Sustainability is on everyone's minds lately. Finding different ways to elongate the life of a material is one of the easiest ways to preserve the earth's natural resources. Scrap metal recycling is one of the most popular and profitable ways to reuse metal materials for something new. Here is a guide to metal grade sorting and analysis. 

How Does Metal Sorting Work?

Foundries designed for scrap metal recycling must handle and refine the metal coming in. The first step is separating the ferrous and non-ferrous metals from other recycled materials like plastic, rubber, and glass. Ferrous metals contain iron and steel and are easily identified by their attraction to a large magnet during the sorting process. 

Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium, and zinc, as well as copper alloys like brass and bronze. Because these do not have any iron components, they are sorted using metal sensing. This operation may include a variety of techniques, including X-ray detection, vacuum technology, and magnetic eddy currents that electrically charge metallic items. 

The refining process depends on the type of metal, how it was used and what it will be to be used for next. Once the scrap metal is melted down, it is separated into its liquid form to remove impurities. Only then can it be manufactured into something new.  

Why Is Metal Sorting and Recycling Important?

When it comes to metal materials, there is more demand than there is supply. Scrap metal recycling is an eco-friendly and economical way to reuse these metal compounds. 

Additionally, it reduces the need for other resources like iron and coal which are required to produce new metal. By reclaiming this finite resource, larger corporations can take accountability and make a more powerful contribution to sustainability.

Do you have scrap metal you'd like to responsibly get rid of? Turn to Holmes Iron & Metal Inc. This East Spencer, NC. scrap metal recycling business will give you top dollar for your unwanted metal debris. With more than 40 years of experience, their skilled team has the knowledge needed to assess and process metal accurately and efficiently. They accept everything from aluminum and copper to electric motors and radiators. To learn more about the types of metal they accept, visit the website. For questions, call (704) 633-6119.