We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Industry

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Scrap Baler?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,804
Share

A scrap baler is a machine used to compress materials into a block form for storage or transportation. This machine can be used to compress a wide variety of materials, and the manufacturer will generally specify which materials can be compressed with a certain machine and which materials cannot. A scrap baler may be designed to accommodate one specific material, such as rubber car tires, or it may be designed to accommodate a wide range of materials such as metals, rubber tires, cardboard, plastics, and more. The machine should only be used in accordance with its manufacturer specifications to avoid injury or damage to the machine.

The specific design of the scrap baler can vary significantly depending on the types of materials it is intended to compress. The general function, however, remains the same: raw materials are loaded into a hopper or chamber, and a hydraulic press will be activated to compress materials into a specific shape. When the arm is activated and the load is at its most compressed, it may be necessary to secure metal wires to the load so the bale will not decompress when the hydraulic arm is retracted. This is usually necessary for rubber tires, but it may not be necessary for metals and some plastics.

Once the bale is formed, the scrap baler may feature another hydraulic arm, or some other type of system, that will press the bale out of the machine. This is necessary because the bale can be exceptionally heavy, and removing it manually from the machine may not be possible. The scrap baler will therefore eliminate the need for manual removal, though once the bale is outside of the machine, it will probably require transport using another piece of heavy machinery such as a forklift or other machine outfitted with a grappling hook or bale spear.

The reasons for using a scrap baler can vary. In many cases, the machine is used to compact loose material in preparation for storage or transport. Tires may be baled for the same reasons, but additionally, the tires may be baled to prevent build-up of stagnant water in a tire storage area. Baling the tires will also help reduce the likelihood of fire, which is important because tire fires are extremely difficult to control and may not be able to be extinguished. Recycling plants often use balers to compress materials in preparation for latter phases of the recycling process.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-scrap-baler.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.