Top 10 Eddy Current Separator Manufacturers in the World 2026
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As the global demand for resource recovery and recycling intensifies, non-ferrous metal separation equipment has become a critical component in modern waste management and mining operations. This comprehensive guide explores the technology, applications, and top global manufacturers of Eddy Current Separators.
What Is an Eddy Current Separator?
An Eddy Current Separator (ECS) is an advanced non-ferrous metal separation equipment designed to separate conductive, non-magnetic metals such as aluminum, copper, and brass from inert materials like plastic, glass, and rubber. The core principle relies on eddy current separation, where an alternating magnetic field induces a secondary current in conductive metals. This induced current generates its own magnetic field that opposes the original field, resulting in a repulsive force that ejects the non-ferrous metals from the material stream.
It is crucial to understand that an ECS does not use a permanent magnet to "attract" and hold aluminum. Instead, it leverages a rapidly rotating magnetic rotor to induce eddy currents in the non-ferrous metals, effectively repelling them. This differs fundamentally from a standard magnetic separator, which directly attracts ferrous metals like iron and steel. ECS primarily targets aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, and magnesium.
How Does an Eddy Current Separator Work?
The working principle of an ECS is a brilliant application of physics. The process follows this trajectory:
Material Feed → Conveyor → Eddy Current Rotor → Induced Eddy Currents → Repulsion → Separation
- Magnetic Rotor: A high-speed rotor containing rare-earth permanent magnets (arranged in alternating N-S-N-S polarity) spins rapidly inside the head pulley of the conveyor.
- Alternating Magnetic Field: As the rotor spins, it generates a rapidly alternating magnetic field at the conveyor belt surface.
- Eddy Currents: When a conductive material passes over this magnetic field, it induces circular electrical currents (eddy currents) within the metal piece.
- Lorentz Force: According to Lenz's Law, these eddy currents create their own magnetic field that opposes the rotor's magnetic field. This generates a repulsive Lorentz force acting on the conductive material.
- Material Trajectory: The repulsive force alters the trajectory of the non-ferrous metal, throwing it forward away from the inert materials, which simply fall off the conveyor naturally due to gravity.
Important Clarification: An Eddy Current Separator is not using magnetism to directly attract and pick up aluminum. Instead, it utilizes a rapidly changing magnetic field to induce electrical eddy currents within the conductive non-ferrous metal, generating a repulsive force that physically ejects the metal from the material stream.
What Metals Can an Eddy Current Separator Remove?
While ECS is widely known as a non-ferrous metal separator, its effectiveness depends on the material's electrical conductivity, density, and magnetic permeability. The most common metals separated include:
- Aluminum: Highly conductive and lightweight, making it the easiest and most common target.
- Copper: Extremely conductive, yields excellent separation results.
- Brass: Highly recoverable due to good conductivity and density.
- Zinc: Recoverable in various scrap streams.
- Magnesium: Light and highly conductive, easily separated.
- Stainless Steel: Note: Not all stainless steel can be effectively separated. While austenitic (non-magnetic) grades like 304 and 316 can sometimes be ejected, their lower conductivity compared to aluminum or copper makes them harder to separate. The success depends heavily on particle size, conductivity, and magnetic permeability.
Types of Eddy Current Separators
Concentric Eddy Current Separators
Features a rotor perfectly centered within the shell. It is ideal for general recycling applications and medium to coarse materials.
Eccentric Eddy Current Separators
Features a rotor positioned off-center (closer to the discharge point). This reduces wear from abrasive materials, prevents overheating, and offers higher selectivity for fine or mixed materials.
High-Frequency Eddy Current Separators
Utilizes a higher number of magnetic poles rotating at higher speeds, ideal for recovering very fine non-ferrous metal particles.
High-Intensity Eddy Current Separators
Designed for difficult-to-separate materials or heavy scrap, providing a stronger magnetic field and repulsion force.
Fine Particle Eddy Current Separators
Specifically engineered for recovering fine non-ferrous particles (e.g., below 5mm) from streams like e-waste and incineration bottom ash.
Mobile Eddy Current Separators
Portable units mounted on trailers or mobile platforms for flexible, temporary, or on-site processing.
| Type | Typical Particle Size | Best Application | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concentric | Medium / coarse | General recycling | Simple configuration |
| Eccentric | Fine / mixed materials | Municipal recycling | Reduced wear / high selectivity |
| High-Frequency | Fine particles | Fine metal recovery | Higher separation sensitivity |
| High-Intensity | Difficult materials | Scrap / metal recovery | Stronger separation |
| Mobile | Various | Temporary / flexible processing | Easy relocation |
Note: Specific parameters in practical applications must be verified with corresponding manufacturer product literature.
