Introduction: The Lifeline of Metalworking Efficiency

In today’s fiercely competitive manufacturing landscape, metalworking companies are under constant pressure to improve productivity, reduce waste, and meet ever-tightening environmental regulations. One often-overlooked yet essential component in achieving these goals is the use of metalworking conveyors—specialized systems designed to move metal scrap efficiently through production facilities.

At the forefront of this innovation is PRAB, a Kalamazoo, Michigan-based company with over 65 years of experience designing and manufacturing durable, reliable equipment for managing metalworking waste. With over 114,000 square feet of production space and a hands-on, collaborative company culture, PRAB continues to revolutionize the way metalworking waste is processed and conveyed.

This article explores how metalworking conveyors—particularly those engineered by PRAB—can significantly enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial operations.

Understanding Metalworking Conveyors: More Than Just Material Movement

Metalworking conveyors are not just belts and motors—they are critical systems that determine how effectively metal chips, turnings, and scrap are handled during production. These conveyors serve multiple functions:

Transporting metal scrap away from production areas
Separating fluids for reuse and recycling
Reducing labor requirements and safety hazards
Integrating seamlessly with other automated waste processing equipment

Without effective conveyor systems, metalworking facilities face downtime, fluid loss, and high disposal costs—all of which eat into profitability.

Why PRAB Leads the Industry in Conveyor Solutions

PRAB has carved a niche for itself by going beyond off-the-shelf products. Instead, the company specializes in custom-engineered conveyor systems that address the unique waste stream and operational needs of each client. This approach ensures maximum efficiency and long-term ROI.

Here’s what makes PRAB conveyors stand out:

1. Durability Built to Last

PRAB’s metalworking conveyors are built with heavy-duty steel construction and are designed for 24/7 operation in the harshest environments. This longevity translates into fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs.

2. Comprehensive Product Line

From drag conveyors and steel belt conveyors to screw and oscillating systems, PRAB offers a complete portfolio to handle everything from small chips to large bushy wads of scrap.

3. Integrated Fluid Filtration

Many PRAB conveyor systems come equipped with fluid separation and filtration capabilities. This allows facilities to reclaim valuable coolants and oils, reducing consumption and improving sustainability.

4. Safety and Cleanliness

Automated scrap removal not only improves floor safety but also helps in maintaining a cleaner, more organized workspace. PRAB’s systems are designed with operator safety in mind, reducing exposure to sharp or hot materials.

5. Customization and Control

Every facility has unique scrap volumes, floor layouts, and material types. PRAB customizes its systems to these specifications and integrates them with smart controls for easy monitoring and performance optimization.

Real-World Results: How PRAB Conveyors Transform Operations

Across industries—from automotive and aerospace to stamping and machining—PRAB’s metalworking conveyors have delivered measurable improvements.

For example:

A leading automotive parts manufacturer reduced labor costs by 40% after automating chip handling with PRAB drag conveyors.
A machining operation reclaimed over 90% of its cutting fluids thanks to integrated fluid filtration systems.
One stamping plant decreased floor safety incidents by 75% by eliminating manual scrap handling.

These aren’t isolated cases—they’re the rule when robust, well-engineered conveyors are brought into a facility.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Sustainability is no longer optional in metalworking; it’s a strategic imperative. PRAB’s conveyor systems help companies achieve zero-waste goals by enabling:

Efficient fluid recovery and recycling
Reduction of hazardous waste disposal
Lower energy consumption through automated processing

At the same time, these systems boost profitability by minimizing waste, reducing downtime, and maximizing material recovery. The result? A greener operation that’s also more cost-effective.

Future-Proofing Metalworking with Intelligent Conveyors

The future of industrial operations lies in smart automation and data-driven decision-making. PRAB is actively integrating Industry 4.0 capabilities into its conveyor systems. Features such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts, and system optimization analytics are helping facilities stay ahead of the curve.

By investing in modern metalworking conveyors today, companies prepare themselves for a more automated, efficient, and compliant tomorrow.

The PRAB Difference: A Culture of Innovation and Accountability

What sets PRAB apart isn’t just its equipment—it’s the people behind it. From the CEO to the shipping manager, every team member at PRAB is committed to building equipment that solves real-world problems for customers.

This hands-on, collaborative culture fosters innovation and accountability, resulting in solutions that evolve with industry needs. With more than six decades of experience and a reputation for reliability, PRAB continues to earn the trust of clients around the world.

Conclusion: Reimagining Waste as a Strategic Asset

In metalworking, how you handle waste is just as important as how you create products. Metalworking conveyors are no longer just auxiliary equipment—they are strategic tools that can transform operations, improve sustainability, and safeguard profitability.

As global competition intensifies and environmental regulations grow stricter, the decisions manufacturers make today—about efficiency, safety, and automation—will define their success in the years ahead.

With PRAB’s advanced conveyor solutions, metalworking facilities don’t just manage scrap; they leverage it—turning waste into value and operational inefficiencies into opportunities for growth.

The question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in high-quality metalworking conveyors. It’s whether you can afford not to.