While metal detectors have a strong and undeniable presence in places that require the active involvement of security personnel such as airports and courthouses, these devices can also be used to detect metallic items in bulk food on a processing line, metal ores in soil heaps and hidden treasures on a beach. Metal detectors are used by archaeologists, surveyors, plant managers as well as engineers and range from a portable metal detector to devices that are installed under a conveyor belt.

As technology continues to simplify the process of detecting metallic items in any substance, it's important to understand metal detectors basics if you're in the market to buy one. Consider how metal detectors can improve your business operations with the following information:

1. Familiarize yourself with the various metal detecting models.

2. Identify the characteristics of industrial metal detectors.

3. Learn more about industrial metal detectors that utilize digital technology.

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Research metal detector models to find one that's right for your business

Metal detectors are designed to detect hidden metallic items. Beach metal detectors, gold metal detectors and hand held metal detector models are just a few of the types of metal detection devices offered by the metal detector industry. These devices are typically used by security personnel, archaeologists, surveyors and for conveyor lines utilized by plant managers and engineers to detect the presence of metal. These devices help ensure the physical safety and health of countless people daily as security personnel use them to find weapons and they are also used in the food packaging industry to detect metallic items in food and nonconductive materials.

I recommend: Metal detectors consist of various types that include frequency oscillator detectors, pulse induction detectors, induction balance detectors and more. Learn more about the best metal detectors for specific industries on Industrial 101. SciTronics offers the Tramp Metal Detector for the purpose of detecting ferrous and non-ferrous tramp. This model includes front panel programming, a resident circuit diagnostic monitor, profiled coils and other features.

Recognize the different types of industrial metal detectors

Industrial metal detectors can detect metal in textiles, liquids, rubber, plastic, powder, wood products and other nonconductive materials. Hot metal detectors, non-ferrous metal detectors and non-magnetic metal detectors are examples of how these devices differ in performance specifications and capabilities.

I recommend: If you're researching industrial metal detectors for your company, visit GlobalSpec to read information that can help you find the right one. Find out more about modular metal detectors, vehicle-mounted metal detectors, non-magnetic metal detectors and other industrial models on their site. Bunting Magnetics offers a variety of metal detector models that include continuous feed applications, conveyor belt applications, gravity feed applications and pneumatic inline applications. These models are designed specifically for plant operations.

Inquire about innovative metal detector applications

As the demand for metal detectors in various industries continues, consider new products that have improved processes with the utilization of new technology. Metal detectors are available in a wide range of sizes and models to accommodate professionals in various industries for health safety as they ensure the cleanliness of food products in the food packaging industry and also eliminate contaminated products in pharmaceutical plants.

I recommend: Magnetic Products offers the DSP-metal detector series that includes Digital Signal Processor (DSP) technology. These models are designed to detect metallic items on conveyor systems. MCR Technologies Group offers Cassel metal detection products that include a gravity feed system, conveyor system, pipeline system and digital electronics for pharmaceutical applications. The Cassel Metal Shark PH Metal Detection System utilizes digital electronics for pharmaceutical applications. Detector Electronics sells a variety of Fisher metal detectors one of which includes the Fisher FX-3 Ferro Probe with a differential-induction magnetometer to find iron or steel items. Choose from a full line of Fisher industrial metal detectors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Beware of laws regarding metal detectors if you plan to travel abroad as some countries restrict the use of these devices without the approval of law enforcement agencies beforehand.

Metal detection can be an important part of your safety or it can be a fun weekend hobby for you and your family. Metal detectors are used for a wide range of activities in a variety of different settings.
You’ve probably encountered them at airports, court houses and other secure locations.

Why should you consider the best metal detectors?

1. Industrial metal detectors can protect you and your employees if you work in an environment that needs extra protection.
2. Metal detecting can help you locate lost metals after fires or other disasters.
3. A beach metal detector makes a fun piece of hobby equipment to help you find old coins, arrow heads or other “treasures.”

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Decide what you want your metal detector to do

You may want metal detecting at your business to keep it safer. You may want a hand held metal detector to use for individual searches. You may want portable gold metal detectors for finding lost metal items. Each of these uses will require a different type of metal detector so make sure you know what you'll be using yours for.

I recommend: If you want a hobby metal detector for gold, metal or relics, try one of Tesoro’s specialized detectors. For those who need security metal detectors, check out some of Garrett’s options, including hand held scanners and walk through detectors.

Buy the most sensitive metal detection that you can afford

The more sensitive your detector is, the more likely you'll be able to find weapons or treasures, depending on your purpose. For industrial units, you'll want one that eliminates interference and can detect weapon shapes easily.

I recommend: Find smaller and deeper items with one of White Electronic’s metal detectors. MetalDetectors has different security detectors to meet your needs.

Choose the best metal detectors with good audio signals

Audio signals alert you to the presence of what you are looking for. Walk through metal detectors need to alert personnel to the presence of weapons. Portable units need to signal where the item is. For hobby detectors, look for models with adjustable audio signals so that you can find one that you're comfortable with.

