For years, people have realized the sole existence of Earth on which all creatures depend. This has led to a universal concern for resource recycling. Consequently, countless individuals have entered the recycling industry, because scrap motor recycling is less in the market, so some people see the profit prospect of scrap motor recycling, gradually motor recycling is becoming more popular in the recycling market.
However, it’s vital to ask: are you recycling correctly? Inadequate methods may be harmful to health and the environment. This article aims to guide you in recycling valuable coppers found in scrap motors. Proper recycling can positively impact the Earth, curbing pollution.
Learn About Electric Motors
First, before blindly following the recycling trend, you need to understand what a scrap motor is. Next, it’s better to make careful preparations and then systematically separate all the internal materials. Finally, sort them for maximum recycling efficiency. That’s the comprehensive guide on how to recycle scrap motors? The optimal answer should be using an electric motor wrecker.
To begin with, what is a scrap motor and what materials does it contain? A scrap motor, often referred to as an electric motor or an engine, is used to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to power machinery or vehicles. It can be found in various electrical appliances such as industrial machinery, electric vehicles, household appliances, ceiling fans, etc. Motors contain multiple materials. The specific materials within a scrap motor can vary depending on the type and size of the motor; however, generally, the following parts can be found in most electric motors.
●Copper: Copper is widely used in electric motors for its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. It’s used in the motor’s stator coils that generate the magnetic field driving the rotor. It is ideal for electric motors.
●Aluminum: Aluminum’s lightweight nature and impressive thermal conductivity are perfect for high-speed electric motors that generate substantial heat. Aluminum is commonly used in the motor’s rotor, which is responsible for converting electrical energy into mechanical energy through rotation.
●Steel: Steel possesses a strong magnetic permeability and effectively interacts with the magnetic fields produced by coils, making it an excellent choice for electric motors. It’s specifically employed in crafting the motor’s core, the fixed section housing the electromagnetic coils. Besides, steel can also be found in motor bearings, along with other insulation materials like ceramics that can withstand high temperatures.
●Magnets: Utilizing permanent magnets, specifically rare earth magnets like neodymium and samarium-cobalt magnets, is a prevalent practice in electric motors due to their ability to offer substantial magnetic strength and stability.
●Insulation materials: Insulation materials like varnish, enamel, and tape are commonly utilized to safeguard the electromagnetic coils in motors from high temperatures and electrical stresses, preventing the occurrence of short circuits.
All in all, electric motors are composed of various valuable materials. For instance, copper and steel are commonly used for the motor’s stator, while aluminum is used for the rotor. By understanding the materials that the motor contains, you can significantly improve your recycling efficiency and ensure maximum recycling effect.
Prepare for Recycling
Now that you have learned about the materials that a motor contains, there are several factors to consider. These include determining which materials to recycle, assessing the quantity of motors you possess and choosing a method for processing. One of the most common methods is manual dismantling, which is suitable for those with a smaller number of motors and a limited investment capacity. But for those with a larger quantity of motors and a focus on recycling valuable copper and aluminum, an electric motor recycler is the optimal choice for you. Besides, if you have a significant volume of waste motors and aim to maximize benefits from all the valuable materials within a motor, a motor recycling production line presents the best solution.
You might wonder if the investment is worthwhile and how these methods differ from one another. Here is a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.
●Manual dismantling: This method involves separating motor components using tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, etc. Skilled labor, motor knowledge, and safe tool handling are essential. The advantage is that it’s suitable for all kinds of motors. However, the disadvantage is that it has low efficiency, is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
●Electric motor recycler: This method uses electric motor recycling machines to disassemble scrap motors and recycle components like copper wire, steel casing, etc. Electric motor recycling machines are more durable than handheld tools, benefits include increased efficiency, labor and cost savings, more safe and reduced copper loss. However, it requires an initial investment and specific machines according to different motor types. For instance, electric bike rear wheel motors cannot be processed by standard motor recycling machines.
●Motor shredder line: The production line is an entire manufacturing plant composed of various systems, such as crushers, vibration tables, magnetic systems, air separating systems, etc. These systems work together to separate all materials from all kinds of motors. It is well-suited for processing large quantities of small motors and rotors. The entire process is environmentally friendly and can efficiently recycle all valuable materials in one go. The automated process saves labor and is easier to operate. However, it is not suitable for household businesses.
If you have a larger quantity of motors and have decided to invest in a motor recycling machine or motor recycling production line, no matter what your needs are, 3T brand equipment is recommended.
We provide the most comprehensive motor recycling solution for you. At our company, you can purchase not only the specially designed motor recycling production line but also machines for both ordinary motors and some special ones, such as motors from car starters/alternators, ceiling fans, transformers, electric bike rear wheels, and more. For more information, you can check our website.
Have you decided on which method? Now, prepare a clean and organized factory space with designated areas for material storage. Ensure a safe environment for recycling scrap motors by eliminating potential risks. Prioritize your personal safety during the process by wearing appropriate gloves and protective clothing as needed.
Motor Dismantling Process
As we all know, when it comes to motor recycling, the most crucial step is the careful dismantling process aimed at extracting valuable materials for recycling.
How to dismantle scrap motors? My answer is: breaking down motors involves two main steps: dismantling the outer shell and separating the inner components.
●Dismantling outer shell
The initial stage of dismantling a waste motor involves taking off its outer casing and getting the inner stator. This can be achieved manually or with a recycling machine. Manual removal needs time and skill, whereas machine processing is quicker, safer, and simpler.
But for different kinds of motors, because the motor shell material and structure are not the same, the remove motor shell method is also not the same.
For a normal motor, remove the motor shell this way below, check the video:
And for certain motors, like compressor motors with strong metal shells, can be challenging to manually disassemble, in such cases, a specialized compressor case motor cutting machine is better for you.
●Separate inner components
Motors with their shells removed consist of various recyclable components. For instance, the rotor contains aluminum, while the stator holds much valuable copper. Manual dismantling of these parts is possible, but it's time-consuming and can lead to material loss and pollution.
If your goal is to profit from the valuable copper and aluminum, investing in an electric motor wrecker is the optimal solution, you can choose different stator recycling machine from.
How does a motor wrecker machine work?
Motor wrecker machines are used to recycle scrap electric motors. The machines have three steps:
1: Wrecking the cast iron motor housing and removing the stator/rotor.
2: Splitting the stator block into two equal parts or cutting from one end of copper windings.
3: Separating iron and copper of the stator.
It utilizes a hydraulic system and strong claws that can efficiently cut the motor stator and extract the entire copper windings, minimizing copper loss. Designed with a foot switch, safer and faster.
Furthermore, if you intend to recycle all the materials from waste motors or want higher efficiency, a production line might be ideal. This motor recycling production line follows a systematic process: it begins by crushing the motors, followed by mixture separation through an air separation system, magnetic separator system and vibration table. The final product obtained is pure granules collected from distinct outlets with no pollution.
It’s important to note that the specific destination for recycled materials depends on factors such as market demand, material quality, transportation logistics, and the capabilities of the recycling facility. The goal is to ensure that the materials are effectively utilized and contribute to sustainable practices. Hope the suggestions benefit you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the proper recycling of scrap motors follows a comprehensive five-step approach: understanding motor components, making necessary preparations, sorting materials, motors dismantling and finally recycling. Proper electric motor recycler machine holds the key to a sustainable future. Every dismantled motor contributes to less energy consumption and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Be a responsible global citizen – choose recycling over waste. Join us on the journey for a brighter, better future!
