Eddy Current Non-Ferrous Metal Separator Line

The Physics of Non-Ferrous Recovery

When a conductive non-ferrous metal passes over a rapidly spinning rare-earth magnetic rotor, the changing magnetic field induces circulating eddy currents within the metal. By Lenz's Law, these currents generate their own opposing magnetic field, producing a repulsive force that propels the metal particle upward and away from the conveyor belt. Non-conductors — plastic, glass, rubber — feel no force and fall straight down, completing the separation without any mechanical contact.

Two-Stage Separation: Ferrous First, Then Non-Ferrous

The JLECS-1000W processes material in two sequential stages. In the first stage, a magnetic drum removes ferrous metals (steel, iron) from the input stream — ferrous particles are strongly attracted and held against the drum until they clear the material flow. In the second stage, the cleaned stream passes over the eddy current rotor, where aluminum, copper, and brass are ejected into a dedicated chute. Separating ferrous metals upstream prevents them from dampening the eddy current field and degrading non-ferrous recovery rates.

Common Applications

Eddy current separation is used wherever non-ferrous metal recovery is required from a mixed stream: aluminum recovery from shredded scrap, copper and brass extraction from e-waste (printed circuit boards, wire harnesses), metal removal from plastic recycling lines to prevent contamination of regranulate, and non-ferrous recovery in municipal solid waste processing. The JLECS-1000W processes up to 1,000 kg/h — contact us with your input material composition and particle size for a performance assessment.