At Solid Equipment Co., we pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge solutions to help industrial recyclers maximize efficiency and profitability. Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Philadelphia, PA, to install our latest optical sorting machines. This installation was for a customer that was looking to clean up his dirty aluminum brass and copper in his Zorba.
The Model 1200 Optical Sorter in Action
During our visit, we had the opportunity to see firsthand how the Model 1200 Optical Sorter excels at separating residual materials. The facility we visited deals with a large car shredder, which leaves behind a mix of valuable metals and trash, including small bits of copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and non-recyclable materials. Manually sorting these would be an overwhelming task, but the Optical Sorter made the process look effortless.
The machine’s ability to distinguish between materials by color was especially impressive. By using eddy currents to first pull-out non-ferrous metals, and then employing the Optical Sorter to separate them by color, we watched as materials like aluminum and copper were quickly identified and separated from the mix. This process saves an enormous amount of time and labor, making it a perfect fit for industrial recycling centers aiming to improve efficiency.
Efficiency Meets Scalability
One of the highlights of the Model 1200 is its ability to sort up to two colors simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for operations looking to scale up in the future. In Philadelphia, the recycler was using the machine to separate just one color at a time, but their long-term plan involves installing additional Optical Sorters to work in tandem, allowing them to increase throughput without expanding their physical footprint.
The Model 1200 Optical Sorter takes up minimal space, yet it can double-sort up to three colors while maintaining its compact size. This makes it an ideal solution for facilities that want to grow their recycling operations without having to invest in additional square footage.
A Versatile Solution for Smaller Materials
In addition to handling large chunks of metal, we also observed the machine’s shape sorting feature. In this specific case, the facility in Philadelphia had a material mix as small as 3mm, which consisted of windshield glass, trash (fluff), and tiny copper wires. These finer materials can be difficult to process, but the Optical Sorter tackled this challenge with ease. Thanks to its ability to identify materials based on shape, the sorter successfully separated out the copper wire, leaving behind the glass and fluff.
This versatility is crucial for recyclers dealing with a variety of materials, especially those looking to increase yields from scrap piles like Zorba, which typically contain a mix of shredded non-ferrous metals. By using the 1200 Optical Sorter, recyclers can upgrade their Zorba and achieve higher yields of clean, sorted products.
Cost-Effective and High Performing
One of the most common concerns we hear from recyclers is the cost of new equipment. Fortunately, our Model 1200 Optical Sorter is available at a fraction of the cost of competitors’ machines, while delivering equal or even better performance. During our visit to Philadelphia, we saw firsthand how the machine could outperform more expensive models, offering recyclers a high return on investment without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
By integrating the Optical Sorter into their process, the recycler we visited was able to save time, reduce labor costs, and improve the purity of their sorted materials. For any recycler looking to streamline operations, boost profits, and increase throughput, the 1200 Optical Sorter is a smart, scalable solution.
A Bright Future for Optical Sorting Technology
Our trip to Philadelphia confirmed what we at Solid Equipment Co. have long known: optical sorting technology is the future of the recycling industry. The ability to efficiently and accurately sort materials based on color and shape means recyclers can process more material with fewer errors, leading to cleaner, higher-quality end products.
As more facilities adopt this technology, we expect to see increased demand for machines like the Model 1200. With its small footprint, cost-effective pricing, and scalable capabilities, it’s a perfect fit for recycling centers of all sizes.
Color Sorting Technology from Solid Equipment Co.
At Solid Equipment Co., we’re committed to delivering the highest quality equipment at competitive prices. Our 1200 Optical Sorter is designed to meet the evolving needs of the recycling industry, and we’re proud to offer a solution that’s both effective and affordable.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the 1200 Optical Sorter can help your facility increase efficiency and profitability, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help your business succeed, just as we’ve helped countless others improve their recycling operations.
