Tomra applies GAINnext AI technology to upgrade wrought aluminum scrap

Tomra Recycling has applied GAINnext, its deep learning-based sorting technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI), to metals sorting. This AI innovation enables aluminum scrap processors and recyclers to upgrade wrought aluminum scrap to produce high-purity fractions by recovering cast aluminum from the wrought fraction and reducing alloying elements, such as silicon, the company says.

GAINnext complements Tomra’s X-Tract, which separates materials based on atomic density.

Tomra’s X-Tract features X-ray transmission (XRT) technology to sort aluminum from heavy metals based on atomic density. X-Tract first sorts shredded mixed nonferrous metals, such as zorba, to produce twitch, then removes high-alloy aluminum cast and high-density wrought aluminum. This process yields a high-quality fraction containing wrought aluminum and minor amounts of low alloy cast, the company says.

Photo courtesy of Tomra Recycling

By integrating GAINnext into the sorting process after X-Tract, Tomra says a pure wrought fraction can be achieved. Using RGB, or color, cameras, GAINnext processes tens to hundreds of thousands of images per millisecond, “perceiving” and “classifying” materials by shape, size and dimension with accuracy, Tomra says. This system, trained by Tomra's experts over years, mimics human vision but with superior speed, facilitating high throughput sorting of up to 2,000 ejections per minute. In its first metals industry application, by precisely detecting and removing low alloy cast from the wrought fraction that Tomra’s X-Tract produces, GAINnext delivers a high-purity wrought product that commands premium market prices, the company says.

For customers that want even higher granularity in aluminum sorting, the wrought fraction GAINnext recovers can be further refined using the company’s Autosort Pulse system, which uses dynamic laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (Dynamic LIBS) for identification and sorting of different alloy types. Launched in 2023, Autosort Pulse leverages elemental composition analysis and advanced dynamic laser detection to distinguish between alloy families, such as 5xxx and 6xxx aluminum.

By combining X-Tract, GAINnext and Autosort Pulse, the company says it can deliver the highest levels of material separation available on the market.

Photo courtesy of
Tomra Recycling

“We are excited to launch this new deep learning-based application to upgrade wrought aluminum,” says Tom Jansen, the Netherlands-based head of Metals segment sales at Tomra Recycling. “Deep learning is a powerful addition to our traditional sensor-based technology, and expanding our GAINnext ecosystem aligns with our broader AI strategy. Building on our proven success and the significant results our customers have achieved with GAINnext in the waste segment, we are confident in delivering similar value to our metals customers.”

Giuseppe Petro Granara, Charlotte, North Carolina-based segment manager, Metals – Americas, at Tomra Recycling, adds, “Our latest innovative solution optimizes dry mechanical sorting of mixed metals. Along with its complementing other technologies within the Tomra portfolio, GAINnext provides a highly efficient, cost-effective alternative that minimizes manual labor and maximizes throughput. Its low cost per ton makes it an attractive option for recyclers aiming to consistently produce smelter-ready, high-purity aluminum. Beyond metal recycling, the technology’s adaptability opens opportunities for use in other industries requiring manual sorting. As a key addition to our recycling solutions portfolio, we expect strong adoption from businesses focused on refining materials and generating premium feedstock for circular manufacturing.”

Tomra introduced deep learning technology in 2019, and GAINnext has been proven in the field across various complex recycling streams, including waste, plastics, paper, metals and wood, the company says. In 2024, the company introduced a GAINnext application to separate food-grade from nonfood-grade plastics, and this latest expansion of the GAINnext ecosystem is part of Tomra’s broader AI strategy. Additional GAINnext applications will be announced this year.

Tomra Recycling’s metals recovery solutions are available in North America through its exclusive metals partner, Wendt Corp. of Buffalo, New York. Recyclers in North America are encouraged to test their aluminum and wrought materials using Wendt’s Test Center, featuring X-Tract, GAINnext and Autosort Pulse technology.