TOMRA launches modular, multi-sensor metals sorting platform for flexible non-ferrous recovery

Building on decades of metal recycling experience, TOMRA Recycling has launched the new FINDER — a flexible metals-sorting platform with built-in AI features to address modern infeed challenges. Whether it's shredded end-of-life vehicles or E-scrap, FINDER consistently upgrades mixed non-ferrous fractions like copper and brass, recovers insulated wire, cleans stainless steel, separates metals from non-metals, and sorts printed circuit boards (PCBs) from E-scrap. 

Recyclers can experience TOMRA's flexibility with personalized configurations 

Today's next-generation FINDER delivers flexibility through its modular, multi-sensor architecture, allowing recycling operations to configure and expand the system with exactly the sensors they need. Designed for flexible non-ferrous metal recovery and upgrading, the latest machine update combines mechanical, pneumatic, and software advancements to create a versatile sorting platform. 

As well, a revised mechanical design supports plug-and-play integration, helping recycling operations reduce installation time and improve service accessibility. 

"Recycling operations today face tightening margins, stiffer competition and more complex material streams for recovering non-ferrous metals," explains Giuseppe Granara, head of metal recycling Americas for TOMRA Recycling. "TOMRA's response is the new FINDER with a more robust design that expands sorting flexibility to a maximum. It allows recyclers to use one system for a broader and more demanding range of metal applications, while adapting to changing material inputs."

Metal recovery is built into the foundation of the FINDER 

A powerful next-generation electromagnetic (EM) sensor for metal versus non-metal sorting serves as the foundation of the new FINDER design, delivering maximum metal recovery. New valve blocks and an automatic variable air unit combine to improve ejection control, enhance response time, reduce air consumption, and provide long-term operational stability. New soft nozzle guards and gap fillers, among other upgraded mechanical protection features, help reduce wear, costly downtime, and service effort. 

FINDER also allows advanced metal sorting through its ability to combine multiple sensor technologies, using high-definition object classification for challenging applications, such as stainless-steel cleaning and upgrading of complex non-ferrous material streams. Near-infrared (NIR) sensor integration into the system delivers high-precision separation of PCBs or plastics in E-Scrap recycling, plus removal of insulated wire from the material stream. 

TOMRA's optional DEEP LAISER adds object recognition capabilities that support negative sorting, enabling the precise removal of non-metals, such as black plastics, from metal fractions. Adding a high-definition RGB camera plus AI-enabled object processing provides an even more advanced metal separation of insulated wires, thin, adjacent, and overlapping objects, without relying on a certain object height. Improved colour sorting unlocks new sorting applications that are not achievable with conventional sorting logic. 

Another example of the system's multi-functionality is the ability for plant operators to combine FINDER with GAINnext, a deep-learning solution that leverages sophisticated AI datasets and artificial neural networks to address highly complex sorting tasks. As TOMRA's deep learning ecosystem continues to grow, this integration will unlock even greater opportunities in the future. 

"With a single modular system, the next-generation FINDER offers multiple sensor technologies, so customers can configure the system precisely to their operational needs," says Michelle Landon, senior vice president and head of Americas for TOMRA Recycling. "It is a solution designed for today and tomorrow, enabling plant operators to add or upgrade sensor technologies over time. All sensors and software are developed in-house, enabling reliable, high-performance results." 

Digitalization is integrated into every facet of the machine 

Digital tools integrated into the platform allow operators to manage all sorting machines from a single interface on the plant network. The platform provides full visibility of every machine on the line, delivering updates every second on machine status and performance trends.

The new FINDER offers full transparency, from machine health to material flow, with data-driven sorting through TOMRA Insight, an optional cloud-based data platform. TOMRA's combination of advanced sorting logic and digital control enables recyclers to respond quickly to changes in infeed, purity requirements, or product targets. "Its digital updates give recyclers more control and confidence in every sorting application," adds Granara. 

A new service bridge offers convenient access to service areas for safer and more efficient maintenance. Opening the separation chamber provides quick access to the new internal service platform, which gives technicians safe and convenient access to internal components. A new tiltable ejection module positioning system delivers quick and unobstructed access to the valve blocks, reducing maintenance time and costs.