Originally Posted by MBG thanks a lot! so when I drop off my metal at the local scrap yard. It doesn't appear they melt it down there. I asked the fellow what he does with the stuff and he says he packages it up and sends it off to a mill. So I am guessing the packaging is what you said the baler does and then a micro mill?? |
The term baler as I know it is a machine that makes cubes/bundles out of the scrap. Typically for import, but may go for other uses. Only the larger processors can afford to buy this kind of equipment to handle the volume and service their customers needs.
Micro-mills are specialty sheet rolling mills that can get their scrap from selective collection people. Usually large industry with certified known scrap material stored in specific dumpsters to keep the integrity of the alloy as clean as possible. The end product is only as good as what goes into it. Micro-mills cannot afford a bad reputation. They ensure everything is tracable via the trusting relations of those resources.
Originally Posted by MBG So all the scrap yards I usually see everyday only package the metal and ship it to a foundry? |
This may or may not be the case. It seems they all have different methods and sectors of industries they serve. Depending on the material, grade and other conditions.
I'm sure there is a learning curve there. In whom will take what, pay out rates for loyalty, etc, etc. The end users(if there is a market) will dictate what it is worth and who they will accept any load from. That may take several years of networking to build ones own clientele by focusing on a niche others don't see. Your local area can take on a totally different scheme to this business. You will need to get out there and network to understand that process yourself.
DC