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Contaminant detection in the plastics-processing industry

From blocking hot runners to crashing extruder screws or breaking blades in shredders, metallic contaminants can cause many problems for plastics processing. We have the right contaminant detectors to prevent damage to machinery and production downtime.

Sesotec specialises in systems for industrial contaminant detection and has more than 40 years of experience in the plastics industry.

We provide a complete range of leading technology that includes metal detectors and magnet systems for the reliable detection and removal of contaminants in a wide variety of applications. Our systems can target ferrous metals, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals, such as aluminium, copper or brass − regardless of whether the metals are magnetic or not, coated, painted, loose or embedded in material.


The Circular Economy: a challenge for plastics processing



The model of a circular economy presents the plastics processing industry with a compelling framework by which to close the plastics cycle. However, in using recyclate, plastics processors are often confronted with challenges in the form of contaminated materials.  

In order to enable the large-scale use of recyclate, contaminants must be avoided and eliminated. The right process technology is critical in this regard. The use of contaminant detectors, flake sorting equipment, and material analysis systems from Sesotec are key to establishing an efficient, profitable circular economy.

Read in our Circular Economy Blog about "How plastics processors use recyclates profitably"
Sesotec's strengths
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over 40 years of experience and reliability

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Personal support in the after-sales area

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Service-Hotline

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Long-term reliability for spare part supply

Learn more about our solutions for the plastics recycling industry



FAQ

 

Why is contaminant detection and removal important for processing plastics?

Machine protection is key, as costly equipment − including injection-moulding machines, blow-moulding machines, twin- and single-screw extruders, and calenders − are at the heart of plastics processing. The aim therefore is to protect machinery from damage to prevent expensive repairs and production downtime. Particular focus is placed on the detection and removal of metallic contaminants, as they can quickly cause blockages and damage.  


Quality assurance is another important factor. Metal particles in the final product are not the only reason for compromised quality. Blockages and tool damage can also result in defects from too little or too much injection of the materials. Metal detectors ultimately help to detect bead wire breaks.

Product example PROTECTOR


What kinds of contaminants could appear?

Metal particles made of iron, stainless steel or copper which are hidden among the plastic granules are the most common type of contamination in the plastics-processing industry. They can come from a variety of sources:

  • Contaminated input materials (granules, recycled materials, additives)
  • Wear and tear from machines or pipes
  • Open material containers that contaminants can enter
  • Personal items belonging to staff (pens, jewellery, etc.

 

Where do plastics-processing plants use our machines?

Common applications for metal detectors, flake sorting systems and material analysis systems include the following :

  • Quality management and incoming goods inspection of recyclates, granules and additives after delivery
  • Inspection of granules in conveyor pipes
  • Inspection of granules and additives right at the material inlet of the processing machine
  • Inspection of production waste and other recyclable parts before shredding/recycling
  • Inspection of finished plastic parts on a conveyor belt before packaging

 

As you can see, we support you in all steps of the process. We would be happy to advise you personally to find the right solution for your need together.

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White Paper

Important factors when buying a metal detector for plastics processing machines

How easy is it to install the metal detector in the production line – and how easy is it for your staff to operate the device?

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White Paper

Metal contamination in plastics processing – causes and countermeasures

In our white paper, we provide a detailed outline of the issues, their causes and the necessary countermeasures for eliminating metal contamination in the plastics processing industry.

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Keeping plastic compounds free of metallic contaminants

The Whitepaper explores the challenges that metal contamination poses to compounding and masterbatch production and considers the key features that metal separators must have to provide an adequate solution.

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The circular economy: Challenges and opportunities for Recyclers and plastics processors

The plastics industry is under pressure. Between climate change, excessive consumption of finite resources, and vast amounts of plastic waste in the world’s oceans, plastics are coming to be seen in a different light by politicians, businesses, and consumers alike. Read in our e-book about the most important factors of a functioning circular economy, especially which challenges and opportunities exist for recyclers and plastics processors.

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White Paper

Using recycled materials in plastics processing

In the new Sesotec White Paper "Using recycled materials in plastics processing" you will learn about

  • … why there is increasing pressure on plastics processors to use more recyclate
  • … the differences between post-consumer and post-industrial recyclate
  • … the problems plastics processors may face when using recyclate
  • … how to future-proof your processes to effectively handle increasing volumes of recyclate

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Sitraplas: Risk-free recyclate processing

Separately purchased recyclate often contains various different polymers as well as metal contaminants such as aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. Learn in our Case Study how Sitraplas has solved this problem.

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OPC UA for production without machine downtime

SITRAPLAS GmbH is a producer of high-performance engineering plastic compounds. Unplanned downtime is a nightmare for every company, but especially for continuous production facilities. When metal separators are networked with plastic processing machines, the flow of information between machines can be monitored.

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Machine protection during PVC granulation

To avoid any metal in the powder, CIPSA wanted to inspect the PVC compounds before they enter the pelletizer. This was to protect the extruder screw from damage and avoid expensive production stops.

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How a metal separator saved this plastics manufacturer 75% in maintenance costs and increased output by 20%

While processing virgin glass-filled material together with regrind, the same problem was coming up up over and over again. Metal inclusions were clogging the hot runners of the molds, leading to as many as 10 emergency stops and 2 to 3 costly repairs per month. After careful consideration of the production environment and manufacturing specifications, the metal detection system PROTECTOR 40 was installed along with the magnet system SAFEMAG at the feed hopper of the injection molding machine.

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Product purity for chemical products through precise quality control

The quality requirements of the chemical industry are particularly high. Metal detectors play an essential role in the refinement of solids to ensure a consistently high product quality and safety. At the same time, the customers expect quick setup times to achieve high flexibility and efficiency.

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Case Studies

Examining raw materials for adhesive tapes at the highest level

Our client in northern Germany employs around 600 people and produces single and double-sided adhesive tapes on production facilities that are among the most advanced worldwide. Raw materials for adhesive tape production can contain tiny metal particles. Even the smallest foreign object that enters production poses a significant risk.

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Better management of production waste at Plastiques ZD

As Plastiques ZD grew, it became necessary to find an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for recycling defective parts and production waste. The company turned to the long-time Sesotec partner, MAT Technologic, for a solution.

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Industry Brochures

Product portfolio for the plastics industry

The brochure highlights the entire Sesotec product portfolio, which is specially tailored to the needs of the plastics industry.

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Product Brochures

PROTECTOR

Metall-Separator für Extruder, Spritzgieß- und Blasformmaschinen

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Metall-Separator für Spritzgießmaschinen, Extruder und Blasformmaschinen

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Metall-Separator für pneumatische Förderleitungen

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Plate type metal detector for installation in conveyor belts and material chutes

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Splitable metal detector for installation on conveyor belts and material chutes

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Flächen-Metalldetektor zum Einbau in Förderbänder und Materialrutschen

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Metall-Detektionssystem für Förderbandanwendungen

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Conveyor based Metal detection systems

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Kompaktes Metall-Detektionssystem mit Förderband zur Untersuchung von Stückgütern

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Rohr-Magnet für Freifallanwendungen

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Rohr-Magnet für Spritzgießmaschinen, Extruder und Blasformmaschinen

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Rohr-Magnet für Spritzgießmaschinen, Extruder und Blasformmaschinen

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RAPID PRO-SENSE 6

High-performance metal separator for resin and compound manufacturers

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FLAKE SCAN

Analyzing system for the plastics industry

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RE-SORT

Mobile metal separation unit for material recovery

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