In the high-stakes world of metalworking, efficiency isn’t just a competitive edge—it’s a necessity. As manufacturers strive to reduce waste, improve safety, and boost profitability, the unsung hero quietly driving these improvements is the metalworking conveyors. These systems, often overlooked, are the backbone of efficient scrap management and material flow in modern machining operations.
PRAB, with over 65 years of innovation and excellence, has been at the forefront of developing metalworking conveyors that do more than move materials—they drive productivity, sustainability, and smart manufacturing. This article explores how PRAB’s conveyor systems are shaping the metalworking industry and why they are essential for any manufacturer looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
In metalworking environments, where machining, stamping, and fabrication processes generate significant scrap and coolant byproducts, the need for reliable material handling is paramount. Metalworking conveyors serve multiple purposes:
Efficient Scrap Handling: Conveyors transport scrap metal—often sharp, heavy, and hot—from machining centers to centralized collection points or processing systems.
Coolant Management: Some conveyor systems help in separating coolant from metal chips, aiding fluid filtration and reuse.
Workplace Safety: By automating scrap removal, conveyors reduce the need for manual handling, minimizing injury risks.
From hinged steel belt conveyors to drag and magnetic options, the choice of system can greatly affect a facility’s efficiency and environmental footprint.
PRAB designs and manufactures a wide variety of metalworking conveyors tailored to specific operational needs. Our conveyor systems are built in our 114,000 sq. ft. facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where our team of skilled tradespeople collaborate to craft equipment that stands the test of time.
Key PRAB conveyor solutions include:
These are ideal for handling a broad range of wet or dry scrap, including bushy or stringy materials. With optional coolant filtration integration, they help reclaim valuable fluids and reduce overall disposal costs.
Perfect for heavy-duty applications, these conveyors drag metal scrap across a hardened steel trough. They’re ideal for high-volume operations and are built to withstand harsh industrial environments.
For ferrous materials, PRAB’s magnetic conveyors use magnets to move scrap safely and efficiently without any mechanical interference with the material. They offer minimal maintenance and high reliability.
Used to transfer small, dry metal scrap in tight spaces, oscillating conveyors are designed for flexibility and continuous operation in constrained environments.
Each of these systems can be customized to suit your shop layout and material type, offering seamless integration into your existing processes.
PRAB’s metalworking conveyors do more than just move scrap—they transform the way manufacturers handle waste. Here's how:
Automating scrap removal eliminates manual interruptions in production cycles. Operators can focus on machining while conveyors manage the scrap flow, resulting in a streamlined, continuous operation.
Integrated filtration systems allow recovery of expensive coolant fluids, reducing the need for frequent replacement and lowering operating costs.
By removing chips and scrap at the source, conveyors help maintain a cleaner shop floor. This minimizes hazards and supports OSHA compliance.
With better waste management and coolant recycling, PRAB conveyors contribute to more sustainable manufacturing practices, reducing landfill waste and chemical discharge.
A Tier 1 automotive supplier partnered with PRAB to overhaul their outdated scrap handling process. By implementing a series of hinged steel belt conveyors and integrating fluid filtration, the plant saw a 60% reduction in scrap-related downtime and saved thousands annually on coolant replacement costs. The clean, automated system also improved worker morale and safety metrics across the facility.
This is just one example of how PRAB’s systems go beyond equipment—they deliver measurable business results.
With six decades of experience and a collaborative, hands-on company culture, PRAB delivers more than machinery—we offer partnerships. Here’s what sets us apart:
Proven Durability: Our conveyors are built to last, even in the most demanding metalworking environments.
Custom Engineering: We tailor each system to your unique processes, layout, and materials.
Global Reputation: Headquartered in Michigan, PRAB supports customers worldwide with trusted service and expert guidance.
Responsiveness: From the CEO to our shipping manager, every PRAB team member is committed to your success.
Our mission is simple: help our customers stay competitive by offering reliable solutions that maximize value from metalworking waste streams.
As Industry 4.0 reshapes manufacturing, automation and data integration are becoming essential. Metalworking conveyors will continue to play a central role—especially when integrated with IoT sensors for monitoring material flow, wear and tear, and system performance.
PRAB is already looking ahead. We are investing in smart conveyor technologies that can self-monitor, alert operators to maintenance needs, and integrate seamlessly into larger digital systems for total shop-floor control.
Metalworking conveyors are more than mechanical systems—they’re strategic assets that support efficiency, safety, and sustainability. In an industry where margins are tight and downtime is costly, manufacturers cannot afford to ignore the value of streamlined scrap and coolant management.
At PRAB, we believe that every step of the manufacturing process matters. That’s why we’re committed to engineering conveyor systems that do more than meet expectations—they exceed them. As the metalworking industry evolves, let us help you move forward—efficiently, reliably, and sustainably.
Is your facility ready to turn waste into value? Let PRAB’s metalworking conveyors lead the way.