Top 10 Eddy Current Separator Manufacturers in the World
1. STEINERT (Germany)
Company Overview: Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, STEINERT is a global pioneer in magnetic and sensor-based sorting technology. As a family-owned business with over 130 years of experience, STEINERT dominates the high-end recycling and mining markets with a massive international footprint.
Eddy Current Separator Products: STEINERT offers a comprehensive range including the STEINERT EddyC (concentric), EddyC FINES (for fine particles down to 0.5mm), EddyC MOVE (mobile platform), and CanMaster (specialized for aluminum cans).
Technology: STEINERT utilizes advanced eccentric rotor designs, specialized pole configurations, and 3D magnetic field simulations to ensure optimal trajectory separation and minimal wear.
Applications: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), scrap metal, e-waste, glass, and incineration bottom ash.
Why Choose This Manufacturer: STEINERT represents the gold standard in eddy current separation, offering unmatched engineering depth, testing facilities, and proven longevity in the most demanding recycling environments.
2. Eriez (USA)
Company Overview: Established in 1941 and headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, Eriez is a world-leading authority in magnetic separation and material handling. With operations across the globe, Eriez serves thousands of clients in recycling, mining, and food processing.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Eriez features the RevX-E® Eddy Current Separators (eccentric design) and the Ultra High-Frequency (UHF) Eddy Current Separators designed specifically for processing small fractions like e-waste and plastics.
Technology: Eriez integrates heavy-duty rotors with rare-earth magnetic circuits. Their UHF units generate high-frequency alternating fields to successfully throw fine non-ferrous metals that conventional ECS would miss.
Applications: E-waste, plastic recycling, scrap metal, and municipal waste processing.
Why Choose This Manufacturer: Eriez provides immense application knowledge, a vast network of service centers, and highly reliable equipment suitable for everything from light recycling to heavy industrial scrap.
3. Wendt Corporation (USA)
Company Overview: Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Amherst, New York, USA, Wendt Corporation specializes in the design and supply of processing systems for the scrap metal and recycling industry, particularly in automobile recycling.
Eddy Current Separator Products: WENDT/MagPro Eddy Current Separators, designed to integrate seamlessly into their heavy-duty shredding and recovery plants.
Technology: Their systems are built for high-volume, heavy-ferrous streams. MagPro ECS units feature rugged construction and high-intensity magnetic rotors to recover zorba and zurik from auto shredder residue (ASR).
Applications: Automotive recycling, scrap metal yards, and ASR processing.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
Wendt is the go-to supplier for heavy scrap recyclers who need eddy current technology that can survive and thrive in high-throughput, abrasive environments.
4. Bunting Magnetics (USA / UK)
Company Overview: Bunting is a major global manufacturer of magnetic technology, with primary manufacturing facilities in the USA and the UK. They are highly active in the recycling and minerals sectors.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Bunting offers High-Frequency, High-Intensity, and both Concentric and Eccentric Eddy Current Separators under their Magnetics and Master Magnets brands.
Technology: Bunting is known for their heavy-duty concentric and eccentric designs, using optimized rare-earth magnetic rotors. They also operate extensive material testing facilities (like their Redditch test center in the UK).
Applications: Scrap metal, plastic, glass, e-waste, and MSW recycling.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
Bunting offers exceptional versatility, testing support, and highly durable systems capable of processing everything from fine electronic scrap to bulky mixed waste.
5. Goudsmit Magnetics (Netherlands)
Company Overview: Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Waalre, Netherlands, Goudsmit Magnetics is a premium European manufacturer of magnetic systems for the recycling, food, and chemical industries.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Offers a wide array of Eddy Current Separators, including the specialized EddyFines series for sub-millimeter metal recovery.
Technology: Goudsmit focuses on precision engineering, utilizing high-grade rare-earth magnets and carefully calculated pole shoe designs to create deep, highly effective magnetic fields.
Applications: Plastic recycling, glass cullet purification, e-waste, and incinerator bottom ash.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
Goudsmit excels in fine metal recovery and European engineering precision. Their EddyFines systems are highly sought after for complex streams where standard ECS fails.
