Printed Circuit Boards
Statistic sampling solutions for reliable material valuation.
Printed circuit boards are among the most valuable fractions in electronic scrap, containing copper, gold, silver and palladium within a complex composite of polymers, glass fibres and electronic components. Due to this heterogeneous composition, reliable determination of metal content requires controlled material preparation and homogenisation prior to sampling.
URT provides process technology for mechanical preparation and representative sampling of printed circuit boards prior to metallurgical refining. PCB batches are processed through progressive size reduction and controlled sample division, generating representative samples that reflect the original composition and enable reliable determination of metal content.
Facts and figures of our expertise
Experience in plant engineering for Preparation for refining of printed circuit boards
PCB processing capacity
Final fraction size
URT Process Concept for PCB Sampling
The preparation process is based on progressive size reduction combined with controlled sample division.
Printed circuit boards are processed in several comminution stages in order to homogenise the material prior to sampling. Between these stages, defined portions of the material stream are separated using rotating tube dividers.
The material is distributed evenly across the sampling devices via vibrating chutes, ensuring a uniform material flow and representative sample splitting.
Process Steps
After each size reduction stage, a defined portion of the material stream is separated. This stepwise reduction ensures that the final analytical sample represents the composition of the original PCB batch.
The resulting sample can then be analysed to determine the metal content of the material, including copper, gold, silver and palladium.
The sampling principle follows triplicate sample splitting with intermediate shredding, enabling progressive homogenisation of the PCB material and reproducible analytical samples.
Metal Separation Prior to Sampling
After the sampling process, printed circuit boards can optionally undergo a mechanical pre-treatment step. This step allows the removal of certain metal fractions from the material stream prior to sample preparation.The objective of this pre-treatment is to separate easily recoverable metals and improve the homogeneity of the remaining PCB material.
Concept
Printed circuit boards are first processed in a shredder, equipped with a perforated screen (approx. 20 mm)
This stage reduces the material to a defined particle size and prepares it for downstream separation processes.
After shredding, the material passes under an overbelt magnet.
Ferrous Metal Separation
The overbelt magnet removes ferrous metals from the material stream. These typically include steel components such as screws, shielding elements or connectors contained in PCB assemblies.
Typical recovery of ferrous metals from low-grade PCB can reach approximately 20 % of the input mass, depending on the PCB composition.Aluminium Separation
After ferrous metal removal, the remaining material is processed through an eddy-current separator.
The eddy-current separator removes non-ferrous metals, primarily aluminium components present in the PCB scrap.Integration into the Treatment Process
The removal of ferrous and aluminium fractions can improve the recovery process of the later refining. Especially aluminium serves as a slag creator.
However, the core function of the URT system remains the preparation and representative sampling of PCB material for metallurgical analysis.
Key Advantages of the URT Plant Concept
Representative sampling through controlled sample division
Rotating tube dividers ensure precise and reproducible sample splitting, allowing reliable reduction of large PCB batches into representative analytical samples.
Progressive material homogenisation
Multi-stage size reduction using rotary shear and granulator ensures progressive homogenisation of the material prior to sampling.
Processing of PCB up to 10 tonnes per hour
URT systems enable preparation and sampling of large PCB batches while maintaining representative analytical sample quality.
Triplicate sample splitting with intermediate shredding
The sampling concept follows a structured reduction sequence, ensuring that the final analytical sample reflects the composition of the original PCB batch.
Optional removal of ferrous and aluminium fractions
Integrated magnetic and eddy-current separation can remove ferrous and aluminium components, improving material homogeneity.
Screening steps
Depending on the reefing method and furnace feeding systems, the non-sample fraction can be sieved, to falling below a certain fraction size.
PLC-based control system
The recycling plant is operated via PLC control systems which allow continuous monitoring of key operating parameters and ensure stable process control.
Modular plant configuration
The system can be adapted to different batch sizes, PCB fractions and integration requirements within existing recycling facilities.
Proven industrial references worldwide
URT plants operate successfully under a wide range of industrial and regulatory conditions.
Service, retrofit and consulting from a single source
URT’s after-sales team supports operators throughout the plant lifetime – from spare parts supply to process optimisation and OPEX reduction.
Economic Benefits for Plant Operators
Efficient Material Separation with Low Energy Consumption
The modular plant architecture and optimised separation technologies – including magnetic separation, eddy current separation and electrostatic separation – minimise energy consumption per tonne of processed input material.
Low OPEX Through Robust and Low-Maintenance Technology
URT systems are engineered for high plant availability and low operating costs. Intelligent control systems, integrated dust management, ATEX-compliant explosion protection and optional online maintenance support reliable and efficient plant operation.
Scalability for Increasing Input Volumes
The modular process architecture allows flexible expansion of processing capacity and easy adaptation to changing input materials or evolving regulatory requirements.
Compliance with International Regulations
URT technology supports compliance with international environmental and product regulations, helping operators meet regulatory requirements while strengthening credibility with investors, customers and authorities.
A URT PCB plant therefore provides not only access to valuable raw materials, but also a future-oriented recycling solution designed for maximum economic performance and technical process reliability.
Services
We consult about, plan and build printed circuit board (pcb) sampling solutions for reliable material valuation for recycling – tailored to our customer’s business objectives and in compliance with local regulatory requirements.
Engineering and Commissioning
1.
Engineering
Every successful project is based on a thorough analysis of material flows, site conditions and all technical, economic and regulatory requirements.
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Design
We design efficient, safe and durable recycling plants tailored to the input materials and individual objectives.
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Commissioning
Manufacturing, installation and commissioning are handled by experienced specialists, followed by operator training to ensure safe, efficient and autonomous operation from day one.
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Maintenance and Upscaling
4.
After Sales & Support
Dedicated specialists provide on site and online maintenance, technical support, process optimisation and global spare parts supply to ensure high plant availability.
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Shredding Tech. & Cutting Units Support
We provide servicing and replacement of shredder cutting units, including rental solutions with short lead times.
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Further Consulting & Upscaling
We future proof recycling plants through strategic scaling, plant extensions and technical consulting for future requirements.
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Efficient recycling starts with the right plant.
Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.