Introduction:
Can crushers are devices that are designed to reduce the size of aluminum cans for recycling purposes. They are widely used in households, businesses, and recycling centers. The can crusher is a simple machine that consists of a lever or handle, a crushing plate, and a base. The lever is used to apply force to the crushing plate, which crushes the can against the base. This results in a flattened can that is easier to store and transport.
In this case study, we will examine the engineering economics of a can crusher. We will analyze the costs and benefits of producing and using a can crusher, and we will determine whether it is economically feasible to invest in a can crusher.
Background:
The purpose of a can crusher is to reduce the volume of aluminum cans for recycling purposes. By reducing the volume of the cans, they can be transported more efficiently and take up less space in landfills. Can crushers are also popular in households because they make it easier to store and transport cans for recycling.
There are many different types of can crushers available on the market, ranging from manual to electric. Manual can crushers are the simplest and most affordable, but they require more effort to operate. Electric can crushers are more expensive, but they are easier to use and require less effort.
Analysis:
To determine whether it is economically feasible to invest in a can crusher, we must analyze the costs and benefits of producing and using a can crusher.
Costs:
The costs associated with producing and using a can crusher include the initial cost of the machine, the cost of electricity or manual labor to operate the machine, and the cost of maintenance and repairs.
The initial cost of a can crusher varies depending on the type and quality of the machine. Manual can crushers can be purchased for as little as $10, while electric can crushers can cost several hundred dollars. The cost of electricity or manual labor to operate the machine also varies depending on the type of machine and the amount of use. The cost of maintenance and repairs will also vary depending on the type and quality of the machine.
Benefits:
The benefits of using a can crusher include the reduced volume of aluminum cans for recycling purposes, the convenience of storing and transporting cans, and the potential cost savings associated with recycling.
By reducing the volume of aluminum cans, can crushers make it easier to transport and store the cans for recycling. This can save time and effort for recycling centers and individuals who recycle. Can crushers can also reduce the number of trips that need to be made to the recycling center, which can save on transportation costs.
Using a can crusher can also result in cost savings associated with recycling. Aluminum cans can be recycled into new cans or other aluminum products, which can reduce the demand for new aluminum and save energy. Recycling aluminum also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which can save on disposal costs.
Feasibility:
To determine whether it is economically feasible to invest in a can crusher, we must compare the costs and benefits of producing and using a can crusher.
For example, suppose we are considering purchasing an electric can crusher that costs $300. The machine requires 0.5 kWh of electricity to operate, which costs $0.10 per kWh. We estimate that we will crush 100 cans per day, which will result in a cost of $0.05 per can for electricity.
Assuming that we recycle all 100 cans per day, we can estimate the cost savings associated with recycling. According to the Aluminum Association, recycling one aluminum can saves approximately 95% of the energy required to produce a new can. We can estimate that recycling 100 cans per day will save approximately 19 kWh of energy per day. Assuming an average electricity cost of $0.10 per kWh, this results in a cost savings of $1.90 per day.
Using these assumptions, we can estimate the payback period for the can crusher. If we assume that the machine will last for five years and that maintenance and repair costs will average $50 per year, the total cost of the machine over five years will be $550. If we estimate that we will save $1.90 per day by using the can crusher, the total cost savings over five years will be $3,467.
Based on these estimates, the payback period for the can crusher is approximately six months. This means that the cost savings associated with using the can crusher will pay for the machine in six months, after which the machine will begin to generate a net savings.
Conclusion:
Overall, the engineering economics of a can crusher are favorable. By reducing the volume of aluminum cans for recycling purposes, can crushers can save time, effort, and transportation costs. Additionally, recycling aluminum cans can result in cost savings associated with energy and waste reduction. Based on our analysis, it is economically feasible to invest in a can crusher, and the payback period for the machine is relatively short.