The solutions for automotive shredder residue (ASR) recycling

For separation and sorting for every task in ASR, from a single source.

Vehicles are an example of complex end-of-life products. A motor vehicle comprises some 10,000 parts and about 40 different materials. By comparison, in the 1990s a mid-sized vehicle still comprised up to 70% steel and iron materials. Today, however, the trend is towards greater use of lightweight materials such as aluminium alloys and polymers.

In a shredder system commonly designed for vehicles, the shredded material is subjected to air separation before the separation of steel and iron material. This creates a light fraction capable of flight, known as the shredder light fraction (SLF). The heavy items from the air separation is - after separation of iron - the shredder heavy fraction (SHF).

To then separate the majority of recoverable non-ferrous metals our STEINERT EddyC® eddy current separators have proven themselves worldwide for decades. Even under the toughest operating conditions our non-ferrous metal separators with eccentric magnetic pole systems have reliably separated a high-grade non-Fe metal fraction (ZORBA). The STEINERT EddyC® and STEINERT EddyC® FINES combine decades of experience with new, innovative concepts: for time-saving belt changing, for example, or particularly efficient and simple adjustment of the separating splitter for fine fractions with <20 mm grain size. As a standalone unit or as part of the compact, modular STEINERT FinesMaster concept.

Following separation of the non-ferrous metals, the residual shredder light and heavy fractions (SLF/SHF) form what is known as the automotive shredder residue (ASR) fraction. To recover the valuable residues contained in the ASR, and thus to adhere to the statutory recycling rates, the use of high-efficiency separation and sorting technology is vital.

As a metal recycling specialist with long traditions and progressive forward development, we offer you a wide portfolio of sorting machines for any task. The highly sensitive and adaptable STEINERT ISS® induction sorting systems generate selective, pure metal and residual fractions, and form an excellent first stage before the downstream processing stages. Equipped with multiple, intelligently linked sensors, STEINERT KSS combined sorting systems can be produced in various configurations to optimally suit the particular task and situation. Whether your task is to obtain pure cable products (ICW) or high-quality metal fractions such as ZURIK or TWITCH, the options available with the STEINERT KSS offer the right solution for all ASR processing applications.

Even for the reconditioning of the metal-free shredder residual fraction, we have the correct solution for you:

With our UniSort sorting systems, plastic products can be produced from ASR that are easily marketable. Contaminants such as wood are efficiently removed. Even unmixed plastic fractions such as PP, PE, PVC and PS/ABS can be obtained from a black mixed fraction. Something that is not possible with conventional near-infrared technology: With our UniSort BlackEye technology it can be done!

To ensure the quality requirements for energetic recycling of the residual fraction, our STEINERT XSS® T EVO 5.0​​​​​​​ offers the required technology. As a standalone unit or integrated into the multi-sensor system of a STEINERT KSS, polymer compounds containing halogens are reliably separated. The result is a refuse-derived fuel that is eminently marketable.

  • All magnet and sensor sorting technology for ASR recycling from a single source
  • STEINERT EddyC® and STEINERT EddyC® FINES: decades of experience meet innovative solutions
  • Multi-sensor systems in the STEINERT KSS offer the correct solution for every ASR reconditioning task
  • Trusted, durable technology from the technological leader in metal recycling

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Application areas

Stainless steel product
Cable product
ASR Fines
Wood separation from ASR

The perfect solution for your requirements


Extracting ferromagnetic materials

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For the separation of non-ferrous metals

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For the separation of especially fine non-ferrous metals (0.5 – 10 mm)

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STEINERT FinesMaster

For the recovery of fine iron and separation of fine non-ferrous metals

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For separating conductive objects to generate valuable metal concentrates

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For sorting into density classes

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For sorting using colour, 3D and metal detection

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For sorting using colour, 3D, metal and density detection

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UniSort PR EVO 5.0


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UniSort BlackEye


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UniSort Finealyse


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