What is the "sorting accuracy" of an optical color sorting machine?

The "sorting accuracy" of an optical color sorting machine depends on several factors, including the type of material being sorted, sensor technology, software algorithms, and machine configuration. Generally, modern optical sorters achieve high accuracy rates:

Typical Sorting Accuracy Ranges：

-Food & Agricultural Products (e.g., grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables): 95% – 99.99%  

  (e.g., removing defects, discolored items or foreign materials )

- Recycling & Waste Management (e.g., plastics, metals): 90% – 98%

  (depending on material similarity and contamination levels)

Factors affecting the sorting accuracy of color sorter:

1. Technology 

   - Near-Infrared (NIR): Effective for material composition (e.g., plastic,nuts).  

   - Color Cameras: Detect surface defects (e.g., discolored grains).  

   - Hyperspectral Imaging: Higher precision for complex sorting tasks.  

   - X-ray & Laser: Used for density and internal defect detection.  

2. Software & AI 

   - Machine deep learning improves accuracy by adapting to new patterns.  

   - High-speed processors enable real-time decision-making.  

3. Material Characteristics

   - Uniformly shaped items (e.g., grains) sort more accurately than irregular ones (e.g., shredded plastics).  

   - High contrast between target improves detection.  

4. Machine Speed & Calibration 

   - Higher sorting speed may reduce accuracy slightly.  

   - Proper maintenance and calibration are crucial.  

Topsort Color Sorter Sorting Accuracy Examples:

1.Rice & Grain Sorting: Up to ”99.9%“ purity;

2.Coffee Beans: 99.99% defect removal.  

3.Plastic Recycling Sorting: Up to “99.9%” for PET purification