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Innovative solutions for ABS and PS purification

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PS (Polystyrene) are essential polymers in the appliance manufacturing industry, known for their unique properties and versatility. ABS is widely utilized in the housings and internal components of refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and toys, thanks to its excellent toughness, impact resistance, and machinability. Similarly, PS is the material of choice for many product housings due to its lightweight nature, transparency, and superior moldability.

These two polymers are indispensable in the production of durable and visually appealing home appliances. However, as environmental awareness grows, the need for sustainable recycling solutions in the waste appliance industry has become more pressing. Recycling and reusing ABS and PS can significantly contribute to environmental protection and resource sustainability, but challenges in sorting these polymers hinder this progress.

Recycling ABS and PS from retired appliances is fraught with difficulties due to their similar physical properties and complex mixing states. These factors complicate efficient sorting and hinder the effective recycling of resources. 

Similar Physical Properties

 ABS and PS share a comparable appearance, texture, and high impact resistance. This similarity poses significant challenges for manual sorting and even preliminary mechanical processes, as distinguishing between them requires advanced technology.

Recycling and Mixing Issues

During the recycling process, mixed ABS and PS plastics often exhibit minimal differences in IR spectral recognition. This similarity, coupled with the presence of other materials, increases the complexity of sorting and reduces overall efficiency.

Technological Limitations

While advanced optical sorting technologies are being introduced, many existing polymer color sorter machines lack the precision required for accurate separation. This limits the widespread adoption of these technologies and makes achieving high sorting purity a challenge.

Our newest polymer sorter, is another brand new addition to the GIMAX miscellaneous materials purification family, bringing together cutting-edge technology and innovative design to change the rules of the game in the recycling and purification of ABS and PS plastics! This polymer colour sorter is able to accurately identify the micro-differences between ABS and PS plastic materials. After the identification is completed, by driving the high-speed spray valve, the two materials are accurately separated, and the accuracy of the purified product is as high as 99.9%.

Investing in innovative polymer sorting technology is a vital step towards promoting environmental sustainability and unlocking the full potential of recycled ABS and PS. These advancements pave the way for a greener future, ensuring that valuable materials can be reused effectively while reducing waste.