Top 5 Portable Ball Press Suppliers in the United States [2025]

When it comes to portable ball presses, American Recycling Tech (ART) is a name that's been on the lips of industry pros for nearly two decades. Founded in 2005 in Cleveland, Ohio, ART started small—with a team of engineers who wanted to solve a common problem: scrapyards and small manufacturers struggling with bulky metal waste. "We saw businesses spending thousands on transporting loose metal powder and scrap, only to have it shift, spill, or take up too much space in trucks," says Mark Thompson, ART's founder. "We thought, 'What if we could compress that waste on-site, making it denser, easier to handle, and cheaper to move?'"

That "what if" led to the creation of their first portable briquette machine, and today, ART is known for their PHBM series—short for "Portable Metal Powder Briquette Machine"—which includes the fan-favorite PHBM-002, PHBM-003, and PHBM-004 models. What sets these machines apart? For starters, they're built to be tough . Designed with heavy-duty steel frames and (wear-resistant) components, they can handle everything from aluminum shavings to iron powder without breaking a sweat. The PHBM-002, the smallest in the line, weighs just 500 pounds, making it easy to tow with a pickup truck—perfect for job sites or remote locations. The PHBM-003 ups the ante with a higher compression force (15 tons vs. the 002's 10 tons), while the PHBM-004 is the workhorse of the bunch, boasting 20 tons of force and a built-in hydraulic cooling system to prevent overheating during long shifts.

But ART isn't just about portability. Their hydraulic briquetter equipment for industrial settings is equally impressive. Take their HBE-5000 model, a stationary hydraulic briquetter that can process up to 500 kg of metal powder per hour. "We had a client in Detroit who was drowning in brass shavings from their machining shop," Thompson recalls. "After installing the HBE-5000, they cut their transportation costs by 40% and even started selling the briquettes to a local foundry—turning waste into revenue." It's stories like these that have earned ART a reputation for not just selling machines, but creating partnerships. They offer free on-site consultations, 24/7 technical support, and even custom modifications for unique materials. "If you're working with something tricky—say, mixed metal powders or high-moisture scrap—our engineers will tweak the machine to fit your needs," Thompson adds. "No two businesses are the same, so why should their equipment be?"

What really makes ART stand out, though, is their commitment to transparency. They don't hide behind jargon or vague specs. "We'll send you videos of the PHBM-003 in action, let you talk to current customers, and even let you test a machine for a week before buying," Thompson says. "At the end of the day, we want you to feel confident that you're investing in a tool that will grow with your business." For small to mid-sized operations that need flexibility and reliability, ART is hard to beat.

If sustainability is your top priority, EcoPress Systems should be at the top of your list. Founded in 2010 in Portland, Oregon—a city known for its green initiatives—EcoPress was born from a simple mission: to make recycling equipment that's as good for the planet as it is for your bottom line. "We noticed a lot of briquetting machines on the market were energy hogs, using more power than necessary and creating excess waste during production," says Lisa Chen, EcoPress's CEO. "We set out to build machines that cut energy use by 30% while still delivering the performance businesses need."

Today, EcoPress is a leader in eco-friendly hydraulic briquetting machine equipment and portable solutions. Their flagship portable model, the EcoPress Mini, is a hit with small businesses and startups. Weighing just 450 pounds and running on standard 110V power, it's designed for businesses that don't have access to industrial electrical setups. "A jewelry maker in Seattle was using hand tools to compress silver scrap, which took hours and led to inconsistent briquettes," Chen shares. "The EcoPress Mini cut their processing time by 80% and used so little energy, their electricity bill actually went down." But don't let its size fool you—the Mini can still compress up to 50 kg of metal powder per hour, making it ideal for low to medium volumes.

For larger operations, EcoPress's hydraulic briquetter equipment is a game-changer. The EcoPress Pro, for example, uses a variable-speed motor that adjusts power based on the material being compressed—so it uses less energy when pressing aluminum and more when tackling denser metals like copper. It also features a closed-loop hydraulic system that recycles fluid, reducing waste and extending the machine's lifespan. "We're not just thinking about the machine's impact when it's running," Chen explains. "We use recycled steel in our frames, soy-based hydraulic fluid, and even offer a take-back program for old machines, so they don't end up in landfills." It's this holistic approach to sustainability that has earned EcoPress certifications from the EPA and Green Business Bureau.

