Metal chip management:
from chips to briquettes
Compaction of metal chips into briquettes: more value, lower costs, recovered coolant
In every machine shop, machining center, foundry, or metalworking plant, metal chips are an inevitable byproduct. Managing them correctly is an economic matter: loose chips soaked in coolant are heavy, take up space, are expensive to dispose of, and have little value at the scrap yard.
COMAFER Metalpress Series briquetting machines transform these chips into compact cylindrical briquettes, recovering up to 90% of the coolant, increasing the commercial value of the scrap by 50%, and reducing disposal and transport costs by 70-80%.
The Metalpress Series is the most advanced technical range in the COMAFER catalog: 6 models from 20 to 1,200 kg/h, hydraulic system, 300 bar nominal pressure, PLC with multilingual Siemens HMI panel (150S/500/700/900 EVO models).
Machine shops and turning/milling centers
Steel, aluminum, and cast iron chips from lathes and milling machines accumulate rapidly. The briquetting machine manages daily volumes, recovers coolant, and enhances the value of the scrap.
Automotive and component industry
High volumes and diverse material types (aluminum, steel, cast iron): Metalpress 500/700/900 EVO models handle industrial production up to 1,200 kg/h.
Foundries
Briquettes have a melting yield over 90% higher than loose chips: less oxidation, better furnace loading, and reduced risk of deposits.
Aerospace and titanium industry
Titanium, nickel, and special alloys: high-value materials that deserve optimized management to maximize recovery.
Coin and jewelry manufacturers
Gold, silver, platinum, copper: precious chips that the briquetting machine compacts, minimizing material loss and simplifying counting/weighing.
Metal packaging manufacturers
Aluminum, tin, and zinc slugs: byproducts from the production of cans and containers are valorized through briquetting.
Which metals can be briquetted?
COMAFER has successfully tested all major categories of metallic materials.
Light metals (non-ferrous)
Aluminum, zinc, tin, aluminum slugs
Ferrous metals
Steel (all types), stainless steel, cast iron, iron
Precious and special metals
Copper, brass, bronze, titanium, nickel, gold, silver, platinum, lead, tungsten
Each metal has different characteristics in terms of size, hardness, and coolant presence. The optimal briquetting machine model depends on these parameters. Contact us with your material specifications.
Volume reduction and coolant recovery
2 decisive advantages. Let us show you: watch the videos
Concrete advantages for the metalworking sector
Briquetting offers concrete and measurable advantages:
-90% Coolant recovery
During high-pressure pressing, the coolant is separated from the chip and collected in the integrated tank. Indicative recovery of up to 90% of the contained coolant. Direct savings on the purchase cost of the fluid.
+50% Commercial value
Metal briquettes have a commercial value 50% higher than loose chips at scrap yards and foundries. Less oxidation, higher density, higher purity.
+80% Melting yield
In the foundry, briquettes guarantee a melting yield over 90% higher than loose chips: reduced oxidation, less slag formation, and more uniform charging in melting furnaces.
-90% Volume
Loose metal chips occupy enormous volumes. When briquetted, they are reduced by up to 90%, making management and transport much more efficient.
-70% Recycling costs
The lower volume and higher value of the compacted chips translate into significantly lower disposal costs and higher sales revenues.
COMAFER metal briquetting machines: Metalpress Series
Metalpress 100 EVO
Application
Small businesses
Indicative hourly production
20-50 kg/h
Briquette dimensions
Ø 50mm
Metalpress 150 EVO
Application
SMEs
Indicative hourly production
50-150 kg/h
Briquette dimensions
Ø 60mm
Metalpress 150 EVO S
Application
SMEs
Indicative hourly production
50-150 kg/h
Briquette dimensions
Ø 60mm
Plus
Automatic briquette length adjustment
Metalpress 500 EVO
Application
Medium-sized enterprises
Indicative hourly production
100-400 kg/h
Briquette dimensions
Ø 60/70 mm
Plus
PLC + Siemens HMI, 300 bar
Metalpress 700 EVO
Application
Large enterprises
Indicative hourly production
100–600 kg/h
Briquette dimensions
Ø 60/70 mm
Plus
PLC + Siemens HMI, remote assistance
Metalpress 900 EVO
Application
Structured enterprises / large volumes
Indicative hourly production
400–1200 kg/h
Briquette dimensions
Ø 80 mm
Plus
Dual pump motor (15×2 kW), anti-freeze as standard
Complete Metalpress series systems: from collection to briquette management
COMAFER specializes in turnkey centralized systems for automated management from chips to metal briquettes. The heart of these systems is our Metalpress series briquetting machines.
For high production levels, our automated systems can be connected directly to your processing or storage plant, achieving a fully automated production cycle.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about briquetting
How much coolant is recovered from briquetting?
The indicative recovery is up to 90% of the coolant contained in the chips. This figure varies based on the amount of fluid in the chip, the type of metal, and the compaction pressure. With the collection tank and electric pump, the recovered fluid can be filtered and reintroduced into the production cycle, reducing coolant purchase costs.
Can metal briquettes be loaded directly in the foundry?
Yes. Metalpress briquettes have a much lower coolant content than loose chips thanks to the pressing process: they can be loaded directly into melting furnaces and crucibles without pre-treatment. The advantage over loose chips is a melting yield over 90% higher, reduced risk of deposits on the walls, and less slag formation.
What is the difference between Metalpress 150 EVO and 150 EVO S?
The basic technical specifications are identical (production, pressure, briquette dimensions). The S version adds automatic briquette length adjustment via position transducers, which allows for briquetting chips of different sizes without manual intervention. Recommended when processing different types of metal or variable sizes.
How does the PLC with Siemens HMI on the 500/700/900 EVO models work?<br />
The multilingual Siemens HMI panel allows you to modify working parameters by loading custom recipes for each material, check real-time diagnostics, view production status, and monitor maintenance deadlines via the integrated program. It is also accessible remotely via the assistance module.
How often should the hydraulic oil be replaced?<br />
The frequency depends on the intensity of use and the operating environment. The maintenance program integrated into models with Siemens HMI automatically calculates deadlines. COMAFER offers scheduled maintenance contracts and guarantees the availability of spare parts for all machines, including those out of production for years.
Maximize the value of your metal chips
COMAFER technicians help you choose the right model and configure the optimal system for your workshop. ROI can be estimated during the first consultation.