How to Remove Scrap from Under a Stamping Press

A well-designed stamping press scrap removal system should run consistently, require minimal maintenance, and move scrap out of the press area without interruption.

Removing scrap from under a stamping press directly impacts uptime, tool life, and overall production efficiency. When scrap handling is treated as an afterthought, the result is predictable: buildup under the press, die damage, unplanned downtime, and increased operator intervention.

Start With the Type of Material

The first decision point is simple but critical: what material are you running?

• Ferrous (steel, iron): Magnetic solutions are on the table
• Non-ferrous (aluminum) or mixed materials: Mechanical conveying is required

This single variable determines which solutions will succeed long term and which will create ongoing problems.

Magnetic Conveyors (Ferrous Applications)

For ferrous scrap, magnetic conveyors are typically the most reliable option.

These systems use internal magnets to move material along a sealed conveyor bed. Because the scrap never directly contacts moving mechanical components, several common failure points are eliminated:

• No exposed belt to wear or tear
• No hinge pins or pivot points to fail
• Reduced risk of jamming from irregular scrap

The result is a system that runs with very low maintenance and high consistency. In stamping environments where uptime is the priority, magnetic conveyors are often the most stable long-term solution.

That said, they must be applied correctly. Scrap size, thickness, and how material piles or nests still matter. Magnetic strength and spacing need to match the application.

Steel Hinge Belt Conveyors (Non-Ferrous or Mixed Material)

When you are running aluminum or mixed materials, hinge belt conveyors are the standard solution.

They use interlocking steel plates to physically carry scrap out from under the press. This allows them to handle:

• Non-magnetic materials
• Heavier scrap loads
• Irregular or larger part geometries

The tradeoff is maintenance.

Hinge belt systems introduce multiple wear components:

• Belt sections
• Pins and hinges
• Tracks and support structure

Over time, these wear points require attention. Scrap can also wedge into the belt or frame, leading to jams or tracking issues. These systems work well, but they require planned maintenance and realistic expectations.

Scrap Control Is Where Most Systems Fail

The most common issue in stamping operations is not the conveyor itself. It is how scrap enters the conveyor.

If scrap is not fully controlled:

• Material falls outside the conveyor path
• Scrap builds up under the press
• Operators are forced into manual cleanup
• Tooling and dies are exposed to damage

The fix is proper scrap capture and guidance.

Well-designed side guides and chutes should:

• Fully contain falling scrap
• Eliminate gaps where material can escape
• Direct scrap cleanly into the conveyor

A clean feed into the conveyor is what allows the entire system to work. Without it, even the best conveyor will struggle.

Moving Scrap Away From the Press

Removing scrap from under the press is only part of the system.

Once collected, it needs to be moved away from the production area.

Inclined conveyors are typically used to:

• Elevate scrap out of the press pit
• Discharge into bins, hoppers, or dumpsters
• Prevent scrap from accumulating near the press

If scrap is not moved far enough away, it often finds its way back into the work area, creating the same problems you were trying to solve.

Centralized Scrap Systems (Multi-Press Operations)

For facilities with multiple presses, centralized systems can significantly improve efficiency.

In these setups:

• Each press feeds scrap into a common conveyor system
• Conveyors are often located below floor level
• Scrap is transported to a single discharge point

Benefits include:

• Reduced manual handling
• Cleaner production areas
• Better use of floor space
• Simplified scrap collection and removal

These systems require more upfront planning but tend to deliver long-term operational benefits.

The Real Objective: Reliability

The most effective scrap handling systems are designed around one principle: reliability over time.

This means considering:

• Minimizing downtime
• Reducing maintenance exposure
• Ensuring continuous material flow

Cutting corners in scrap handling rarely saves money. It typically shifts cost into downtime, maintenance labor, and tool damage.

Final Takeaway

Removing scrap from under a stamping press is not just about clearing material. It is about supporting the entire production process.

The right approach includes:

• Matching the conveyor type to the material
• Controlling scrap at the source
• Moving material efficiently away from the press
• Designing for long-term reliability

When done correctly, scrap handling becomes a stable, predictable part of the operation instead of a recurring problem.

If you are evaluating a stamping press scrap removal system or dealing with scrap buildup issues, reviewing the application in detail before selecting equipment can make a significant difference. Small differences in material, scrap shape, and press layout often determine whether a system runs reliably or creates ongoing maintenance problems.

In many cases, identifying these factors early can prevent avoidable downtime and rework later.

FAQ: Scrap Removal for Stamping Presses

Q: What is the best way to remove scrap from a stamping press?
A: The best method depends on the material. Magnetic conveyors are typically used for ferrous scrap, while hinge belt conveyors are used for aluminum or mixed materials.

Q: Do I need a magnetic conveyor or a hinge belt conveyor?
A: If you are running steel, a magnetic conveyor is usually the most reliable option. If you are running aluminum or mixed materials, a hinge belt conveyor is required.

Q: Why does scrap build up under a stamping press?
A: Scrap buildup is typically caused by poor scrap control, where material is not properly guided into the conveyor and falls outside the intended path.

Written by the engineering and applications team at Storch Magnetics, specializing in magnetic conveyors and industrial magnetic solutions.