How technology finds the value in scrap.

Wingtech Metal editorial · Educational guide · 31 October 2026

Magnets: a first separation

Magnetic separation can recover many iron-bearing materials from a mixed stream. It is a useful first step, but it does not identify every alloy or recover all metal types.

Eddy currents: separating non-ferrous metal

An eddy-current separator uses a changing magnetic field to induce currents in conductive materials. The resulting force can help separate non-ferrous metal pieces from other material in a prepared stream. Performance depends on feed size, shape and equipment settings.

Alloy identification: beyond appearances

X-ray fluorescence and other analytical techniques can help identify alloy composition. Equipment choice, surface condition and operator training matter. These are general industry methods; this article does not claim Wingtech owns this equipment.