Drurys transforms recycling efficiency through innovative compact swarf technology

Precision engineering company Drurys Engineering, part of the manufacturing and engineering business Amcouri Group, has taken a decisive step towards reducing waste and boosting recycling revenue. At its Hitchin base, the company has installed a new centralised swarf processing system from J&S Engineering. The machine is built around the iSwarf50 briquetting machine supplied by German manufacturer Hocker Polytechnik.

Image source: https://jandsengineering.com/

Metal swarf Metal swarf has long been a costly burden for many manufacturers. Storage skips eat up space, fluids are lost, and recycling returns fall short of potential. Drurys faced all these issues until the new system was commissioned. With the installation, the company has reduced waste but also unlocked new efficiencies, lowered costs, and maximised the value of its metal recycling.

The iSwarf50 is compact but powerful. It briquettes up to 50 kg per hour of aluminium swarf, reclaiming cutting fluids in the process. These are drained into separate barrels for reuse, cutting fluid expenditure. The machine at Drurys includes a 550-litre hopper with a second stirring shaft to prevent bridging and ensure reliable feed.

A special bin lifter has also been installed to suit Drurys’ own swarf bins. This allows staff to wheel bins directly to the unit, where they are tipped automatically. This step not only eliminates skips but also improves safety by reducing manual handling risks.

Since commissioning in June, Drurys has already briquetted three tonnes of aluminium swarf in just one month. Skips have been removed entirely, freeing valuable floor space. More importantly, the company is now achieving higher returns from recycling merchants who pay more for dense aluminium briquettes.

The project also supports Drurys’ wider sustainability goals. The company has obtained ISO 14001 accreditation and is taking a significant step towards demonstrating its commitment to environmental management.

Drurys’ investment shows how smart swarf processing turns a costly by-product into a valuable resource. By cutting waste, reclaiming fluids, and boosting recycling returns, the company has aligned efficiency with sustainability, setting a clear example for modern precision engineering.