An automated ammunition disassembly machine is a purpose-built system designed to safely dismantle live or expired munitions into their constituent components: projectile, case, propellant, and primer. The process is fully contained within a reinforced safety enclosure and is designed for remote operation, minimizing human exposure and ensuring maximum safety while enabling efficient material reclamation.

Stockpiles of expired or obsolete ammunition represent a significant liability. Manual disassembly is extremely dangerous and slow. Our automated systems transform this liability into a controlled, safe, and efficient process. We custom-engineer the disassembly method—typically hydraulic pulling or mechanical cutting—specifically for your munition type. Once dismantled, the components are automatically segregated into separate, contained streams. This allows for the safe disposal of energetic materials (propellant and primers) and the valuable reclamation of metals like brass, copper, and lead for recycling. The entire operation is monitored via cameras and sensors from a remote control station.

    • Disassembly Method: Hydraulic press/pull, mechanical cutting, collet extraction (custom-designed)
    • Caliber Range: Single or multi-caliber capabilities with quick-change tooling
    • Throughput: System designed to meet required demilitarization rates
    • Component Handling: Automated segregation and collection of cases, projectiles, and propellant
    • Safety Enclosure: Reinforced, ballistic steel enclosure with blast mitigation features
    • Control System: Remote operation from a safe control room with full video monitoring

 

    • Ammunition: Provide exact specifications and condition of the rounds to be disassembled.
    • Objective: Is the primary goal demilitarization, material reclamation, or both?
    • Throughput: What is the target number of rounds to be processed per hour/day?
    • Site & Safety: What are the site's safety regulations and environmental disposal protocols?
Material option A Heavy-Duty Steel Frame, Anti-Static contact surfaces Finish: Industrial grade, specific military-grade coatings
Finish Industrial grade, specific military-grade coatings
Dimensions Custom made design and built by your requirements
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More Information

 

  • FAQ -
    • Q1: How does the machine handle the live primer safely during disassembly?
    • A1: The process is designed to be non-impactful. The primer is typically handled "live" throughout the mechanical disassembly of the other components. A separate, secondary process (either on the same machine or a different one) can then be used to safely deactivate or remove the primer in a controlled environment.
    • Q2: What happens to the propellant (gunpowder) after it's separated?
    • A2: The propellant is collected into a sealed, anti-static container. The system is designed to handle it gently without creating dust. This collected propellant can then be safely transported for disposal according to approved procedures or potentially repurposed.
    • Q3: Can the reclaimed components, like the brass casing, be reused for reloading?
    • A3: It depends on the disassembly method. Hydraulic pulling methods are gentle and often leave the casing in excellent condition for potential reloading after inspection and resizing. Abrasive cutting methods are typically for scrap reclamation only. The machine is designed according to the client's end-goal for the components.
    • Q4: What happens if a round gets jammed in the machine?
    • A4: The machine is equipped with numerous sensors that detect jams or anomalies. If a jam occurs, the system immediately stops and alerts the operator in the safe room. The robust design contains the round, and clearance procedures are performed remotely or after following strict safety protocols.
    • Q5: How much operator intervention is required?
    • A5: The system is designed for virtually unmanned operation within the safety enclosure. The operator's role is to load bulk ammunition into the initial feeder and monitor the process from the remote control station. All direct interaction with the live disassembly process is eliminated.