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May 29, 2026

Why Are More Russian Foundries Turning Cast Iron Chips into High-Density Briquettes Instead of Selling Them as Scrap?

Project Background

Russia has a strong foundry and metal manufacturing industry, generating large volumes of cast iron chips, machining turnings, and metal swarf every day. Traditionally, many factories sold these materials as low-value scrap. However, rising raw material costs and increasing pressure to improve production efficiency have encouraged manufacturers to look for better recycling solutions.

A foundry customer from Central Russia was facing exactly this challenge. Large quantities of cast iron chips were accumulating daily, occupying valuable workshop space and creating handling difficulties. The customer wanted a solution that would allow these materials to be reused more efficiently within their production process.

Customer Challenges

Before investing in a briquetting solution, the customer faced several operational issues:

• Large volumes of loose cast iron chips occupied valuable storage areas.

• Fine metal particles were easily scattered during transportation and handling.

• Low-density scrap increased transportation costs.

• Loose chips were difficult to use directly in melting furnaces.

• Material oxidation during storage reduced metal recovery rates.

During Russia's long winter season, outdoor storage created additional challenges, as moisture and snow could affect the quality of stored metal chips.

WANSHIDA Solution

After analyzing the customer's material type and production volume, WANSHIDA recommended the Y83-3150 Scrap Briquetting Press.

The machine compresses loose cast iron chips into compact cylindrical briquettes measuring Φ125×50–60mm. With a nominal force of 3150kN, the machine produces dense briquettes suitable for storage, transportation, and furnace charging.

Reference Specifications

Item Specification
Model Y83-3150 Scrap Briquetting Press
Nominal Force 3150kN
Briquette Size Φ125×50–60mm
Power 22kW
Capacity Approx. 1200kg/h (Cast Iron Chips)
Operation Manual or PLC Semi-Automatic
Drive System Hydraulic

Results and Benefits

After implementing the briquetting system, the customer significantly improved metal chip management.

The dense briquettes required less storage space, were easier to transport, and provided a more uniform furnace feed material. Instead of treating cast iron chips as low-value waste, the customer was able to transform them into reusable production resources.

The project helped improve workshop organization, reduce handling costs, and create a more efficient internal recycling process.

Why This Solution Works for Russian Foundries

Many Russian foundries operate in regions where transportation distances are long and material management costs are significant. Converting loose chips into briquettes provides a practical way to increase the value of recyclable metal while improving logistics efficiency.

For foundries looking to reduce waste and maximize metal recovery, the Y83-3150 Scrap Briquetting Press offers a reliable and cost-effective solution.

Project Summary

This project demonstrates how a Russian foundry successfully transformed loose cast iron chips into valuable furnace-ready briquettes. By investing in a briquetting solution, the company improved resource utilization, reduced storage challenges, and created a more efficient recycling process within its operation.

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