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Handheld analyzers balance speed and precision in metal sorting and recycling

Advanced technologies help recyclers meet traceability demands with greater accuracy

A man holding a small black device
A SciAps Z-Series LIBS analyzer. SciAps

Metal recycling facilities face increasing pressures to improve material sorting accuracy, enhance operational efficiency, and meet growing demands for traceability. The traditional reliance on manual sorting methods not only risks material loss but also increases labour strain and operational costs. 

As the industry shifts toward transparency and quality assurance, innovative technologies like handheld analyzers are emerging as indispensable tools. These devices provide recycling facilities with the precision and flexibility needed to thrive in an evolving market.

Industry challenges faced in metal recycling 

Metal recycling facilities often face the challenge of sorting incoming materials that vary widely in composition and quality. Mixed scrap — from aluminum cans to high-grade alloys — arrives in bulk, often with inconsistent material types and contamination levels. 

While manual sorting may seem cost-effective, it leads to material loss, inefficiencies, and higher labour costs. Workers tasked with identifying metals based solely on sight and experience struggle to keep up with the complexity of the material flow.

Compounding these challenges is the rising demand for traceability. Buyers now expect detailed reports on material composition and impurity levels rather than vague assurances of quality. Recycling facilities must adapt to these evolving expectations to remain competitive.

A SciAps X-Series XRF analyzer. SciAps

The LIBS recycling analyzer in action

In response to these challenges, many facilities are adopting advanced handheld technologies to deliver rapid readings of metal composition without relying on X-rays. This makes it a viable option for locations with stringent X-ray regulations. 

HW Green Company has significantly expanded its operations over the past three years, steadily enhancing its non-ferrous recycling capabilities. As part of this growth, the company recognized the need for greater precision in material grading — both on the retail side and for its industrial and utility customers.

Previously, HW Green relied on the SciAps X-550 analyzer for alloys, red metals, and aluminum grades. To further advance its capabilities, the company recently invested in the Z-70 LIBS analyzer to improve accuracy in aluminum grading.

HW Green also acquired the X-200 analyzer which is used on the buy side of transactions, while two units are dedicated to sorting materials for sale, ensuring precise grading and processing.

"The combination of the Z-70 and our new X-200 analyzer enables more precise identification of light elements such as aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, as well as alloys like the 6000 and 5000 series and other aluminum grades," says Krista Ostuno, president of HW Green Company. 

John Sartori, operations manager at HW Green, highlighted the operational advantages: "This technology allows us to grade and upgrade materials quickly and accurately, segregating alloys and enhancing our ability to sell directly to primary mills. Additionally, the Z-70's non-X-ray technology eliminates the need for registration and exempts it from regulatory requirements."

The Joseph Freedman Company's approach

For facilities preferring XRF technology, The Joseph Freedman Company provides an example of how handheld analyzers improve operations. The company sources 80 percent of its recyclable materials from manufacturers in industries like aerospace and medical equipment, where accurate material identification is critical. 

The company's analyzers include five SciAps analyzers. The X-200 is primarily used to spot-check aerospace turnings, which account for about 90 percent of the material. The X-250 handles further segregation, while the X-550s are stationed in the aluminum sorting department. 

At any given time, four analyzers are in use, with one kept as a backup. Occasionally, buyers also test materials on site, making the backup analyzer a valuable asset. 

Handheld analyzers provide a path forward 

Handheld analyzers are revolutionizing the metal recycling industry by addressing its most pressing challenges, from increasing sorting accuracy and improving material recovery to meeting traceability demands, these tools have become indispensable for modern facilities. 

Whether using LIBS analyzers for contamination-heavy environments or XRF analyzers for versatile material identification, facilities like HW Green and The Joseph Freedman Company demonstrate their transformative power.

By integrating advanced handheld analyzers, recycling facilities can not only boost profitability but also empower employees, strengthen buyer relationships, and remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry. For those ready to embrace the future of recycling, technologies like handheld analyzers offer a clear path forward.

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