove up to 98% of liquids from end-of-life vehicles quickly, cleanly, and efficiently—without spilling a drop.
  • Vehicle rack and drainage: An optional drainage platform makes it easier than ever to extract gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, antifreeze, and other vehicle liquids.
  • Mobile vehicle dismantling container: Take your vehicle dismantling services anywhere with a mobile container. It opens up into a covered workstation complete with a static vehicle ramp, double diaphragm pumps, catchment areas, and preinstalled tank lines and connections.
  • Airbag deployment: This system neutralizes airbags and seatbelt tensioners at a reduced noise level and without particulate residue.
  • A/C removal: Vehicle air conditioning systems contain potentially hazardous refrigerants. An A/C removal system safely degasses automotive air conditioners without harming the environment.
  • Fuel extraction: A clean, low-cost fuel extractor is essential for vehicle depollution before it ends up in a scrapyard.
  • Fuel tank drill: The unique water and sediment separation system included with a fuel tank drill ensures you retrieve clean, reusable fuel from end-of-life vehicles.
  • Handheld hydraulic shears: While they have numerous applications, handheld shears are often used for separating car parts for reuse or recycling.
  • Wheel lug lock buster: This tool is the easiest way to remove a vehicle’s wheels without the locking nut key.
  • Wheel popper: Remove scrap tire material from steel and alloy rims at up to 240 units per hour with this efficient tire removal machine.
  • Electric motor recycling machines: Rugged, specialized equipment can split motor casings to recover the valuable copper and aluminum inside.

Miscellaneous Industrial Recycling Equipment

What other industrial recycling solutions do you need? Many assorted machines are available to meet your needs.

  • Scrap metal balers: This equipment makes it easy to compress large metal objects into small, transportable pieces.
  • Roll splitters: Cut up surplus or defective aluminum coils and other packing material reels for recycling purposes.
  • Dust suppression equipmentIndustrial recycling can generate dust, odor, and smoke. An electric, gas, PTO, or hydraulic-powered misting system makes the environment more pleasant for workers.
  • Hammer mills: Break up electric motors, transformers, copper meatballs, green boards, and much more.
  • Eddy current separators: By separating small aluminum chips from shredded and ground plastic, you can achieve the cleanest plastic flakes possible.
  • Stainless steel separation conveyors: A patented magnetic circuit design recovers stainless steel and ferrous dust from auto shredding and wire chopping streams.
  • Magnets: Whether you recycle plastic, electronics, tires, paper, metal, or wood, cross-belt magnets are ideal for purifying the product stream.
  • Electromagnetic overband magnets: This compact system is smaller and lighter than other magnets without any compromise in separation performance.
  • Drum separator magnets: This system removes iron contamination while the clean product stream continues its normal trajectory.

Contact Solid Equipment Company for Help Choosing Industrial Recycling Equipment

Do you still have questions about which industrial recycling equipment is right for you? The specialists at Solid Equipment Company can help you identify the best machines to satisfy any industrial recycling challenge. We offer new, used, and refurbished equipment to meet your needs. With our guidance, you’ll maximize productivity, minimize the costs of recovery, and optimize your bottom line.

Fill out our online contact form or call us at 866-948-5406 today to discuss your industrial recycling needs with an experienced industry expert.

Check out our link to this guide on Advanced Biofuels USA.

Guide to Copper Wire Granulators

Copper is a valuable material, but it, unfortunately, gets scrapped or lost frequently during industrial applications. Copper wire granulators are a great solution to this problem, as they allow copper wires and cable to be recovered and recycled for reuse. If you work in a facility that produces a large amount of material or industrial waste, consider copper wire granulators to ensure no copper is unnecessarily wasted.

How It Works

Different types of wire granulators will employ different methods to separate copper, but essentially, all wire granulators will take copper cable or wires and separate the copper part from the plastic that insulates it. The common way a wire granulator works is as follows:

  1. The first step to separating out a copper wire is to feed the scrap wire into the wire granulator. The wire that you feed into the machine will be insulated, and the insulation is exactly what the wire granulator is trying to remove.
  2. Once the wire has been fed into the machine, the granulator starts to crush it into a fine powder, hence the name granulator. The machine will shred the wire into tiny grains that can then be reused by manufacturers.
  3. Now that the wire has been crushed into a powder, the next step is to separate the copper powder from the plastic. Because copper is a highly conductive material, machines can use electrostatic separation to separate it from the non-conductive plastic. With the high-quality wire granulator equipment options from Solid Equipment Company, you can recover far more copper than lower-end machines.

Uses for Copper Wire Granulators

If you work in a scrapyard or anywhere where copper wiring or cabling might be getting thrown out, you’ll benefit greatly from a wire granulator. While this machine serves a single purpose, it is an extremely valuable one. Compared to many other metals, copper has higher ductility, making it desirable for many uses. As such, reselling copper from a salvaging business can create a decent profit.

While you could, in theory, have someone separate out the copper wire from the plastic by hand, the sheer amount of time this would take would be exorbitant. Solid Equipment Company’s wire granulator options are able to process massive amounts of copper wire, making them a highly efficient and lucrative choice. Some machines can also separate out aluminum wiring.

New & Used Recycling Equipment From Solid Equipment Company

If you are considering purchasing a copper wire granulator, Solid Equipment Company has the machine you need. Our team strives to make your recycling business more productive and more profitable, and we serve industrial recycling facilities, scrapyards, vehicle recyclers, and demolition companies throughout the United States and Canada. We offer both new and used recycling equipment from leading brands and manufacturers of industrial recycling equipment. With multiple options for wire granulators, we are bound to have the best solution for your needs.

Call 866-948-5406 or contact us online to request a quote for a copper wire granulator. Also, be sure to stop by our used equipment page for quality equipment at significant savings.