6. Magnapower Equipment (UK)
Company Overview: Founded in 2001 and based in Worcestershire, UK, Magnapower Equipment is a specialized, highly focused manufacturer of eddy current separators and magnetic separation equipment for the global recycling industry.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Offers Concentric and Eccentric ECS models built for reliability and ease of maintenance, alongside mobile separation units.
Technology: Magnapower machines are characterized by their modular design, allowing for quick belt changes and rotor swaps. Their high-torque rotor designs handle heavy scrap loads efficiently.
Applications: MSW, RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), scrap metal, and plastic recovery.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
They provide a highly cost-effective, operator-friendly machine with excellent accessibility for maintenance, making them a favorite among mid-to-large-scale recycling plants.
7. LONGi Magnet (China)
Company Overview: Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Shenyang, China, LONGi Magnet is a massive Chinese manufacturer of magnetic separation equipment, serving both the mining and recycling industries globally.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Manufactures standard and high-intensity ECS units, providing cost-effective non-ferrous metal separation equipment for large-scale recycling facilities.
Technology: LONGi utilizes robust mechanical designs combined with standard rare-earth rotors. Their strength lies in scaling equipment for massive throughput requirements at competitive price points.
Applications: Industrial scrap, MSW, bottom ash, and non-ferrous mineral processing.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
LONGi is the optimal choice for buyers needing high-capacity equipment at a competitive global price, backed by a large manufacturing footprint.
8. Nippon Magnetics (Japan)
Company Overview: Founded in 1943 and headquartered in Kobe, Japan, Nippon Magnetics (NMG) is one of Japan's most established magnetic separation equipment manufacturers. With over 80 years of continuous operation, NMG has developed deep expertise in electromagnetic separator design and manufacturing, serving the Japanese domestic market and international clients across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company operates advanced manufacturing facilities in Kobe with in-house coil winding, core machining, and magnetic field testing capabilities.
Eddy Current Separator Products: NMG offers a focused but technically refined range of separation systems. While historically recognized for their electromagnetic overband and drum separators, they provide highly reliable non-ferrous separation systems designed for precise material recovery in Asian industrial markets.
Technology: NMG employs precision-wound electromagnetic coils with high-purity copper conductors and class-H insulation systems rated for continuous duty at elevated temperatures. Their core designs use high-permeability electromagnetic steel laminations to maximize flux concentration in the working zone. A notable feature of NMG's design is their optimized pole geometry, which is engineered through magnetic field simulation to achieve deep field penetration while maintaining field uniformity across the working width.
Magnetic Intensity / Configuration: NMG electromagnetic overband separators deliver surface field intensities of 6,000 to 12,000 Gauss depending on model and working gap. Their electromagnetic drum separators operate at 4,000 to 8,000 Gauss at the drum surface. Coil configurations are available in natural air cooling for standard-duty applications and forced-air cooling for heavy-duty continuous operation.
Applications: Mining (iron ore, coal, limestone), mineral processing, ceramics, glass raw material purification, chemical industry, food processing, and recycling. In the Japanese market, NMG has particularly strong penetration in the ceramics and glass industries, where reliable ferrous contamination removal is critical to product quality.
Customization Capabilities: Nippon Magnetics offers customization of coil specifications, housing dimensions, cooling methods, and mounting configurations to suit specific installation requirements. Their engineering team provides magnetic field simulation and working gap analysis to optimize separator selection for each application.
Why Choose This Manufacturer: NMG's decades of electromagnetic separator specialization, precision Japanese manufacturing quality, and deep application expertise in Asian industrial markets make them an excellent choice for buyers seeking proven electromagnetic technology with reliable long-term performance. Their focused product line ensures that every unit benefits from continuous refinement rather than fragmented engineering resources.
9. IFE Aufbereitungstechnik (Austria)
Company Overview: Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Austria, IFE Aufbereitungstechnik is a renowned manufacturer of specialized vibrating machines and magnetic separation technology for bulk materials.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Produces both concentric and eccentric non-ferrous metal separators, often integrated with their proprietary vibrating feeders for optimal material distribution.
Technology: IFE's strength lies in the synergy between their vibration engineering and magnetic separation. They utilize eccentric rotor designs that allow for precise adjustment of the separation point without moving the entire machine.
Applications: Incineration bottom ash, e-scrap, plastics, and minerals.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
IFE is ideal for operations that require meticulously controlled feed rates and separation trajectories, particularly in complex bottom ash and e-waste processing streams.
