A can crusher is a simple crushing tool used during the recycling process of aluminum cans such as soda and beer cans (Hyde, Hyde and Carl 1998). The crusher is able to minimize the space required for storage by compressing the cans to a height of one inch. The crusher components include a frame that holds the compressing plate, metal bolts, hinges and a handle with soft grip at the end (Ernst 2015). The materials used to make the parts can be different based on can crusher types. Durable and high quality plastics such as nylon are used to manufacture cheaper crushers while aluminum or stainless steel give a longer product life and are used for expensive crushers. The lifespan of the crusher is improved by using bolts made from steel. Crushers first appeared I China two thousand years BC and were merely simple tools composed of a ball and socket which evolved to the foot pestle from 150 years BC (Hyde, Hyde and Carl 1998).
Numerous types of can crushers are in use depending on the operation, placement, can sizes and the materials used (Rajan and Singh 2017 p.834). Three categories of can crushers exist under the operation category. These include manual, semi-automatic and automatic crushers. Manual crushers accommodate a single can and are the most common. The process is manually done by pulling the leveler to compress the can. Semi-automatic crushers hold multiple cans allowing a faster compression process while automatic crushers reduce the effort required in crushing by use of pneumatic engines (Rajan and Singh 2017 p.836). Under the placement category, can crushers can either be of horizontal, vertical or multi position depending on installation. Depending on can sizes, can crusher types include the 12oz, 16oz and 32oz can crushers. Classification by materials is the last category for which scan types can be of steel or plastic. Steel has higher durability than plastic and is thus suitable for repeated recycling.
References
Ernst, E.C., 2015. Combination cooler and can crusher. U.S. Patent 9,132,598.
Hyde, C.D., Hyde and Carl D., 1998. Can crusher. U.S. Patent 5,775,213.
Rajan, B. and Singh, D., 2017. Understanding influence of crushers on shape characteristics of fine aggregates based on digital image and conventional techniques. Construction and Building Materials, 150, pp.833-843.
