Aluminium scrap accumulates in many different forms, with a major challenge for recycling plants being removing any contamination from other materials. For example, wood, plastic, and even other metals adhere to the aluminium, meaning that the materials need to be separated when processing. For this reason, a waste management company based in southern Germany turned to BHS-Sonthofen at the end of 2019 in search of a new recycling solution for the processing of 30,000t of non-ferrous metals that the company recycles annually.

The company had already had good experiences with equipment supplied by BHS-Sonthofen, and once again chose a solution from the company based on its proven longevity and suitability for recycling. Christian Kühn, sales director of Recycling & Environmental Technology at BHS-Sonthofen, explains: “The proven Rotorshredder of type RS 2018 was fitted with additional reinforcements for the processing of aluminium in accordance with the special requirements.” After receiving a hardened housing, a double walled base, and a new suspension system, it was commissioned in December 2019, with the waste management company being highly satisfied with the start-up phase as well as the first months of operation.

The recycling of raw materials plays an increasingly important role, when for example, a recycling plant’s profitability hinges on high purity levels. BHS-Sonthofen considers each application individually and chooses a shredding solution appropriate to the situation. “Impurities are a major problem when it comes to aluminium scrap,” explains Christian Kühn. “It’s not just about shredding the feed material, but it’s also about breaking down the materials in particular.” The Rotorshredder uses selective shredding to do this as aluminium is ductile, with impurities such as plastic being hard and brittle. Impact forces deform the aluminium, causing the impurities to break down. In the process, the composites are efficiently separated from the feed material. After classification takes place, the high purity aluminium is ready for resale. 

“It is to our advantage to have our own test centre where we can carry out tests on the entire recycling process with the respective feed material, including the subsequent profitability calculation,” explains Kühn. “We can provide the customer with the exact machine or plant that is suitable for their requirements.”