10. Multotec (South Africa)
Company Overview: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, Multotec is a global leader in mineral processing equipment, with a growing and highly respected presence in the recycling sector.
Eddy Current Separator Products: Manufactures heavy-duty eddy current separators designed for rugged continuous operation in harsh mining and recycling environments.
Technology: Multotec focuses on robust structural design, utilizing heavy-duty bearings, wear-resistant belts, and high-intensity rare-earth rotors tailored for the recovery of valuable non-ferrous metals from heavy slags and ores.
Applications: Recovery of metals from slag, heavy mineral sands, scrap metal, and industrial waste.
Why Choose This Manufacturer:
Multotec is the preferred choice for heavy industrial applications, offering extremely durable equipment and exceptional engineering support tailored to harsh operating conditions.
Eddy Current Separator Manufacturers Comparison
| Manufacturer | Country | Concentric | Eccentric | High Frequency | Fine Particle | Main Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEINERT | Germany | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Recycling / Mining |
| Eriez | USA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Recycling / Scrap |
| Wendt | USA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Scrap / ASR |
| Bunting | USA / UK | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Recycling |
| Goudsmit | Netherlands | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | Recycling |
| Magnapower | UK | ✓ | — | — | ✓ | Recycling |
| LONGi Magnet | China | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | Heavy Scrap / Mining |
| Nippon Magnetics | Japan | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | Industrial / Ceramics |
| IFE | Austria | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Bottom Ash / E-waste |
| Multotec | South Africa | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | Mining / Slag |
Note: Capabilities should be verified directly with the manufacturer for specific project requirements.
Eddy Current Separator vs. Magnetic Separator
| Feature | Eddy Current Separator | Magnetic Separator |
|---|---|---|
| Main Target | Non-ferrous metals (Al, Cu, Brass) | Ferrous metals (Iron, Steel) |
| Aluminum | ✓ | ✗ |
| Copper | ✓ | ✗ |
| Iron / Steel | Usually pre-separated | ✓ |
| Separation Principle | Eddy current repulsion (Induced field) | Magnetic attraction (Direct pull) |
| Typical Industries | Recycling, E-waste | Mining, Recycling, Food |
| Best Use | Non-ferrous recovery | Ferrous removal / protection |
In a complete recycling system, these two devices are almost always used in combination. A typical layout is:
Overband Magnet (or Magnetic Pulley) → Eddy Current Separator
First, the magnetic separator removes ferrous materials (which would otherwise damage the high-speed ECS rotor or block the flow). After ferrous removal, the material flows to the ECS to recover the valuable non-ferrous metals.
Concentric vs. Eccentric Eddy Current Separators
| Feature | Concentric | Eccentric |
|---|---|---|
| Rotor Position | Centered within the shell | Offset (closer to discharge) |
| Typical Material | General recycling | Mixed / difficult streams |
| Wear Exposure | Full shell contact with material | Often favorable (localized field) |
| Fine Separation | Application dependent | Often preferred |
| Typical Use | General non-ferrous recovery | Advanced recycling |
Note: Eccentric designs are often selected where product stream complexity and separation selectivity are more demanding. It would be inaccurate to state that eccentric is universally "better" than concentric, as concentric designs still offer excellent value and performance for standard, low-abrasive streams.
Eddy Current Separator Applications
- Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Recycling: Recovering cans and metals from household waste.
- Scrap Metal Recycling: Separating zorba and zurik from auto shredder residue.
- Automotive Recycling: Recovery of aluminum and copper from shredded vehicles.
- Aluminum Recycling: Dedication separation of mixed aluminum alloys.
- E-Waste Recycling: Recovery of copper and aluminum from crushed electronics.
- Plastic Recycling: Removing aluminum flakes and brass fittings from plastic regrind.
- C&D Waste Recycling: Processing construction and demolition debris.
- Glass Recycling: Removing aluminum caps and rings from glass cullet.
- Bottom Ash Processing: Recovering non-ferrous metals from incinerator ash.
- Packaging Recycling: Separating UBC (Used Beverage Cans) from other packaging materials.
Eddy Current Separator for Aluminum Recycling
Aluminum is the most prevalent and valuable non-ferrous metal targeted by ECS. Its high electrical conductivity and low mass make it highly responsive to the induced repulsive force.
