Industrial manufacturers must manage many different waste streams while maintaining consistent production. Metal chips, scrap, machining fluids, and process wastewater are common byproducts of CNC machining, stamping, forging, die casting, and metal finishing. When these materials are handled through suitable recovery and treatment systems, manufacturers can improve material management and create more organized production processes. PRAB, Inc. provides equipment designed to address these requirements through metal scrap conveying, chip processing, coolant recycling, and industrial water treatment.
PRAB is a U.S.-based industrial equipment manufacturer located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with more than 75 years of experience in industrial equipment engineering. As a KMC Global company, PRAB supplies technologies for manufacturers operating in automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and general industrial markets. Its product portfolio is designed to address the movement, processing, recovery, and treatment of materials and fluids generated during industrial production.
Metal scrap conveying is one of the company's core areas. CNC machines and stamping presses can generate scrap continuously, requiring reliable methods for moving material away from production equipment. PRAB offers steel belt, hinge belt, drag, vibratory, and magnetic conveyors. These conveyor technologies can be selected according to the characteristics of the material being transported, including scrap size, weight, shape, and production volume. Continuous-duty conveying can help reduce manual material handling and maintain a more orderly production environment.
Metal chips and turnings may require additional processing after they leave the machine. Loose chips can take up significant space and may contain cutting fluids that can be recovered. PRAB provides metal shredders and briquetters designed for chip processing applications. Briquetting compresses loose chips into denser forms, which can simplify storage and transportation. It can also help separate recoverable coolant from the metal material and potentially improve the value of processed scrap.
Coolant recycling is particularly relevant to machining operations. Cutting fluids help support machining processes, but contamination can reduce their usefulness over time. Instead of immediately disposing of used fluid, manufacturers can use appropriate filtration and recycling equipment. PRAB's Guardian coolant recycling systems and industrial coolant filtration equipment are designed to recover and reuse cutting fluids. CNC coolant recycling systems can help extend fluid life while reducing the amount of spent coolant that must be handled as waste.
Industrial wastewater is another important consideration. Metal finishing and other manufacturing processes can produce water containing oil, suspended solids, and other contaminants. PRAB's process water treatment systems include pH adjustment systems, oil water separators, and water oil separators. These technologies can support industrial wastewater management and help facilities address their treatment and discharge requirements.
The value of PRAB's product portfolio lies in its ability to address several related processes through an integrated approach. A facility may need to transport metal scrap from a CNC machine, process chips and turnings, recover coolant, and treat wastewater generated during production. Coordinating these functions can create a more connected recovery process.
PRAB engineers systems according to the customer's specific materials, chip characteristics, fluid chemistry, and production requirements. This customization is important because industrial waste streams can vary significantly between facilities. Equipment that works for one manufacturing process may require different specifications for another application.
By combining metal scrap conveyors, chip processing equipment, coolant recycling systems, and industrial water treatment technologies, PRAB provides manufacturers with options for managing multiple industrial waste streams. Its systems-level approach can help companies organize material recovery, support fluid reuse, and improve the overall handling of manufacturing byproducts. With decades of experience in industrial equipment engineering, PRAB remains focused on developing solutions for the changing needs of modern production facilities.