But EcoPress doesn't sacrifice customer support for sustainability. Their team of "EcoAdvisors" works with clients to conduct waste audits, helping them identify not just which machine to buy, but how to optimize their entire recycling process. "A auto parts manufacturer in California came to us needing a briquetter for steel shavings," Chen says. "After our audit, we realized they also had a lot of plastic packaging waste—so we recommended pairing the Pro with a plastic pneumatic conveying system to streamline both metal and plastic recycling. Now they're saving even more money and reducing their carbon footprint." It's this kind of forward thinking that makes EcoPress more than a supplier—they're a sustainability partner.

And let's not forget their take on the PHBM series. While ART pioneered the line, EcoPress has put their own spin on it with the PHBM-003E, an "Eco Edition" of the portable briquette machine. It uses solar panels on the roof for auxiliary power, making it perfect for off-grid locations, and has a battery backup for times when sunlight is scarce. "We tested it in a remote mining camp in Nevada, where electricity is expensive and unreliable," Chen says. "The PHBM-003E ran for 12 hours a day on solar alone, saving the camp thousands in energy costs. That's the future of recycling equipment—powerful, portable, and planet-friendly."

When you've been in the business as long as National Briquette Solutions (NBS)—since 1998—you learn a thing or two about what makes a machine last. Based in Chicago, Illinois, NBS started as a small machine shop repairing industrial presses and quickly evolved into a manufacturer known for one thing: reliability. "We built our reputation on machines that run 24/7, 365 days a year, with minimal downtime," says John Rodriguez, NBS's vice president of operations. "In this industry, if your briquetter breaks down, you're not just losing time—you're losing money. We design our equipment to be bulletproof."

Nowhere is that more evident than in their industrial hydraulic briquetter line. The NBS Titan, for example, is a behemoth of a machine, capable of pressing up to 2,000 kg of metal powder per hour with a compression force of 50 tons. "We supply these to steel mills and foundries across the country," Rodriguez says. "One client in Pittsburgh has been running three Titans for 15 years, and they've only needed to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the hydraulic seals twice. That's the kind of durability we're known for." But NBS isn't just about heavy-duty machines—they've also made a name for themselves in the portable space with their take on the PHBM series. The NBS PHBM-004 is a rugged portable briquette machine built for the toughest job sites. With a reinforced steel frame, all-terrain tires, and a weatherproof control panel, it's designed to handle rain, snow, and dust without skipping a beat.

"A construction company in Colorado was using our PHBM-004 to compress rebar scrap at a remote highway project," Rodriguez recalls. "Temperatures dropped to -10°F, and the machine was covered in snow—but it kept running. The foreman later told us, 'I thought for sure it would freeze up, but it just kept going.' That's the NBS promise." What's their secret? Rodriguez credits their in-house manufacturing. Unlike some suppliers who outsource parts, NBS makes 90% of their components in their Chicago factory, allowing them to control quality from start to finish. "We test every hydraulic cylinder, every motor, every switch before it goes into a machine," he says. "If a part doesn't meet our standards, we scrap it—not ship it."

NBS also understands that training is key to getting the most out of your equipment. That's why they offer free on-site training for every machine purchase, with follow-up check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days. "We don't just hand you a manual and walk away," Rodriguez explains. "Our technicians spend a full day with your team, teaching them how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the machine. We even create custom maintenance schedules based on your usage—so you know exactly when to change the oil or inspect the filters." It's this attention to detail that has made NBS a favorite among businesses that can't afford downtime, like scrapyards, manufacturing plants, and demolition companies.

And if you do run into a problem? NBS's service team is legendary. With a network of 20+ service centers across the U.S., they guarantee a technician will be on-site within 24 hours for emergency repairs. "A recycling plant in Texas had a hydraulic leak on their Titan on a Friday evening," Rodriguez says. "Our tech was there by 8 a.m. Saturday, had it fixed by noon, and even stayed to train the team on how to spot early signs of leaks. That's the NBS difference—we're there when you need us." For businesses that prioritize durability and peace of mind, NBS is the gold standard.

In an industry that's been around for decades, it's rare to find a company that's truly shaking things up—but GreenTech Manufacturing is doing just that. Founded in 2015 in Austin, Texas, GreenTech was born from the minds of former tech industry engineers who saw a gap in the market: recycling equipment that was stuck in the past. "We came from companies like Tesla and Dell, where everything is smart, connected, and data-driven," says Sarah Lopez, GreenTech's founder. "When we looked at briquette machines, we thought, 'Why aren't these things connected to the internet? Why can't they predict maintenance needs or adjust settings automatically?'"

