Size reduction of metal waste is the first and most important stage of any metal recycling process. A robust and versatile metal waste shredder reduces a wide range of waste, scrap iron, electronic waste (e-scrap), steel, aluminium, copper and WEEE, to a controlled fraction size, ready for separation, transport or further processing, regardless of the type of metal being handled.
A versatile metal waste shredder is the core equipment of metal recyclers who handle diverse types of metal waste and need a machine capable of reducing all of them. Its robust construction and adaptability to different materials make the shredder useful for a wide range of metal recycling applications. See the full range of recycling equipment and the solutions for metal recovery.
Key Advantages for Scrap Iron and E-Scrap Shredders
• Material versatility, processes scrap iron, e-scrap, steel, aluminium, copper and WEEE, a wide range with no major retooling.
• Controlled size reduction, the output fraction has a controlled size, ready for separation or further processing.
• Robust construction, designed for the hard and abrasive materials typical of metal waste.
• Replaceable knives or hammers, the wear components can be replaced, keeping maintenance cost predictable.
• Uniform fraction for separation, calibrated material ideal for magnetic and eddy current separation.
• Densification for transport, the shredded fraction has higher density, reducing transport cost.
• Protection system, protection against non-processable objects and overloading.
• PLC control, automated operation with load monitoring.
Technical Specifications, Metal Waste Shredder
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Function | Size reduction of diverse metal waste |
| Feedstock | Scrap iron, e-scrap, steel, aluminium, copper, WEEE |
| Output fraction | Controlled size, configurable |
| Cutting components | Replaceable knives or hammers, depending on model |
| Construction | Robust, for hard and abrasive material |
| Protection | Anti-overload, anti non-processable objects |
| Control | PLC, load monitoring |
| Dust capture | Integrated filtration system (optional) |
| Components | CE marked where applicable |
Applications for Metal Size Reduction
A metal waste shredder is used in metal recycling centres, in electronic waste processing facilities and in units that handle diverse types of metal waste. Versatility is the key advantage: a single shredder capable of processing scrap iron, e-scrap, steel, aluminium and copper allows operators to manage diverse material streams without investing in separate equipment for each type.
The management of metal and electronic waste is regulated at European level; a metal waste shredder delivered in Europe is designed in line with the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. For integration into a complete metal recycling line, see also the complete industry solutions.
Processing electronic waste (e-scrap, WEEE) is an important application: electronic waste contains valuable metals (copper, aluminium, precious metals in boards) mixed with plastic and other materials. Shredding reduces this waste to a fraction from which the metals can later be separated, recovering value from electronic waste that would otherwise be difficult to process.
The uniform fraction produced is essential for downstream separation: magnetic and eddy current separators work most efficiently on material of consistent size. A shredder with a controlled output fraction optimises the recovery of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the following stages of the recycling line.
Material versatility reduces investment for operators with diverse streams: instead of buying separate shredders for scrap iron, e-scrap and non-ferrous metals, a single versatile shredder processes all these materials. Adjusting the parameters adapts the shredder to different types of waste, maximising equipment utilisation and operational flexibility.
The protection system is essential for the safe processing of waste of unknown composition: metal and electronic waste can contain non-processable or hazardous objects. Anti-overload and non-processable object detection protection systems protect the equipment and the operators, allowing safe processing of varied waste streams.
Processable Materials
| Material | Notes |
|---|---|
| Scrap iron | Diverse ferrous waste |
| Electronic waste (e-scrap) | Boards, components, cables |
| Steel | Profiles, sheets, components |
| Aluminium | Profiles, sheets, light components |
| Copper | Components, thick cables |
| WEEE | Waste electrical and electronic equipment |
How It Works
1. The metal waste is fed into the shredding chamber.
2. The knives or hammers reduce the material to a controlled fraction size.
3. The fragmented material is discharged onto a conveyor.
4. The uniform fraction goes to separation (magnetic, eddy current) or to transport.
5. The protection system ejects non-processable objects.
6. The PLC system monitors the load and flags anomalies.
The PLC system coordinates operation and monitors the motor load. A correctly operated metal waste shredder produces a uniform fraction at a steady throughput from any type of metal waste processed, optimising the downstream separation stages and operational flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of metal waste can it process?
A versatile shredder processes scrap iron, electronic waste (e-scrap), steel, aluminium, copper and WEEE. Versatility is the key advantage: a single shredder manages diverse material streams, with parameter adjustment for each type, eliminating the need for separate equipment.
What fraction size does it produce?
The output fraction size is configurable, depending on the requirements of the downstream separation or processing stage. A shredder with a controlled fraction produces uniform material, optimised for magnetic and eddy current separation. The exact size is set according to your application.
Can it process electronic waste (WEEE)?
Yes. The shredder processes electronic waste (e-scrap, WEEE), reducing it to a fraction from which the valuable metals (copper, aluminium, metals from boards) can later be separated. Shredding electronic waste is an important application for recovering metals from WEEE.
Can it be integrated with existing separators?
Yes. The shredder produces a uniform fraction compatible with magnetic and eddy current separators. It can be integrated with existing separators through suitable conveyors, or it can be the first stage of a new metal recycling line that you later extend with separation stages.
Why URSTAG?
URSTAG is a premium brand of recycling equipment, with over 15 years of experience. You don't just get a machine, you get a solution engineered by specialists, built from top-tier components and backed by a team that supports you from design through commissioning.
• European engineering, every machine and every complete line is designed by our engineering teams in Europe, with a focus on reliability, safety and energy efficiency.
• Premium components, we build on motors and automation from industry leaders: Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, WEG, SEW-Eurodrive, NORD Drivesystems and Bonfiglioli.
• Over 15 years of experience, we know how materials and machines behave in real-world operation, and we configure each solution for your flow and volume.
• New equipment, configured for you, we supply new units, made to order for your application, with complete technical documentation.
• Delivery, installation and training included, we handle transport, commissioning and operator training, with support throughout the equipment's life.
As a premium brand, URSTAG relies on European engineering, top-tier components and experience. You choose a partner that supports your production long term, with equipment built to run reliably in demanding industrial environments.
