Machine for compressing and cutting random loaded scrap metal

Claim 1

A machine for compressing and cutting random scrap metal, comprising a scrap metal feeding trough, a guillotine cutting station arranged at an exit end of said trough and having cutting means for cutting the scrap metal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the metal feeding direction, a first compression means arranged upstream of, and near to, said guillotine cutting station for compressing the scrap metal in a direction substantially transverse to the feeding direction and substantially perpendicular to the cutting direction, a second compression means arranged upstream of, and near to, said guillotine cutting station for compressing the scrap metal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of said first compression, said second compression means being operated simultaneously with said cutting means to compress a portion of scrap metal and simultaneously cut a previously compressed scrap metal portion advanced beyond said guillotine cutting station, wherein said trough has a bottom forming an inclination angle such as to provide free gravity advancing of the scrap metal toward said guillotine cutting station, and wherein upstream of, and near to, said first compression means there are provided means for gradually compressing the scrap metal in the direction of compression of said first compression means such as to gradually gather the scrap metal toward the region of said first and second compression means.