Metal turnings are focus of shredder installation in UK

United Kingdom-based Proficio Ltd., with operations that include the size-reduction and purification of scrap metal turnings, is now using an Untha RS50 four-shaft shredder at its facility in Livingston, England.

Austria-based Untha says Proficio has “long-standing" experience in the decontamination of metal turnings and superalloys, and a wash line as part of its processing capacity. Superalloys, typically used in aerospace applications, generally contain iron, nickel, cobalt and alloyed metals.

“With customers all over the world, Proficio uses progressive chemistry to clean, dry, package and return these crushed materials for global remanufacturing,” Untha says.

According to the equipment maker, the addition of its four-shaft metal shredder at the 20,000-square-foot plant in Livingston means Proficio can shred and reshred inbound material in a single pass, with a built-in and interchangeable screen that regulates the size of output material.

Untha says its RS50 at Proficio handles between 2,425 pounds to 3,750 pounds of metal turnings per hour. Proficio shreds this input material down to 20-millimeter (three-quarters of an inch) chips, which Untha calls “optimal for efficient downstream cleaning and maximum shipping density.”

According to Untha, by extending its service range and eliminating a step in its process, Proficio can double the size of its operation over the next three years.

“Metal cleaning sounds quite simple in theory, but in practice our business is extremely complex,” Proficio Managing Director Mark Semple says. “Throughputs are critical, so finding a resilient machine—capable of withstanding the pressures of metal shredding—was our priority.

“Increasing our in-house processing capabilities by investing in our own shredder was a leap of faith. However, we have definitely made the right decision.”

Untha says Semple conducted market research and due diligence before contacting the equipment manufacturer.

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“I spoke to a number of customers and peers regarding their own shredding experience, and the feedback was always that Untha is the best,” Semple says. “Site visits and a visual inspection of the material showed the consistent quality of the chip, and the knowledgeable dialogue when I eventually contacted Untha cemented my decision.”

The Austria-based equipment maker provided user training when the RS50 was commissioned in Livingston. A maintenance and cleaning regime, which Untha calls integral to Proficio’s operations, also was defined and is supported by a two-year Untha service plan.