- Aluminum Cans (UBC): High-speed recovery from MSW or packaging streams.
- Aluminum Scrap: Separation from mixed heavy scrap.
- Shredded Aluminum: Cleaning mixed aluminum fractions to remove impurities like rubber and plastic.
- Aluminum from Municipal Waste: Capturing foil and aluminum packaging.
Why ECS is Effective for Aluminum: Aluminum's conductivity-to-density ratio is extremely high, meaning the Lorentz force acts aggressively on it compared to materials like plastic or glass, resulting in a sharp, distinct material trajectory that guarantees high-purity recovery.
Eddy Current Separation in E-Waste Recycling
Electronic waste contains significant amounts of valuable non-ferrous metals. ECS is a critical component in e-waste plants, handling:
- PCB-related material streams
- Aluminum housings and heat sinks
- Copper-containing fractions
- Mixed shredded electronics
In e-waste recycling, an ECS rarely works alone. It is positioned after ferrous removal and often feeds into sensor-based sorters (like X-ray or optical sorters) to achieve final purity levels required by smelters.
Where Does an Eddy Current Separator Fit in a Recycling Line?
To function efficiently, an ECS requires a properly prepared material stream. A standard recycling line looks like this:
↓
Screening (removing fines/oversize)
↓
Shredding (liberating materials)
↓
Ferrous Separation (Magnetic Separator)
↓
Eddy Current Separation
↓
Sorting / Sensor Sorting (Purification)
↓
Material Recovery
Eddy Current Separator Specifications
| Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Conveyor Width | Determines processing width and overall capacity. |
| Belt Speed | Influences material trajectory and repulsion dwell time. |
| Rotor Speed | Influences the frequency of the alternating magnetic field and repulsion force. |
| Magnetic Pole Configuration | Affects separation depth and sensitivity. |
| Rotor Diameter | Influences field distribution and overall force geometry. |
| Feed Capacity | Determines the required equipment size for throughput goals. |
| Particle Size | Determines the suitable separator type (standard vs. fine particle). |
| Magnetic Field Strength | Affects separation capability for difficult or low-conductivity metals. |
| Working Distance | Influences separation efficiency (closer belt to rotor = stronger field). |
| Belt Material | Impacts operation, wear life, and durability against abrasive scrap. |
Eddy Current Separator Efficiency
Separation efficiency is the percentage of target metal successfully recovered versus the amount present in the feed. It is affected by:
- Rotor speed
- Belt speed
- Particle size
- Material layer thickness (feed depth)
- Conductivity of the target metal
- Feed distribution
- Magnetic configuration
- Working distance (gap between rotor and belt)
- Moisture
Crucial Concept: Higher rotor speed does not automatically mean better separation. If the rotor spins too fast, it can cause the induced eddy currents to create turbulence, or the belt speed may not allow enough dwell time for the metal to react properly. Optimal efficiency depends on matching rotor speed, belt speed, and material trajectory to the specific feed conditions.
How to Choose an Eddy Current Separator
Choosing the right equipment requires analyzing the physical properties of the feed:
- Material composition
- Target metal
- Particle size
- Feed rate (throughput per hour)
- Conveyor width
- Belt speed
- Rotor speed
- Rotor configuration (Concentric vs. Eccentric)
- Magnetic field strength
- Material moisture
- Material layer depth
- Required recovery rate
Selection Logic: Coarse mixed materials, fine particles, high-throughput scrap, and municipal waste do not necessarily require the same ECS. Fine e-waste requires high-frequency rotors; abrasive scrap requires eccentric rotors; and standard MSW can efficiently use concentric rotors.
How Much Does an Eddy Current Separator Cost?
The cost of an ECS varies drastically. Rather than providing a fixed price, understand that cost is driven by:
- Equipment size and conveyor width
- Rotor configuration (eccentric is generally more expensive than concentric)
- High-frequency or high-intensity rotor upgrades
- Automatic controls and VFDs
- Feed capacity requirements
- Customization (mobile mounts, special housings)
- Installation and commissioning
- Recycling line integration complexity
Standard units can range from tens of thousands to well over a hundred thousand dollars for heavy-duty, high-frequency, or wide models.
Eddy Current Separator Maintenance
Proper maintenance is vital due to the high-speed rotating rotor and mechanical components. Key tasks include:
- Belt Inspection: Checking for wear, tears, and proper tracking.
