Machinex revamps optical sorter design

Plessisville, Quebec-based Machinex is unveiling its new generation Mach Hyspec optical sorter. Machinex experts will present the new features of the machine to visitors at WasteExpo May 6-9 in Las Vegas at booth 2800.

“At Machinex, as sorting technology experts, we strive to provide innovative equipment design and performance,” remarks Jonathan Ménard, executive vice president, sales and strategic positioning at Machinex. “As such, we are constantly focused on the requests and requirements from the industry with safety, maintenance and operational availability as our core focus.”

Machinex recently carried out a full design review of the Mach Hyspec optical sorter, which led to the decision to revamp the overall appearance of the unit.

The company says its research and development department has been working closely with design engineers during the past year in response to detailed communication with customers to meet their needs. The revised access features within the new design result in a 50 percent saving of the cleaning and maintenance time required, with the added benefit of improving the ergonomic operation and the general safety for the staff.

“We recently surveyed several existing customers. Many of the comments/requests have been featured within the new improved design and operation of our Mach Hyspec optical sorter,” Ménard says. “The new ergonomic design provides increased ease of access for maintenance and servicing. We also significantly refreshed the aesthetics of the unit by harmonizing its design with the newly released SamurAI robot.” 

With the overall increase in the use of optical sorting within new and existing facilities, these features will result in significant time savings per shift, the company says.

The new design features include a built-in platform allowing a standing working position, incorporating a full-size access door into the ejection hood. An internal guard rail system ensures the security of the worker when inside the machine and the optional secondary splitter will be positioned by a rail when the platform moves into place. Both the lighting system and the ejection nozzles bar can move into an ideal position to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

As for the outside of the machine, an access ladder has been added to maintain the components accessible from the speed belt conveyor. In addition, a mechanism to easily retract the air tunnel has been installed. Watch the demonstration video.

To date, 28 units with the new design have been sold to material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S. and Canada. The first machines will be installed this summer.