Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to all your questions! Explore our FAQs for clear, helpful insights and the support you need, everything in one place.
Eddy Current Separator
What metals does an Eddy Current Separator separate?
The Eddy Current Separator separates non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, brass, zinc, magnesium.
How does an Eddy Current Separator work?
A rotor with high intensity magnetic poles rotates at high speed inside the head drum of the ECS conveyor. It induces a magnetic field into non- ferrous metals on the belt surface. These magnetically induced metals react with the magnetic field of the rotor causing them to be propelled further forward than the other material on the belt.
Can ferrous metal be separated by an Eddy Current Separator?
Ferrous metal will be held by the magnetic field of the rotor and should discharge with the non-metals or behind the flow of non-metals. However, ferrous metal heats up rapidly on the ECS rotor and will cause wear and damage to the belt and then the rotor. It is strongly recommended that ferrous metal is removed prior to material reaching the ECS belt.
How do I choose the right separator for my application?
Contact our technical team for a consultation or material testing. We’ll recommend the most efficient solution based on your material type, throughput, and separation goals.
Why do some metals get thrown further than others by an Eddy Current Separator?
Metals which are more conductive, lighter and larger will be thrown further than metals which are less conductive and smaller. Copper and aluminium have a high conductivity and so will tend to separate well with an ECS.
Is there a minimum to the size of material that can be sorted?
Our Superfines ECS has all the features of a standard Magnapower Eddy Current Separator, it’s high intensity and higher frequency makes it suitable for material down to just 1-2mm
Induction Sensor Sorter
What is the difference between an Eddy Current Separator and an Induction Sensor Sorter?
Eddy Current Separators are ideal for non-ferrous metals like aluminum, while Induction Sensor Sorters can detect and separate a broader range of conductive materials, including stainless steel.
Testing
Do you offer test facilities to trial my materials?
Yes. We have a dedicated test lab where we can run trials on your materials and provide detailed performance reports.
How do you analyse the effectiveness of a separator before ordering?
Through physical testing in our lab, with documented results including recovery rates, purity levels, and throughput analysis. We believe in transparent performance metrics to support confident decisions.
Installation & Maintenance FAQs
Do you offer installation and commissioning services?
Yes, we provide full installation support and on-site commissioning to ensure optimal performance from day one.
Do you offer any operation and maintenance training?
Our engineers can attend site after installation and provide general
training for operation and maintenance of your Magnapower separators.
What maintenance is required for Magnapower equipment?
Our machines are built for durability, but regular inspection of belts, bearings, and magnetic components is recommended. We provide detailed maintenance guides with every unit.
Can I get spare parts or service for older models?
Absolutely. We support all our equipment, including legacy models, with genuine spare parts and expert servicing.
What is the typical lifetime of an Eddy Current Separator?
Maintenance & Repairs
Do you provide service contracts or preventative maintenance plans?
How do I contact the service team?
You can reach us by phone, email, or through our website. For the fastest
response, please have your machine’s serial number and a brief
description of the issue ready.
How quickly can you supply spare parts?
We hold a large stock of critical spares and can typically dispatch them within 24–48 hours.
Is remote support available for troubleshooting?
Yes, we provide remote diagnostics and guidance to help resolve issues quickly, reducing the need for on-site visits.
Where would I find the machines model and serial number?
Overband Magnets
What is an Overband Magnet?
An overband magnet is an industrial machine used to sort ferrous metals from non-metals. It is often used in the waste management and scrap metal industries for recovering steel, or to remove ferrous materials in a two stage process before using an eddy current machine.
How does an Overband Magnet work?
Mixed material pass underneath the overband magnet. The magnetic field of the overband attracts ferrous metal towards the magnet face and the constantly rotating belt of the overband carries the extracted metal away from the magnet face. When the metal reaches past the end of the magnetic field it drops away from the cleaned material.
What metals does an Overband Magnet separate?
An overband magnet only separates magnetic ferrous metal such as mild steel. It won’t separate most stainless steel as it is often non-magnetic.
What are the benefits of an overband with permanent magnets?
In-line or crossbelt overband?
A cross belt overband magnet can be easier to fit across a conveyor and it may be more convenient to discharge ferrous metal to the side of a conveyor. An in-line overband magnet tends to produce a cleaner ferrous metal and will usually have less belt wear than a crossbelt. Overband magnets need to be positioned above a non-magnetic section of conveyor. This includes the head pulley of the conveyor if it is an in-line installation.
Can an inline overband magnet be positioned across the belt, or vice versa?
No. While both inline and crossbelt overband magnets are designed to deliver optimal separation when mounted correctly, their magnetic fields are focused differently. Mounting an inline magnet as a crossbelt (or vice versa) will result in inconsistent magnetic coverage across the belt, reducing separation efficiency.
Design & Customisation
Can you customise machinery in different colours and branding?
Yes, customising machinery in different colours and branding is absolutely possible—and increasingly popular among manufacturers and clients alike. Contact us to discuss the details.
Can I customise the equipment to suit my application?
Yes — we offer tailored solutions designed to meet your specific process requirements. Whether you need adjustments to magnet strength, frame size, or integration with existing systems, our engineering team will work closely with you to ensure the equipment fits seamlessly into your operation.
Can you design and engineer a bespoke material handling system, suitable for very specific needs?
Yes, we specialise in creating customised material handling systems using components such as vibratory screens, feeders, compactors, and lifts.
Each system is tailored to your unique operational requirements— optimising material flow, improving safety, and enhancing overall efficiency. Our engineers integrate every element to work seamlessly together, delivering a scalable solution built around your workflow, material characteristics, and production goals.
Can magnetic separation be integrated into an existing recycling system?
Yes, our engineers routinely design systems to integrate with existing equipment and workflows. We’ll assess compatibility and recommend options to optimise performance.
You talk about your proprietary magnet design, what does that mean?
Magnapower’s proprietary magnet design utilises rare earth magnets in a unique configuration to create a focused magnetic force that is proven to create higher extraction yields. This results in maximising metal recovery whilst minimising contamination.
Ordering & Delivery
How do I place an order for magnetic separation equipment?
To place an order, simply contact our sales team. We’ll guide you through the best system options and provide a tailored quotation.
How long does it take to manufacture and deliver a separator?
Lead times vary by product and customisation level, contact us for a precise estimate.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we supply equipment worldwide and work with trusted logistics partners to ensure safe and timely delivery.
Support & Warranty
What if I’m unsure whether magnetic separation will work for my application?
We’ve worked with many diverse applications – and we’re confident we can help. Our technical team can assess your material and offer expert recommendations, backed by full testing capabilities in our laboratory. By analysing your material under real-world conditions, we provide data- driven insights to guide your decision with clarity and confidence.
What makes Magnapower service different?
We combine expert technical support with proactive maintenance planning. Our team has decades of experience in separation technology, and we’re committed to keeping your equipment running at its best— whether it’s one year old or twenty.
What kind of support do you offer after purchase?
We offer comprehensive support including installation guidance, sample testing, repairs, and refurbishment. Our team is available to assist with troubleshooting and performance optimisation.
What warranty comes with your equipment?
All products come with a 12-month standard warranty. Extended warranties and service agreements are also available.
Can I get documentation and manuals for my machine?
Yes. We provide comprehensive documentation with every machine, and digital copies are available upon request for existing customers.
Have a Question We Haven’t Answered?
We’re here to help! If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
Contact us directly at
info@magnapower.com or give us a call at +44 (0)1527 557092
We’d love to assist you!