- Rotor Inspection: Verifying the integrity of the shell and ensuring no metal has penetrated the shell to damage the magnets.
- Bearing Maintenance: High-speed bearings require strict lubrication schedules and vibration monitoring.
- Motor Inspection: Checking drive motors for heat and electrical draw.
- Cleaning: Removing dust and moisture from the machine to prevent corrosion.
- Alignment: Ensuring the conveyor pulleys and rotor are perfectly aligned to prevent belt wander.
- Preventive Maintenance: Scheduling routine replacement of wear parts before failure occurs.
How to Choose an Eddy Current Separator Manufacturer
Do not just select a supplier; evaluate their technical capabilities:
- Eddy Current Technology Depth: Do they engineer their own rotors?
- Rotor Design: Availability of both eccentric and concentric options.
- Fine Particle Capability: Do they offer high-frequency variants?
- Engineering Experience: Years in the recycling industry.
- Test Center: Do they have a facility to test your actual material?
- Material Testing: Will they provide a separation report before purchase?
- Customization: Ability to tailor the machine to your line.
- Recycling-Line Integration: Can they supply feeding and downstream equipment?
- After-Sales Support: Local technicians and rapid response times.
- Spare Parts: Availability of replacement rotors and belts.
- Global Service: Ability to support you internationally.
Eddy Current Separator Buying Checklist
- Material type defined
- Target non-ferrous metal identified (Al, Cu, Brass)
- Particle size range known
- Required feed rate (tph) calculated
- Conveyor width selected
- Belt speed and rotor speed confirmed
- Rotor type determined (Concentric or Eccentric)
- Required recovery rate set
- Installation space measured
- Recycling process configuration mapped
- Maintenance requirements reviewed
- Spare parts support confirmed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Eddy Current Separator?
It is a machine that uses a rapidly rotating magnetic rotor to induce eddy currents in non-ferrous metals, creating a repulsive force that separates them from non-conductive materials.
How does an Eddy Current Separator work?
A high-speed magnetic rotor spins inside a conveyor pulley, creating an alternating magnetic field. This field induces electrical currents in conductive metals passing over it. These currents create their own magnetic field that opposes the rotor's field, physically ejecting the metal from the material stream.
What metals can an Eddy Current Separator separate?
Aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, and magnesium. Some stainless steel can be separated, but it depends on the grade, size, and magnetic permeability.
Can an Eddy Current Separator remove aluminum?
Yes, aluminum is the most successfully and commonly separated non-ferrous metal due to its excellent conductivity and light weight.
Can an Eddy Current Separator separate copper?
Yes, copper is highly conductive and responds very well to eddy current separation, commonly recovered from e-waste and automotive scrap.
What is the difference between concentric and eccentric Eddy Current Separators?
Concentric rotors are centered in the shell, offering a wide field for general recycling. Eccentric rotors are offset, focusing the field at the discharge point to reduce wear and improve fine metal separation.
What is the difference between a magnetic separator and an Eddy Current Separator?
A magnetic separator attracts and removes ferrous metals (iron, steel). An ECS repels and ejects non-ferrous, conductive metals (aluminum, copper).
How do I choose an Eddy Current Separator?
By analyzing your material composition, target metal, particle size, feed rate, and required recovery rate, then matching these to the proper rotor configuration and machine size.
How much does an Eddy Current Separator cost?
Cost varies based on size, rotor type (eccentric vs. concentric), frequency capabilities, and capacity. It is best to request a custom quote based on your specific testing results.
What industries use Eddy Current Separators?
Municipal waste processing, scrap metal recycling, automotive shredding, e-waste recycling, plastic recovery, glass purification, and bottom ash processing.
Need a Custom Eddy Current Separator?
If you are looking to optimize your non-ferrous metal recovery, our engineering team can help. We provide a full suite of solutions from initial testing to complete recycling line integration.
Our Process:
Material Testing → Equipment Selection → Rotor Configuration → Conveyor Integration → Custom Design → Testing & Commissioning
Conclusion
Eddy Current Separators are the backbone of modern non-ferrous metal recovery. By understanding the physics of induced eddy currents, the differences between concentric and eccentric designs, and how to properly specify equipment based on material characteristics, recycling operations can dramatically increase their profitability and sustainability. Selecting the right manufacturer—from global leaders like STEINERT and Eriez to regional specialists like Nippon Magnetics—ensures that your plant operates at peak efficiency for years to come.
