Monterrey, Mexico | Metal Chip Baler | On-Site Pre-Sales Technical Consultation | ENERPAT

On-Site Technical Consultation for Metal Chip Recycling in Monterrey, Mexico

ENERPAT recently conducted an on-site technical consultation for a manufacturing customer in Monterrey, Mexico, focusing on a metal chip recycling and compression solution for CNC machining operations.

The customer generates various types of metal chips during machining and is evaluating a more efficient way to collect, compress, store and transport the material.

The main focus of the consultation was to evaluate a suitable metal briquetting and baling solution, with particular attention to high-hardness nickel-based alloy chips and the customer's existing material handling process.

Customer Requirements

The customer's CNC machining operations generate several types of metal chips, including:

• Alloy steel such as 4140

• Stainless steel such as 13Cr and S13Cr

• Nickel-based alloys including 718, 925, 25Cr and 28Cr

• High-temperature nickel-based alloys such as Inconel

The customer's conventional metal chip volume is approximately 2 tons per day.

In addition to conventional machining chips, the customer also produces high-hardness nickel-based alloy chips. Due to the material's hardness and processing characteristics, the customer requested ENERPAT to evaluate whether the proposed equipment could safely and effectively handle this material.

The primary objective of the project is to improve metal chip transportation efficiency. By compressing loose machining chips into compact products, the customer expects to reduce material volume and improve handling and logistics efficiency.

Existing Metal Chip Handling Process

During the site visit, ENERPAT reviewed the customer's existing chip collection and handling process.

Collection carts are positioned beneath CNC machines to collect machining chips. Once the carts are full, the material is transferred into larger containers using a forklift.

The customer currently uses a European-style compactor for preliminary compression before storing the material and arranging subsequent transportation.

While the existing process provides basic chip handling capability, there is potential to further improve:

• Metal chip storage efficiency

• Material handling efficiency

• Transportation utilisation

• Scrap preparation

• Overall processing workflow

ENERPAT therefore evaluated a dedicated metal compression solution that could integrate more effectively with the customer's existing workflow.

ENERPAT Metal Baling Solution Evaluation

During the technical consultation, ENERPAT introduced the AMB-H1075-250 metal baler and discussed its operating principle, technical parameters, configuration options and potential application for machining chips.

The customer showed interest in this solution because its configuration can be adapted to the existing collection and feeding process.

One specific requirement is that the finished compressed products should weigh no more than approximately 25 kg, allowing operators to handle them manually when required.

Customised Feeding Hopper

The standard hopper configuration was considered unsuitable for the customer's existing collection carts.

ENERPAT therefore proposed a customised feeding hopper designed around the dimensions of the customer's carts.

The customer will provide the relevant cart drawings and dimensions so that ENERPAT's engineering team can develop a suitable hopper configuration.

Due to limited available space in the production area, the customer does not currently plan to install a conveyor.

Instead, the proposed solution will use forklift feeding, allowing the equipment to work within the customer's existing material handling system while maintaining a relatively compact layout.

High-Hardness Inconel Chip Testing

One of the most important technical topics discussed during the visit was the processing of high-hardness nickel-based alloy chips.

The customer specifically requested technical confirmation regarding the processing performance of Inconel and other nickel-based high-temperature alloy chips.

ENERPAT recommended conducting a material test before final equipment selection and configuration.

The customer is prepared to provide representative material samples for testing. The testing will help ENERPAT evaluate:

• Material feeding performance

• Compression behaviour

• Equipment operating load

• Finished product characteristics

• Processing stability

• Suitability for long-term operation

The test results will provide a technical basis for confirming the final equipment configuration.

Evaluation of Alternative Briquetting Technology

ENERPAT also introduced its metal briquetting technology during the technical discussion.

After reviewing the proposed operating process, the customer considered the briquetting system comparatively complex and expressed concerns about potential long-term maintenance requirements.

At this stage, the customer therefore showed a stronger preference for a simpler metal baling solution.

This evaluation highlights ENERPAT's approach to equipment selection: the recommended solution should match the customer's actual material characteristics, production workflow, available space, operating preferences and maintenance expectations.

ENERPAT On-Site Technical Support

During the visit, ENERPAT also discussed equipment operation, maintenance, spare parts and after-sales technical support.

For industrial machining applications, equipment reliability and ease of maintenance are important considerations. ENERPAT therefore provides technical support throughout the project, including:

• Material evaluation

• Equipment selection

• Feeding system design

• Customised equipment configuration

• Material testing

• Installation support

• Operation guidance

• Spare parts and after-sales service

This on-site consultation allowed ENERPAT's technical team to understand the customer's actual production environment and provide a solution based on real operating conditions.

Next Steps

Following the technical consultation, ENERPAT and the customer will continue working on the following stages:

1. Complete the required confidentiality and technical cooperation procedures.

2. Receive the customer's collection cart drawings and dimensions.

3. Develop the customised feeding hopper.

4. Arrange representative material testing.

5. Evaluate the processing performance of high-hardness nickel-based alloy chips.

6. Confirm the final equipment configuration based on the test results.

7. Continue technical support through the equipment purchasing and implementation stages.

ENERPAT Metal Recycling Equipment

Although this project focuses on metal chip compression and recycling, ENERPAT provides a broader portfolio of industrial recycling equipment for metal and other recyclable materials.

The product range includes metal balers, metal briquetting machines, single shaft shredders, chip processing equipment and integrated metal chips recycling systems.

Depending on material characteristics, processing volume and site conditions, ENERPAT can provide individual machines or customised recycling solutions.

Developing Practical Metal Chip Recycling Solutions

The Monterrey project demonstrates ENERPAT's approach to international industrial recycling projects: understanding the customer's material, production process and site conditions before recommending the equipment configuration.

For this machining application, the next stage will focus on material testing, customised hopper design and technical validation of high-hardness nickel-based alloy chips.

ENERPAT will continue supporting the project from pre-sales technical consultation and material testing through equipment selection and after-sales service, helping the customer develop a more practical and efficient metal chip recycling process.