VK 2306 20.12 HP Channel Baling Press

The HSM VK 2306 20.12 HP is the quicker of the two drives for HSM's compact automatic channel baler: a 15 kW motor runs the 240 kN ram fast enough for a theoretical 113 m³/h at idle and 5.63 t/h on material of 50 kg/m³. Bales come out 27.6 x 19.7 in (700 x 500 mm) and up to 551 lb (250 kg), tied with three wires. It is the choice for sites where a continuously running sorting belt, shredder or converting line feeds the press and a backlog at the baler is not acceptable.

VK 2306 20.12 HP at a glance

• 20.12 HP (15 kW) drive behind a 240 kN ram
• 3,990 cft/h (113 m³/h) theoretical idle throughput
• 2.25 t/h at 20 kg/m³ and 5.63 t/h at 50 kg/m³
• Three-wire bales from 309 to 551 lb
• Shortest frame in HSM's automatic range, 207.1 in long

Reading the throughput figures

HSM gives three rates for this drive. The 113 m³/h idle number is theoretical and assumes an uninterrupted, unobstructed feed. The tonnage figures are more useful for planning: 2.25 t/h for light material around 20 kg/m³, such as loose film, and 5.63 t/h at 50 kg/m³, nearer to old corrugated. Size the press against your waste contract in tonnes, and expect the real rate to depend on how evenly material reaches the opening.

More speed, not more compaction

The 12.34 HP VK 2306 shares this machine's ram force, 620 x 600 mm opening and chamber, so its bales are just as dense. The bigger drive only shortens each stroke, so the press stops being the thing the line waits for. The larger drive is listed at 3,800 kg, so use that figure when checking the floor.

Running it unattended

A light barrier starts the ram as material collects, and the press ties and ejects bales on its own, so no operator is needed at the opening. Someone still has to reload wire rolls, clear finished bales and carry out routine checks. Bale length can be set anywhere between 600 and 1,200 mm from the control, with three wires applied whatever the length. Wire is supplied separately and its gauge is fixed at commissioning.

VK 2306 20.12 HP specifications

How the 20.12 HP VK 2306 compares

• VK 2306 12.34 HP: same bale and opening on a smaller drive, for modest, steady feeds.
• VK 2310 20.12 HP: the same 15 kW drive and bale with a 1,000 mm long opening for unfolded cartons and trim, idling at 9.4 s per cycle, but 835 mm longer overall.
• VK 5012: 500 kN and a four-wire 1,100 x 750 mm bale, for rigid HDPE containers, bottles and big bags in volume.

Who should buy it

It suits a continuous line producing paper, film or light packaging where floor length is limited. If your pieces are longer than the 600 mm opening, the VK 2310 avoids pre-cutting; if rigid plastics dominate, move up to the VK 5012.