I recommend: Use Bounty Hunters Metal Detector’s buyers quiz to find the right metal detector for you. Fisher Lab’s walk through metal detectors can be customized in a number of ways for your protection and security.

Go with a waterproof housing if you plan on metal detecting near water

If you want to search for treasure on the beach, buy a beach metal detector to get into areas that regular metal detectors can't go to. You'll find more goodies because fewer people can enter the shallow water with their metal detectors.

I recommend: Kellyco Detectors sells waterproof and beach metal detectors. GovCon offers a walk through metal detector that can be used safely in outdoor situations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are looking for a metal detector for hobby use, you'll also want to consider the weight of metal detectors. Make sure you buy one that you're comfortable carrying for longer periods of time.

The increase in terrorism in the United States definitely increased the metal detector industry. Metal detectors are easy to use, and a number of businesses use them for security. The variety of security metal detectors includes anything from a handheld unit to a walk-through device.

The main parts of industrial metal detectors include a control box (coordinates activities of metal detector), a shaft and a search coil. Within the metal detectors, three main technologies are used: Beat-Frequency Oscillation (BFO), Very Low Frequency (VLF) transmitter/receiver and Pulse Induction (PI). If you are in a business that uses security metal detectors, keep up to date with the best metal detectors education and training in the following areas:

1. Find walk-through metal detector information and training.

2. Locate hand-held metal detector recommendations and education.

3. Expand your knowledge in the metal detector industry.

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Look for training and certification on a walk-through metal detector

Walk-through metal detectors are those that form an arch or doorway and scan people as they walk through. These are most common at airports, courthouses, schools, and some offices. However, a limitation of walk-through detectors is that they only notify you of a general metal detection.

I recommend: For a scientific explanation of how airport securities walk through metal detectors work, see How Stuff Works. Some businesses require metal detectors and operators to follow compliance guidelines, and Justnet is the place for compliance training. For Garrett metal detector training and certification, go to Garrett Electronics.

Obtain training in metal detecting with a hand-held metal detector

Hand held metal detectors are different from walk through detectors because they pinpoint the area of a possible dangerous object. These convenient hand held detectors are often a favorite among security personnel because of the ease of use, portability and specificity of locating possible dangerous weapons.

I recommend: For computer-based security checkpoint training, see Smart Approach. BombDetection.com offers training on choosing and using hand-held metal detectors in combination with other security needs.

Increase your training in metal detection abilities

Certain professions or situations require specific or specialized metal detectors. Business security personnel require a minimum level of training with basic metal detector knowledge and use. Law enforcement officials may use specialized equipment, fulfill specific requirements for training and compliance. If you are outside the law enforcement circle, consider following some of their guidelines and take advantage of specialized training to increase your security education and abilities.

I recommend: For an understanding of limits and guidelines law enforcement personnel must abide by, check out the Users' Guide for Hand-Held and Walk-Through Metal Detectors. Torfino Enterprises offers training for specialized compact metal detector for police.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out who might rent any metal detector you are considering buying, so you can try it out before purchasing.

Metal detecting, while just a hobby for some, is a full-time profession for others. There are people out there who look for metal objects and coins and sell them as precious objects, but there are people out there who also search for metal weapons and contraband for a living, too. Metal detectors are used on a small scale such as handheld hobby devices or those used as wands by airport attendants. They are also as big as to be driven through by vehicles such as semis or used in industrial applications to keep metal scraps out of food or pharmaceutical products going to the consumer.

Whatever your need, knowing metal detectors terms will help you at every step of the game. You will appear more knowledgeable in your conversations, and it will help you as you make your next purchase. You can easily discuss features that may be your next detector with ease so that you get the best product for your money.

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A.T.I.

A.T.I. stands for audio target identification, and it is when an metal detector has a certain audio pitch that identifies the types of metal it has located.

I recommend: Look at the advantages and disadvantages of audio target identification from S&P Treasure Finders.

Depth readout

Your depth readout dial tells you how many inches below the ground or surface an object is.

I recommend: Find our more about depth read out on a metal detector at Upstate Detectors.

Halo effect

Halo effect is when certain metals have been buried for long periods of time oxidize or leech into their surrounding soil. This in turn causes a halo of metal around the buried object.

I recommend: Read about the halo effect from MetalDetectingWorld.com.

Hipmount

Hipmount are metal detector units that you attached at your hip as opposed to hold on a stempiece.

I recommend: Look at the hipmount kit that can help you with swimming and wading situations from Demarco Detector Sales.

Signal interference

Signal interference are frequencies that can impede the reading of your metal detector. These can include but are not limited to when two detectors are operating too close to one another, electrical wires, radios or cell phone traffic.

I recommend: Learn about signal interference from MetalDetectors.com.

Gantry

The gantry system of metal detection is the walk through or drive through detectors as opposed to a handheld model of metal detector.

I recommend: Look at the gantry systems available through Rapiscan Systems.