PRAB Horizontal Axis Crushers

What is a horizontal axis crusher?

A horizontal-axis crusher is metal scrap processing equipment that reduces stringy, bulky metal turnings into small, flowable chips at the point of generation. Two rotating cutting blades on a horizontal shaft self-feed the material and break it down, reducing scrap volume by up to 12x. PRAB’s unit is compact enough to mount on a stand or heavy-duty cart at the discharge of a machining center, either integrated into existing equipment or free-standing.

When should you use a horizontal axis crusher instead of a shredder?

Use a horizontal-axis crusher when you are processing low volumes of stringy or bulky turnings at a single machine or cell and want an economical, low-horsepower, quiet solution with a small footprint. Choose a metal turnings shredder when handling higher volumes or tougher, heavier scrap that requires more aggressive size reduction, typically at a centralized collection point rather than at the machine. In short, the crusher is the at-the-source option for lighter, lower-volume duty; the shredder is the heavier-duty option built for larger throughput.

What materials can a horizontal axis crusher process?

A horizontal axis crusher processes stringy and bulky metal turnings, including the long, nested turnings produced by steel and other machined metals. It converts these difficult-to-handle turnings into uniform, flowable chips that move easily through downstream conveyors, wringers, and chip processing systems. Capacity varies by material type, so output figures should be confirmed for a specific application.

How much can a horizontal axis crusher reduce scrap volume?

A PRAB horizontal axis crusher reduces metal turnings volume by up to 12x. That reduction lowers transportation and haul-away costs because compacted, flowable chips take up far less space than loose turnings, and it also reduces housekeeping, production-floor downtime, and increases CNC uptime.

Where is a horizontal axis crusher installed in a machining operation?

A horizontal-axis crusher is installed at the source, directly at the machining center, typically mounted on a stand or heavy-duty cart at the conveyor discharge. This at-the-machine placement process turnings as they are generated, which is what allows it to reduce volume and improve housekeeping before scrap ever reaches a central collection area.

Does a horizontal axis crusher recover cutting fluid or coolant?

A horizontal axis crusher does not separate fluid on its own; its job is to turn stringy turnings into flowable chips. Fluid recovery occurs when the crusher is integrated with fluid reclamation or chip-processing equipment, such as a wringer or filtration system, which is an available option. Creating flowable chips is the necessary first step for efficient downstream coolant recovery.

What is the capacity and footprint of a PRAB horizontal-axis crusher?

A PRAB horizontal-axis crusher has a nominal capacity of 100 to 300 lbs/hr (45 to 177 kg/hr), runs on a 2 HP motor, occupies roughly a 3 ft by 3 ft footprint, and weighs about 550 lbs (249 kg). It is available in multiple sizes to match application requirements, with optional feed hoppers based on output, and it is covered by PRAB’s one-year warranty.

How does a horizontal axis crusher improve workplace safety?

A horizontal-axis crusher improves safety by automating scrap handling that operators would otherwise handle by hand. Processing long, sharp turnings into flowable chips at the machine reduces the manual handling of jagged scrap and lowers the risk of hand injuries, while a motor and gearbox with overload protection and a fixed, abrasion-resistant discharge screen support safe, dependable operation.