Germany : The plastics industry continues to struggle with rapidly rising raw material prices. As a result there is an increased pressure to use recycled material for which waste and rejected plastics are very well suited for reuse in many production processes. This, however, demands proper recycling of the original plastic materials to produce secondary raw materials of appropriate quality.

The processing of recycled plastics starts with size reduction but recycled product can still contain metal contaminants which must be removed to prevent damage to downstream processing equipment as well as ensure a quality recycled product. S+S metal detectors will detect magnetic and non-magnetic metal contaminants, wherever they are in the product, and prevent such damage. S+S metal detectors and separators are used both for in-house recycling and in specialised recycling plants. By removing metal they both enhance product quality and reduce the costs associated with machinery damage and factory downtime.

S+S tunnel or single face detector can be fitted to customer supplied conveyors but in order to ensure the best performance possible S+S has introduced the PLASTICON series of conveyor belt systems. These are used upstream of the size reduction equipment (eg shedder or granulator) and to guarantee the best sensitivity PLASTICON systems are made to comply with the needs of the latest metal detection technology. The robust construction will also cope with the rigorous demands and conditions found in recycling plants. PLASTICON conveyor belts are height-adjustable at both ends for maximum flexibility.

Whether for in house rejects or recycled waste plastics the process is the same and feedstock is shredded or reground before being added back into the production cycle. PLASTICON systems will ensure that dangerous, unwanted metal does not re-enter production. In addition to make sure that any metal contaminants that may be generated during regrind due to wear or damaged blades, further S+S detectors and magnets can be fitted after the size reduction process prior to moulding or subsequent processing. S+S provides the full protection package throughout the production operation.