Health & Safety
PRAB conveyors minimize safety risks by decreasing forklift traffic and scrap contact with operators.
Low Maintenance
PRAB conveyors have the industry’s leading reputation as being dependable low-maintenance equipment with long service lives. The magnetic conveyor is self-adjusting, and low maintenance with permanent lubrication and no carryover issues.
Heavy-Duty
PRAB conveyors are built tough to withstand the harsh conditions and materials moved in the metalworking industry.
Value
PRAB conveyors reduce downtime by automating the scrap transfer process- maximizing machine operator production time.

PRAB’s beltless magnetic slide conveyors transfer wet or dry ferrous chips, stamping slugs, fine grinding fines, and parts without carryover. PRAB magnetic conveyors use permanent ceramic magnets positioned beneath a non-moving stainless-steel slider bed to grip and move ferrous material with zero external moving parts. Because there is no belt to fail, jam, or contaminate, PRAB magnetic chip conveyors deliver continuous-duty performance in the most demanding CNC machining, stamping, and grinding environments.

Every PRAB magnetic slide conveyor is backed by the Performantee® Guarantee, engineered and assembled in the USA, and designed to integrate directly with chip processing systems and Guardian coolant recycling equipment downstream.

 


How PRAB Beltless Magnetic Conveyors Work

PRAB magnetic slide conveyors operate on a simple, proven mechanism:

  1. Permanent ceramic magnets (rare-earth magnets available) are mounted on a continuous chain running beneath a stationary stainless-steel slider bed.
  2. As the chain moves, the magnets drag ferrous material along the top surface of the slider bed toward the discharge end.
  3. At the discharge point, the chain curves away from the slider bed. The magnets leave the slider bed path and release the material cleanly, with no carryover.
  4. Because all moving parts are enclosed beneath the slider bed, there are no exposed chains, belts, or pinch points in the material-handling zone.

The magnetic field holds ferrous material firmly against the slider surface even on inclines, making PRAB magnetic conveyors suitable for elevation changes that would cause spillage on an open belt conveyor carrying fine chips or light stampings.


Low Maintenance, Long Life

Built for demanding environments, PRAB magnetic conveyors are low-maintenance with:

  • Self-lubricating oil reservoir for quiet, long-lasting operation
  • Permanent magnet cores with optional rare earth upgrades
  • Self-adjusting drive chain
  • Durable stainless-steel slider surfaces (smooth or Rigidized®)
  • Replaceable wear plates and robust construction for heavy use

Why Choose PRAB Magnetic Conveyors for Heavy-Duty Metalworking

  • Built for metalworking, not light-duty parts handling: PRAB magnetic conveyors are engineered specifically for the high-volume, wet, contaminated environments of CNC machining, stamping, and grinding. Competitor magnetic conveyors designed for light parts assembly or food handling are not built to the same wear standards.
  • Zero external moving parts: The beltless design eliminates the most common failure mode in chip conveyor systems: belt wear, belt jamming, and belt contamination with oily chips.
  • Performantee® Guarantee: Every PRAB magnetic conveyor is lab-tested and performance-verified before shipment. ROI is documented before you commit.
  • 20-30+ year service life: PRAB conveyors are engineered for decades of continuous-duty operation in harsh production environments. PRAB conveyors installed in 2004 are documented as still operational today.
  • Full integration with PRAB chip processing and coolant recovery: Chip processing systems, wringers, and Guardian coolant recycling systems connect downstream of PRAB magnetic conveyors to create a complete automated scrap and fluid management cell.

 

→ Click to Learn More about Magnetic Conveyors

 


Magnetic Conveyor vs. Steel Belt Conveyor: When to Use Each

Use a PRAB magnetic slide conveyor when:

  • Scrap is ferrous only (steel, iron, or ferrous alloys)
  • Material is fine, light, or prone to spillage on belt conveyors (fine chips, grinding fines, thin stampings)
  • Zero carryover is required (clean machines, clean floors)
  • A low-maintenance, beltless design is preferred over a belted system

Use a PRAB steel belt conveyor when:

  • Scrap is mixed ferrous and non-ferrous, or non-ferrous only (aluminum, titanium, brass)
  • Scrap is heavy, bushy, or high-volume (stamping scrap, large turnings, die scrap)
  • Long runs or severe elevation changes require a heavy-duty belted design

For full conveyor-type guidance, see How to Select the Right Metal Chip Processing System and the PRAB Conveyors hub.

 


Frequently Asked Questions About PRAB Magnetic Conveyors

Q: What is a beltless magnetic slide conveyor?

A: A beltless magnetic slide conveyor uses permanent magnets on a chain running beneath a stationary stainless-steel slider bed to move ferrous material. Because the slider bed does not move, there is no belt to wear, jam, or contaminate. PRAB’s beltless magnetic chip conveyors are designed for wet, oily metalworking environments where belt-type conveyors would require frequent maintenance.

