In plastic recycling, separation accuracy directly impacts product value and process efficiency.
A recycler in Wales operating multiple sites processing mixed plastic flake required removal of nonferrous metals from a fine material stream prior to further processing.
Material conditions were demanding: plastic flake under 20 mm, bulk density of 0.4 tons per cubic meter, and a target throughput of 2 tons per hour at each site.
Fine particle size increases the risk of metal carryover, while throughput requirements leave little margin for performance loss. Both facilities needed consistent nonferrous separation without slowing production or compromising plastic quality.
Bunting Magnetics supplied two 1-meter-wide Eddy Current Separators, with one unit installed at each site.
Each system was configured specifically for fine plastic flake and designed to maintain 2 tons per hour throughput while processing material under 20 mm at the specified bulk density.
The separators generate a rapidly alternating magnetic field that induces currents in nonferrous metals, creating a clean separation from the plastic stream. Rotor configuration and belt width were optimized for stable material presentation and fine particle performance.
Both systems integrated into the existing recycling lines with minimal disruption.
With both eddy current separators in operation, the recycler achieved reliable removal of nonferrous metals from fine plastic flake while maintaining required throughput at each facility.
The result was improved plastic quality, greater downstream consistency, and increased confidence in separation performance across multiple sites.
Fine material exposes weaknesses in separation systems. When engineered for the application, performance remains stable at scale.