Today, GreenTech is leading the charge in smart portable briquette machines and hydraulic briquetter equipment. Their flagship portable model, the SmartPress 1000, is a game-changer. Equipped with sensors that monitor compression force, temperature, and material feed rate, it connects to a mobile app that alerts operators to potential issues before they become problems. "If the machine is starting to vibrate more than usual, the app sends a notification: 'Check for loose bolts,'" Lopez explains. "If the hydraulic fluid is getting low, it texts your maintenance team. It's like having a virtual technician watching over the machine 24/7." The SmartPress also uses AI to learn from your operation—over time, it adjusts compression settings to optimize briquette density based on the materials you're using. "A metal recycler in Houston was pressing a mix of copper and zinc scrap," Lopez shares. "The SmartPress figured out that zinc needs a bit more force, so it automatically adjusts—resulting in more consistent briquettes and less waste."

For larger operations, GreenTech's hydraulic briquetter equipment takes automation even further. The AutoBriq 5000, for example, integrates with your existing ERP system, so it can schedule production runs based on your scrap inventory levels. "If your system sees you have 500 kg of aluminum scrap, it will automatically start the AutoBriq at 2 a.m. when energy costs are lowest," Lopez says. "It even sends a report to your email with production numbers, energy usage, and cost savings. It's manufacturing 4.0 for recycling." But GreenTech doesn't just focus on tech—they also prioritize user-friendliness. Their machines feature touchscreen controls with step-by-step guides, and the app includes video tutorials for common tasks like changing a filter or adjusting the die size.

"We designed the SmartPress for someone who's never used a briquette machine before," Lopez adds. "You don't need to be an engineer to operate it—that was intentional." GreenTech also offers a unique "Tech Partnership" program, where clients get free software updates for life, ensuring their machines stay up-to-date with the latest features. "Technology evolves fast, and we don't want our clients to be stuck with outdated machines," Lopez says. "When we release a new AI algorithm or a better sensor, we push that ｕｐｄａｔｅ to all SmartPress owners at no extra cost." It's this commitment to innovation and customer success that has made GreenTech a favorite among forward-thinking businesses.

Rounding out our list is United Recycling Equipment (URE), a family-owned business based in Atlanta, Georgia, that's been serving the industry since 2001. What sets URE apart? Their dedication to end-to-end support. "We don't just sell you a machine and wish you luck," says Maria Gonzalez, URE's president and daughter of the founder. "We're with you from the first phone call to the day you retire the machine—and beyond." URE offers a full suite of services, including site surveys, custom machine design, installation, training, maintenance, and even financing options to help businesses of all sizes afford the equipment they need.

URE's product line includes everything from portable PHBM series machines to heavy-duty hydraulic briquetter equipment, but their claim to fame is their turnkey solutions. "A client in Florida wanted to start a battery recycling plant, and they needed more than just a briquetter—they needed a full system," Gonzalez recalls. "We supplied the hydraulic briquetter, a plastic pneumatic conveying system for battery casings, and even the air pollution control system. We project-managed the entire installation, trained their team, and stuck around for the first month to make sure everything ran smoothly. They were up and running in 60 days, which is unheard of in this industry." It's this "one-stop shop" approach that makes URE ideal for businesses looking to simplify their supply chain.

When it comes to portable solutions, URE's PHBM-004 Premium is a top pick. Built with a focus on versatility, it can handle not just metal powders, but also non-ferrous metals, aluminum cans, and even certain plastics. "A scrapyard in Tennessee uses it to briquette both copper wire scrap and plastic bottle caps," Gonzalez says. "They just change out the die and adjust the compression force—it's like having two machines in one." The PHBM-004 Premium also features a quick-change die system, allowing operators to switch between briquette sizes (from 20mm to 100mm) in less than 10 minutes. "Time is money, and we don't want our clients waiting around to change dies," Gonzalez adds. "That's why we made it tool-free—just pull a lever, swap the die, and you're back to work."

URE's hydraulic briquetter equipment is equally versatile. The URE ProLine 3000, for example, can be configured with different dies to produce briquettes, pucks, or even ingots, depending on the client's needs. "A foundry in Ohio needed ingots for melting, not briquettes, so we customized the ProLine with an ingot die," Gonzalez says. "It's the same machine, just reconfigured to meet their specific output requirements." URE also prides itself on its financing options, including leases with $0 down and flexible terms. "We know buying equipment is a big investment, especially for small businesses," Gonzalez explains. "Our financing team works with you to find a plan that fits your cash flow, so you can start saving money right away without breaking the bank."

At the end of the day, URE's success comes down to their people. "We have a saying here: 'Treat clients like family,'" Gonzalez says. "When you call URE, you don't get a call center—you get a dedicated account manager who knows your business, your machine, and your goals. If you have a problem at 2 a.m., that account manager will answer the phone. That's the URE promise." It's this personal touch, combined with their comprehensive solutions, that makes URE a top choice for businesses that want a supplier they can trust for the long haul.