The main difference between blade mills and bladeless mills (or hammer mills or other crushing technologies)–in the context of recycling–concerns the type of technology used to reduce the size of materials and the effectiveness in processing different types of waste. Here is an overview of the differences between the traditional process and innovations in recycling, focusing on the role of these two types of mill.

Blade mill: traditional technology

The blade mill is the technology traditionally used to process electrical cables and other plastic materials that require precise cutting. 

Operation: The blade mill uses high-speed rotating blades to cut materials. These mills are ideal for shredding softer and more flexible materials. The force applied is primarily a cutting action, allowing for smaller pieces or flakes.

Advantages:

• Precise size reduction.
• Suitable for materials that do not require much energy to crush.
• Relatively low energy consumption compared to other crushing systems.
• Greater control over final size of recycled material.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for very hard or tough materials.

Bladeless or hammer mill: innovative technology

Bladeless mills, often called hammer mills, are a type of innovative technology in the field of processing electrical cables and other non-ferrous materials. In fact, they use the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of hammers striking the material to be crushed.

Operation: Hammer mills use hammers that strike and crush materials into smaller pieces. This process can be accompanied by particle sorting through grids of various sizes that determine the fineness of the crushed material.

Advantages:

• Suitable for a wide range of materials, including hard and tough materials such as WEEE, electronic boards, automotive waste. 
• Effective for shredding complex and mixed materials.
• Suitable for large quantities of material.
• Reduced maintenance time and cost.

Disadvantages:

• More difficult to achieve uniform size of shredded material.

Key differences between blade mills and hammer mills in recycling

The main differences between blade mills and hammer mills in recycling are:

• The type of material being processed: The blade mill is more suitable for soft and flexible materials, while the hammer mill is preferred for hard or mixed materials.
• Crushing process: The blade mill uses shear, while the hammer mill uses impact.
• Efficiency and control: The blade mill offers greater precision in controlling the final size of the crushed material, while the hammer mill tends to produce a material with a less uniform size.

In summary, the innovation in recycling represented by the hammer mill is its application to a wider range of materials than the blade mill, providing greater performance and durability. The biggest advantage is the elimination of the cost and maintenance time associated with the traditional hammer mill. 

MG Recycling showcased the MILL-HA 800 hammer mill prototype during the last Ecomondo exhibition in Rimini, one of the most important events for sustainability and green technologies, often featuring innovations in recycling machinery and environmental technologies.

The MILL-HA 800 is part of MG Recycling’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of recycling systems, especially in processing materials such as WEEE, circuit boards, and other heavy recyclables. The hammer mill technology is crucial for breaking down larger materials into smaller pieces, facilitating their further processing, separation, and recycling.

 

As industries around the world grapple with economic fluctuations and environmental challenges, understanding metal price trends has become increasingly important. Metal recycling not only contributes to sustainability, but also offers significant economic benefits, especially in the context of rising metal prices. This article examines the current trends in metal prices, with a particular focus on copper, one of the most valuable metals recovered through recycling.

The rise in copper prices

Copper has long been recognized as a critical metal in various industries, including construction, electronics and renewable energy. Recently, copper prices have experienced significant fluctuations. Currently, the price of copper is around €10/kg, a significant increase from around €4-5/kg prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This increase reflects growing demand driven by infrastructure investment and the global transition to renewable energy technologies.

Factors influencing copper prices

• Increased demand: The push for green technologies and electric vehicles has led to a surge in demand for copper. As countries commit to reducing carbon emissions, the need for copper in electrical wiring and renewable energy systems continues to grow.
• Supply constraints: Recent geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions have impacted copper supply chains. Issues such as export restrictions from major producing countries can tighten supply and contribute to price increases.
• Economic recovery: As economies recover from the pandemic, industrial activity has increased, further driving copper demand. The construction sector, a major consumer of copper, is experiencing renewed growth as infrastructure projects are prioritized.

Other metal price trends

While copper is currently in the spotlight, other metals are also experiencing price fluctuations:

• Aluminum: Prices have slightly increased due to rising production costs and demand from various sectors.
• Steel: Steel prices have been on a downward trend recently, influenced by changes in demand from the construction industry and economic conditions in major producing countries such as China.
• Nickel and Zinc: These metals are expected to experience modest price increases due to continued supply constraints and steady demand.

The commercial advantage of recycling

For companies involved in metal recycling, these price trends present a unique opportunity. By investing in advanced recycling solutions such as those offered by MG Recycling, companies can capitalize on high metal prices while contributing to environmental sustainability.

The benefits of using MG Recycling solutions

• Maximized recovery rates: Our advanced machinery is designed to efficiently recover valuable metals, ensuring that companies can take full advantage of current market prices.
• Cost savings: Recycling metals often proves to be more cost effective than sourcing new materials. As the price of virgin metals increases, recycling becomes an even more attractive option.
• Sustainability goals: By embracing metal recycling, companies not only increase profitability, but also align themselves with corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at reducing waste and conserving resources.

Seizing opportunities in metals recycling

Current metal price trends highlight both challenges and opportunities for companies involved in metal recycling. With soaring copper prices and increasing demand for sustainable practices, now is the time for companies to invest in recycling solutions that can drive both economic success and environmental responsibility.

At MG Recycling, we are committed to helping companies unlock the full potential of metal recycling through our innovative solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can support your operations and help you succeed in today’s competitive marketplace!