Advanced Optical Sorting Machines

Optical Sorter Technology Overview

An advanced optical sorter uses light-based sensors and automated rejection systems to detect differences in colour, shape, composition, size, mineral content, and contamination. Once identified, high-speed air jets or mechanical actuators separate the defective or unwanted material from the product flow.

Typical technologies include:

• RGB and HD cameras for colour and shape analysis

• NIR and SWIR sensors for moisture, organics, plastics, and minerals

• Hyperspectral imaging for chemical composition

• Laser detection for gloss, structure, and surface features

• Artificial intelligence to continuously improve accuracy

This combination enables the system to identify defects that are impossible to detect manually or with conventional mechanical sorting.

Optical Sorters for the Food Industry

Food processors face strict quality and safety requirements. An advanced food optical sorter ensures consistent purity, improved yield, and reduced labour costs. It identifies defects such as stones, soil, mould, discolouration, and foreign materials that can compromise quality.

Key Benefits for Food Applications

• Removal of foreign matter: stones, plastics, glass, metal fragments

• Higher yield thanks to accurate defect targeting

• Improved product consistency in fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, seeds, and proteins

• Reduced manual sorting and labour requirements

• Better compliance with food safety standards

Typical Food Products Sorted

• Potatoes, salad leaves, tomatoes

• Nuts, beans, grains, and seeds

• Frozen vegetables and IQF products

• Dried fruits and berries

Optical Sorters for Mining Operations

Mining operations increasingly rely on automated systems to improve efficiency and resource recovery. A mining optical sorter helps separate valuable ore from waste rock based on mineral composition, colour, density indicators, and spectral signatures.

Key Benefits for Mining Applications

• Higher ore grade and reduced processing costs

• Early removal of waste rock, lowering downstream load

• Increased throughput and energy efficiency

• Ability to process dry material, reducing water usage

• Enhanced accuracy even in harsh or dusty environments

Typical Mining Sorting Tasks

• Gold, copper, lithium, and rare earth ore

• Quartz, feldspar, limestone

• Separation of valuable minerals from gangue

Optical Sorters for Recycling and Waste Management

Recycling plants require reliable and fast sorting to maximise recovery rates. A recycling optical sorter identifies materials based on colour, chemical composition, transparency, and reflectivity. This ensures clean output streams and higher resale value.

Key Benefits for Recycling Applications

• Accurate separation of plastics (PET, HDPE, PP, PVC, etc.)

• Identification of paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and organics

• Reduction of contamination levels in sorted bales

• Increased recycling rates and profitability

• Automation of manual sorting tasks for safer operations

Typical Recycling Streams Sorted

• Mixed plastics, packaging, bottles, film

• Glass cullet and colour separation

• Paper, cardboard, and fibre

• E-waste and metal recycling

Delivering Reliable Sorting Performance Across Industries

Whether in food processing, mining, or recycling, an advanced optical sorter delivers measurable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and product quality. Proftek works closely with industry partners to provide technology that is reliable, scalable, and tailored to the unique needs of Australian and New Zealand producers.