 

Q: How do PRAB magnetic conveyors work?

A: Permanent ceramic magnets are mounted on a chain beneath a non-moving stainless-steel slider surface. As the chain moves, the magnetic field drags ferrous chips, stampings, or parts along the slider bed toward the discharge point. At discharge, the magnets separate from the slider bed path and release the material cleanly, with no carryover.

 

Q: What materials can PRAB magnetic conveyors handle?

A: PRAB magnetic conveyors handle ferrous materials only, including steel and iron chips, grinding swarf, stamping slugs, punch-outs, turnings, and small ferrous parts. For mixed-metal or non-ferrous scrap, a PRAB steel belt conveyor or oscillating conveyor is the appropriate choice.

 

Q: Can PRAB magnetic conveyors handle wet or oily chips?

A: Yes. PRAB beltless magnetic slide conveyors are specifically engineered for wet, oily, and contaminated metalworking scrap. The beltless design eliminates the belt contamination and slippage problems that reduce the performance of conventional belt conveyors in coolant-heavy environments.

 

Q: What is the difference between a magnetic conveyor and a steel belt conveyor?

A: Magnetic conveyors grip ferrous material through magnetic force, making them ideal for fine chips, light stampings, and applications where zero carryover is critical. Steel belt conveyors use a hinged belt and are suited for heavier, mixed-material, or non-ferrous scrap. See the comparison guide above for the full selection criteria.

 

Q: How does PRAB’s magnetic conveyor compare to competitors?

A: PRAB magnetic conveyors are engineered specifically for heavy-duty metalworking environments, not light-duty parts handling. The Performantee® Guarantee provides documented performance data before shipment. PRAB’s 20-30 year design service life and 75+ years of metalworking conveyor experience represent a depth of industrial application knowledge that general-purpose conveyor manufacturers do not match.

 

Q: Are PRAB magnetic conveyors made in the USA?

A: Yes. Every PRAB magnetic conveyor is engineered and assembled at PRAB’s Kalamazoo, Michigan facility. For global and EU customers, PRAB provides manufacturing and service support from its facility in Poland.

 

Feature Benefit
Permanent ceramic magnets (rare earth optional) Reliable material capture; secure conveyance
Stainless-steel slider bed (smooth or Rigidized®) Durable surface optimized for chip flow
Self-lubricating oil reservoir and quiet operation Lower maintenance and quieter plant operations
Custom-engineered configurations Fits diverse plant layouts and application needs
Positive discharge with no carry-over Less material waste and cleanup
Heavy-duty construction Longer service life in harsh environments

 

Performantee -The PRAB Performance Guarantee | Magnetic Conveyors | PRAB.com

PRAB Magnetic Conveyor Models

System-Integrated Magnetic Chip Conveyor

Designed to drop into a complete automated chip processing line, the PRAB system-integrated magnetic chip conveyor connects directly to machine-side conveyors, wringers, briquetters, or chip processing systems. It handles fine chips, grinding swarf, and small stamping slugs with no carryover across the full run length.

Heavy-Duty Magnetic Slide Conveyor

The PRAB heavy-duty magnetic slide conveyor features a self-adjusting drive chain take-up and alloy steel bar tracks that precisely guide the chain and magnetic assemblies under heavier scrap loads. An oil reservoir in the conveyor base maintains internal lubrication without manual service intervals. This variant is specified for high-volume machining and stamping operations where throughput and continuous-duty uptime are critical.

PRAB magnetic conveyors are engineered using modular components to suit your process needs:

  • Standard Model — Reliable chip handling with a steel-encased UHMW low-friction track

  • Heavy-Duty Model — Alloy steel track and reinforced chain take-ups for heavier loads

Styles Available:

  • Straight — Efficient in-line material flow
  • L-Style — Compact footprint with elevation change
  • Z-Style — Uses vertical space for larger containers or overhead layouts

Z-Style Magnetic Conveyor Diagram

Z-Style Conveyors

  • Utilize plant space
  • Different elevations of the discharging point
  • Filling of larger containers
  • Used in overhead layouts

L-Style Conveyor Diagram

L-Style Conveyors

  • Different elevation of discharging point
  • Cost-efficient setup for feeding small containers

Straight Style Conveyor Diagram

Straight Style Conveyors

  • Efficient processing
  • Used in horizontal or inclined layouts

Conveyor Terms: A = Lower Horizontal | L = Length | V = Discharge Height

PRAB Ferrous Material – Magnetic Conveyor

PRAB’s Magnetic Conveyor transports ferrous material downstream.

PRAB Cast Iron Fittings Magnetic Conveyor

PRAB’s magnetic conveyor transports chromate coated cast iron conduit fittings.

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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