Smaller grain sizes, smarter separation: At ALUMINIUM in Düsseldorf, STEINERT presents technological advances in LIBS and X-ray sorting

From October 6 to 8, 2026, STEINERT will provide a comprehensive insight into the future of aluminium sorting. Closing the aluminium loop requires both high throughput and melt-ready quality. As demand for high-grade recycled aluminium continues to grow, STEINERT is advancing its sorting systems on two fronts.

A new laser grid for the STEINERT PLASMAX | LIBS enables the processing of grain sizes down to 15 mm. Another innovation is enhanced cast/wrought separation on the STEINERT KSS | XT L, supported by the AI-based Intelligent Object.Identifier (IOI).

Finer material and higher efficiency with STEINERT PLASMAX

A new laser grid option for the STEINERT PLASMAX brings two central improvements: a higher resolution that opens up a broader grain size spectrum for reliable detection, and increased power that raises overall material output.

STEINERT’s unique laser grid ensures reliable detection even with high belt occupancy, enabling maximum recovery at a belt speed of 4 m/s. With the further development, STEINERT is extending the sorting range towards smaller grain sizes. Higher resolution enables the system to recognise particles down to 15 mm, while increased processing performance raises recovery.

These advances are built on a proven system with 3 material discharges, allowing several product streams to be separated. High object rates support high throughput, while multi-spot analysis uses multiple measurement points per piece to ensure reliable detection.

The STEINERT.dashboard has also been expanded with further features that support production. It provides operating teams with relevant information and helps them maintain stable sorting performance during day-to-day operation.

The development addresses a central requirement in aluminium recycling: recovering more valuable material, including smaller particles, without compromising the throughput required in industrial processing.

Join the fourth edition of webinar "Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours" by Jorge Dyszel.

STEINERT’s AI landscape “IOI” improves the separation of cast and wrought aluminium

In October, STEINERT will also introduce an AI-supported solution to improve the separation of cast and wrought aluminium. A key part of the approach is STEINERT's Intelligent Object.Identifier. IOI combines a wide variety of AI-based methods where object-based information from all available sensor sources and spectral analyses are used to optimise material classification.

In operation, the STEINERT KSS | XT L with IOI uses an optimised sort filter setup to detect low-silicon (Si) alloys. This maintains high wrought-aluminium purity while increasing it’s output by up to 40% compared with conventional sorting approaches.

Existing STEINERT KSS | XT L sorting systems can therefore be retrofitted and benefit from the enhanced classification approach without requiring the replacement of the complete machine.

Showcase your brand, aluminium recycling initiatives and sustainability vision in our upcoming magazine: Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium’s Commitment 2026.

Free tour of STEINERT’s Test & Development Center

STEINERT invites visitors to ALUMINIUM to join a guided tour of its Test & Development Center in near Cologne. The tour will take place on Friday, 9 October 2026, from 10:00 to 13:00. Over the course of approx. three hours, visitors will experience the complete downstream metal processing line and see how clean aluminium and its alloys can be recovered from mixed metal scrap.

Participation is free of charge. Interested visitors can register via the following link: https://steinertglobal.com/steinert-test-center-tour-2026/ (Participation is subject to limited availability).

Note: This article has been issued by STEINERT and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.