Health & Safety
Automating scrap transfer minimizes safety risks by decreasing forklift traffic and scrap contact with operators. Access platforms with safety railings on the load-out system are standard, meeting OSHA requirements.
Low Maintenance
PRAB conveyors have the industry’s leading reputation as being dependable low-maintenance equipment with long service lives. The load-out system provides no carryover issues, and has clean transfer of scrap to containers for low maintenance.
Heavy-Duty
PRAB conveyors are built tough to withstand the harsh conditions and materials moved in the metalworking industry.
Value
Load-out systems provide even container fill and automatic level sensors for maximum fill capacity. PRAB conveyors reduce downtime by automating the scrap transfer process- maximizing machine operator production time.

In-Floor Trough Conveyors

Quiet, efficient transfer of all types of machining scrap — engineered for durability, safety, and minimal footprint.

“Our process of disposing metal scrap has become more ergonomic and safer.” — Jack Rovan, Martin-Baker
Proven to raise productivity up to 60% and improve workplace safety up to 25%.

PRAB floor conveyors provide quiet, efficient, low-profile scrap movement for machining, stamping, and die-casting operations, especially where floor space optimization is critical. Liquid-tight trough construction handles a broad range of scrap types—from bushy wads to fines and tramp metal solids—while minimizing coolant leaks and maintenance. Their modular design supports long runs and centralized scrap collection, making them integral to plant automation and throughput strategies.


Why Choose In-Floor Trough Conveyors

  • Maximize floor space – In-floor installation keeps the conveyor system out of the way while delivering heavy scrap loadout.
  • Built to last – Thick-plate steel construction, abrasion-resistant lining; many installations — including ours — remain in service for 30+ years.
  • Handle wet or dry scrap — bushy turnings, chips, fines, tramp metal; liquid-tight construction handles high volumes of coolant.
  • Low energy, low maintenance – One moving part, quiet operation, simplified servicing.
  • Plant-wide applicability – Runs up to 500 ft, in modular sections, with optional safety covers for operator protection.

Key Features At A Glance

Feature Benefit
Compatible with turnings, chips, fines, and tramp metals Handles the full spectrum of metalworking scrap efficiently
Liquid-tight construction Prevents coolant leaks, supports wet processing operations
In-floor installation Preserves overhead & floor space for production
Low power requirement Reduces energy consumption and operating cost
One moving part design Minimizes maintenance effort and downtime
Prefab trough sections (10′-20′) Simplifies installation, scales with facility needs
Overall runs up to 500′ Supports centralized scrap collection across large cells
Height × Width options (16″–36″) Flexibility to fit layout and volume requirements
Optional safety cover plates Meets safety/OSHA considerations for operator zones
  • Compatible with bushy turnings, chips, fines and tramp metals
  • Liquid-tight construction handles high volumes of cutting fluids
  • In-floor installation maximizes available plant floor space
  • Low power requirement
  • Easy maintenance – one moving part
  • Quiet operation
  • Prefabricated trough sections from 10′ to 20′
  • Ram sections available in 10′ lengths
  • Overall runs up to 500′
  • Low installation cost per foot
  • Optional safety cover plates
  • Height by width combinations range from 16″ to 36″

Performantee -The PRAB Performance Guarantee | Trough Conveyors | PRAB
In-Floor Trough Conveyors | Trough Conveyor systems | floor conveyors | PRAB

Configuration Options for Trough Conveyors

  • Free-floating Ram design (Harpoon®) – ideal for aggressive scrap loads and heavy-duty operations.

  • Guided Ram design (Push-Bar™) – uses T-rail guidance and hardened bushings for controlled movement in tight-tolerance applications.

In-Floor Trough Conveyor Ram Movement

In-Floor Trough Conveyor Ram Movement | Prab.com
Trough Configurations

Available trough configurations for the PRAB In-Floor Trough Conveyors | Prab.com

Harpoon® Conveyor

  • Free-floating ram design
  • AR liner

Push-Bar™ Conveyor

  • T-rail guided design
  • Hardened guide bushings with coiled spring spiral pins

PRAB Harpoon Conveyor

Harpoon Conveyor running moving metal turning through coolant.

To discuss your custom application

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A metal scrap conveyor is a system used in manufacturing to transport metal chips, turnings, swarf, and other waste for recycling or disposal. Common types include steel belt, oscillating, drag chain, magnetic, pneumatic, and specialty conveyors—each chosen based on scrap size, abrasiveness, coolant content, or temperature. These systems improve efficiency, safety, and the value of metal scrap while preventing downtime.

Metal Scrap Conveyor Types and Applications:

  • Steel Belt Conveyors: Heavy-duty, designed for wet or abrasive scrap such as stamping, machining, and die-casting operations.
  • Oscillating Conveyors: Reliable for hot, wet turnings with minimal maintenance, proven to achieve over 98% uptime in stamping operations.
  • Drag Conveyors: Built for highly abrasive materials like cast iron, with enclosed designs to control dust and contaminants.
  • Magnetic Conveyors: Move ferrous chips and fines without carryover, ideal for CNC machining and grinding.
  • Pneumatic Conveyors: Flexible for plant layouts where scrap must be routed over long distances or overhead.
  • Specialty Conveyors: Includes pivot belt conveyors, quench conveyors, roller bucket conveyors, casting coolers, and load-out systems designed for specific applications such as foundry scrap, hot-material quenching, and scrap load-out.

Benefits of Metal Scrap Conveyors

  • Efficient Fetal Scrap Handling: Automates chip and scrap removal, improving plant efficiency.
  • Material Separation: Separates cutting fluids and integrates with shredders and fluid filtration systems.
  • Customization: Configurable for layout, volume, inclines, and curves.
  • Reduced Downtime: Prevents scrap buildup and production interruptions.
  • Improved Safety: Limits manual metal scrap handling and injury risk.
  • Profitability: Maximizes scrap value by improving processing and load-out efficiency.

PRAB metal scrap conveyors are engineered for 30+ years of continuous operation—with documented installations exceeding 40 years. Systems handle up to 2,000 lb/hr of scrap and integrate seamlessly with metal chip processing and coolant recycling systems. Known for their low maintenance and durability, PRAB metal handling systems are trusted by automotive, aerospace, die-casting, CNC, and heavy manufacturing plants worldwide.

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