An overband magnetic separator is probably the best cost-to-benefit ratio in the entire sorting line. It mounts above an existing conveyor, needs no floor space of its own, works with no operator, and does two things at once: it recovers a sellable material and it protects the machines downstream from the metal parts that destroy them.
The self-cleaning version, also called an overband magnet, has its own ribbed belt circulating around the magnet block. Ferrous material in the flow on the main belt is drawn upward, sticks to the magnet's belt, is carried sideways by the ribs and is discharged into a separate container. Continuously, with no intervention. See the full range of waste sorting equipment and where each machine sits in the flow.
Key Advantages of an Overband Magnetic Separator
• Continuous self-cleaning, the ribs on its own belt discharge the iron by themselves, so the machine needs no intervention while running and never saturates.
• It protects the machines downstream, every piece of iron pulled from the flow is one that does not reach the shredder knives or the granulator rotor, and a single such piece can cost a major repair.
• It recovers sellable material, cleanly separated iron is a fraction with a stable market, so the separator brings income, not just savings on repairs.
• Mounts over the existing line, it is suspended above a conveyor that already exists, with no line reconfiguration and no extra floor space.
• Permanent or electromagnetic, a permanent magnet uses no energy for the field and is simpler; an electromagnet delivers a stronger field for thick material layers.
• High reliability, few moving parts, a 3 to 5.5 kW motor and a magnetic field that does not wear out.
Technical Specifications, Overband Magnetic Separator
| Parameter | RCYD-10 | RCYD-12 | RCYD-14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working width (mm) | 1000 | 1200 | 1400 |
| Hoisting height (mm) | 300 | 350 | 400 |
| Magnetic field intensity (mT) | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Installed power (kW) | 3 | 4 | 5.5 |
| Weight (kg) | 2700 | 4100 | 5600 |
| Discharge | Self-cleaning, ribbed belt | Self-cleaning, ribbed belt | Self-cleaning, ribbed belt |
An 800 mm version is also available for narrow belts, as is a 1200 mm electromagnetic version for thick material layers. Magnetic drum and head pulley configurations are available on request, for sites where suspending above the belt is not possible.
Applications for Ferrous Metal Extraction
• Municipal waste sorting plants, recovering iron from the mixed flow and protecting the machines downstream.
• Construction and demolition waste, pulling rebar, nails and metal parts out of rubble.
• Wood recycling, removing nails and fixings from pallets and demolition timber, mandatory before shredding.
• Electronic waste, separating the ferrous fraction from shredded material.
• Alternative fuel production, removing metals from the combustible fraction, a quality requirement for cement kilns.
• Composting, cleaning metal contaminants out of organic waste before fermentation.
How It Works
The separator is suspended above the main conveyor at a calculated height, between 300 and 400 mm depending on the model and the thickness of the material layer. When the material on the belt enters the magnetic field, ferrous pieces are drawn upward. They cross the gap to the magnet and stick to the separator's own belt, which circulates around the magnet block. This belt has transverse ribs that hold the attracted pieces and carry them sideways, out of the field zone. Once clear of the magnetic field, the pieces are no longer attracted and fall freely into the collection container. The cycle is continuous and requires no operator action. The difference from a fixed magnet is exactly this: a fixed magnet saturates with iron and has to be cleaned by hand, while the belt version discharges itself. The choice between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet comes down to layer thickness: the permanent type is enough for normal layers, the electromagnet gives a stronger and deeper field.
Selection Guide
Working width is chosen to match the belt it mounts over, with a small margin on each side. Hoisting height depends on the thickness of the material layer: the thicker the layer, the higher the magnet has to sit, but the higher it sits, the weaker the force felt by pieces at the bottom of the layer. That is the trade-off, and it is why the real layer thickness matters, not just the belt width. For thick layers or large pieces, the electromagnetic version is recommended. One important point to remember: a magnetic separator only removes ferrous metals, that is iron and steel. Aluminium, copper and zinc are not magnetic and require an eddy current separator, which is installed after the magnetic one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it also remove aluminium or copper?
No. A magnetic separator attracts only ferrous metals, iron and steel. Aluminium, copper, zinc and the other non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and cannot be extracted magnetically. For those you need an eddy current separator, which works by electromagnetic induction and is always installed after the magnetic separator.
Permanent or electromagnetic?
A permanent magnet uses no energy to generate the field, is simpler, more reliable and sufficient for normal material layers. An electromagnet consumes energy but produces a stronger field with deeper penetration, so it is the right choice for thick layers or large, heavy metal pieces.
At what height is it installed?
Between 300 and 400 mm above the belt, depending on the model and the layer thickness. It is a trade-off: too low and the material strikes the separator, too high and the force reaching pieces at the bottom of the layer is insufficient. The correct height is set at commissioning, on the real material.
What if the flow contains a great deal of iron?
The self-cleaning version copes, because the ribbed belt discharges continuously. It does not saturate the way a fixed magnet would. If the ferrous fraction is very large, the collection container is sized accordingly so frequent emptying is not needed.
Is the equipment supplied new?
Yes. We supply new units only, made to order for your application, with complete technical documentation.
What maintenance does it need?
Checking the condition and tension of the ribbed belt, which is the main wear part, inspecting the bearings and the drive motor, and periodically verifying the hoisting height. The magnet block itself does not wear and needs no maintenance.
Why URSTAG?
URSTAG is a premium brand of recycling equipment, with over 15 years of experience. You don't just get a machine, you get a solution engineered by specialists, built from top-tier components and backed by a team that supports you from design through commissioning.
• European engineering, every machine and every complete line is designed by our engineering teams in Europe, with a focus on reliability, safety and energy efficiency.
• Premium components, we build on motors and automation from industry leaders: Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, WEG, SEW-Eurodrive, NORD Drivesystems and Bonfiglioli.
• Over 15 years of experience, we know how materials and machines behave in real-world operation, and we configure each solution for your flow and volume.
• New equipment, configured for you, we supply new units, made to order for your application, with complete technical documentation.
• Delivery, installation and training included, we handle transport, commissioning and operator training, with support throughout the equipment's life.
As a premium brand, URSTAG relies on European engineering, top-tier components and experience. You choose a partner that supports your production long term, with equipment built to run reliably in demanding industrial environments.
