Can Metal Detectors Detect Metal Through Rubber? - Easyweigh (2024)

Metal detectors are an exciting device that helps detect metals in the earth, surface, or manufactured products. So what’s a good metal detector? This piece of tech benefits the inspection of various products, particularly in pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing. The device helps to ensure that their products are devoid of metallic impurities and contaminants.

This section focuses on the intricacies of this device.

Generally, metal detectors work on the scientific principle of electromagnetism and how the (metallic) object interacts with the electromagnetic field. The metal detectors generate and transmit electromagnetic fields from their coils. When this dispersed field detects the presence of a metallic substance, it energizes it, distorting the original electromagnetic field.

The energized metal creates a secondary field of its own that the coil can detect. The device then turns this secondary field to electrical responses, generating a signal, which could be audio – an alarm – or a visual display to alert the operator of the presence of metal.

Because metal detectors operate on the principle of electromagnetism, many assume they only detect ferrous or magnetic metals. However, that is not the case. The device detects various metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Therefore, it can detect metals like copper, lead, zinc, aluminum, gold, brass, silver, tin, bronze, and iron.

Beyond the kind of metal this device detects, a primary detail to consider is how these metals react to the transmitted electromagnetic signal. While the magnetic properties of the metal may not be the bone of contention, the ability to conduct electricity is. For example, metals like titanium and stainless steel that aren’t good conductors are often challenging to locate. On the other hand, good conductors like aluminum and zinc are easily detectable by this device.

This feature makes detecting materials like paper, stone, rubber, bones, and even gemstones challenging to detect by this device.

Metal detectors prove to be a beneficial innovation, allowing the detection of metallic objects, even when present as contaminants. However, they face some limitations, which include the following.

• Inability to Detect Non-metals: This is the main limitation of traditional detection. Metal detectors find it challenging to detect materials that cannot conduct electricity.
• Difficulty in Discriminating Metals: traditional metal detectors find distinguishing different metals in a mixed environment challenging. This may lead to false signals or even missing the target metal.
• Interference From Surroundings: compromised environments like mineralized soils may interfere with the electromagnetic signals generated by the coils, resulting in false results.
• Difficulty Detecting Through Certain Materials: Metal detectors may experience some difficulty detecting the presence of metals, especially when shielded or enclosed in containers made of densely packed rubber or plastic.
• Inability to Detect Metal Underwater: The presence of water in the environment interferes with the metal-detecting features of traditional metal detectors. Therefore, there is a need to create metal detectors waterproof for these purposes.

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Ideally, it is difficult for metal detectors to detect metals concealed in rubber effectively. However, below is a concise overview of the factors that may improve or diminish the effectiveness of metal detection through rubber.

• The Thickness of the Rubber: The thicker the rubber enclosure, the more difficult it is for the metal detector to detect any metal object it conceals. The thick rubber casing can absorb part of the electromagnetic energy, reducing the amount that penetrates, reaching the metallic object. Therefore, it may result in false results.
• Metal Size and Type: Since the rubber conceals the metal components, the size and type may also affect whether it will be detected. The smaller the metal structure, the less likely it is to be caught. Also, non-ferrous metals will generally produce weaker signals, limiting detection accuracy.
• Metal Detector’s Frequency: Increasing the detector’s frequency will improve its activity, enhancing the chances of metal detection through rubber.
• The Detector’s Sensitivity: Another way to improve the detector’s functions is to fine-tune its sensitivity. Or, if you notice that your metal detector has a low sensitivity, you may need to switch to a more sensitive one to increase the chances of metal detection through rubber.

Metal detectors were initially used to detect metals underground – mostly ornamentals and treasures hidden under the soil. However, these instruments were primitive and often limited and unreliable, providing archaeologists and treasure hunters with false alarms. Detecting metals, such as rubber, through enclosures took a lot of work. Therefore, there is a need to modify and improve them.

Over the years, this device has received significant innovations, making it more reliable and increasing its penetration power, including through rubber. Some of the advancements include

• Improved coil designs
• Enhanced electromagnetic signal generation and receiving
• Optimized signal processing algorithms
• Increased sensitivity and frequencies, etc.

The development of advanced algorithms has made analyzing signals more effective, reducing the chances of false positive alarms and increasing the accuracy of the metal detector. Today, metal detectors can detect through rubber, particularly after fine-tuning its sensitivity. Food metal detectors are also used to identify metal contaminants.

Improving the metal-detecting power of your detector requires you to modify some of the settings. Also, you should perform routine maintenance to ensure the sensor is in optimum condition for the device to function effectively.

Below, we discuss possible options to help you enhance your metal detector’s detecting power.

First, read the user manual of your metal detector and familiarize yourself with the sensitivity settings. Many people do not read the user’s manual of any gadget they acquire, believing they can figure everything out. Well, it’s only sometimes the case; the manual provides more info on the device, especially those about the model you use.

Therefore, reading the manual, particularly the area that talks about sensitivity, may prove effective for increasing the detector’s power. The metal detector’s sensitivity is what controls the device’s ability. Enhancing the settings will allow it to detect weaker signals, such as detecting meals through rubber.

Modifying the settings also involves adjusting the frequency, modes, degree of search, target volume, and discrimination, among other settings on your device. For example, you may need to balance out or reduce sensitivity. Elevating it for superficial or surface detection may result in false alarms, as it’ll pick almost insignificant signals, such as mineralized soil.

As we mentioned earlier, engaging in regular maintenance checks is an effective practice to optimize the device’s detection power. A simple exercise such as regular calibration may ensure your metal detector functions optimally. This may include consistent verification that all components are in good working condition.

Also, you may need to recalibrate the sensitivity, including toggling with the detector and toning it for different environmental conditions, just to ensure full functioning. Again, you shouldn’t forget to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines. In fact, if you check through, you’ll see where they recommended you engage in routine calibration to ensure the device’s consistency and accuracy are maintained.

Epoxy pouring is a standard maintenance practice for enhancing metal detectors’ sensitivity. It helps to secure and protect the coils and other electronic components while also serving as a surface finish, improving its appearance. The resin helps stabilize and shield sensitive parts from external elements.

After epoxy pouring, we recommend increasing the metal detector’s resting time. Allow the epoxy to cure and settle, effectively serving as a protective layer. The resin coating it provides contributes to the durability of the metal detector, as it serves as a shield for the sensitive components.

Also, we must mention that using the metal detector immediately after epoxy pouring may expose it to potential damage. It’s best to increase the resting time before using the gadget.