How Do Metal Detectors Work? · Customer Self-Service

Metal detectors work by using electromagnetic fields to detect the presence of metal objects. Here's a breakdown of how they function:

1. Electromagnetic Field Generation
Transmitter Coil: A metal detector has a coil of wire called the transmitter coil. When electric current flows through this coil, it generates an electromagnetic field around it. This field pulses out into the surrounding area.

2. Inducing Eddy Currents
Metal Detection: When the electromagnetic field encounters a metallic object, it induces tiny electrical currents called eddy currents in the metal. These eddy currents, in turn, create their electromagnetic field, but this one is weaker and in the opposite direction to the original field.

3. Signal Reception and Analysis
Receiver Coil: The metal detector also has a second coil called the receiver coil. This coil is positioned close to the transmitter coil but is designed to detect the electromagnetic fields produced by the eddy currents in metal objects.
Detection Process: When a metal object is within range, the receiver coil picks up the altered electromagnetic field. This change is processed by the detector's circuitry, which then triggers an alert, usually in the form of a tone or visual indicator.

4. Discrimination
Differentiating Metals: Some advanced metal detectors can differentiate between different types of metals. They analyze the frequency and phase shift of the returning signal to determine whether the object is made of ferrous metals (like iron) or non-ferrous metals (like gold, silver, or aluminium). This feature helps users avoid digging up unwanted items.

5. Ground Balancing
Compensating for Mineralized Soil: Metal detectors also have a ground-balancing feature to ignore signals from naturally occurring minerals in the soil. This allows the detector to focus on detecting actual metal objects.

Applications of Metal Detectors:
Security Screening: Metal detectors are used in airports, schools, and other public places to detect concealed weapons or metal objects.
Archaeology and Treasure Hunting: Hobbyists and professionals use metal detectors to find coins, relics, and other buried treasures.
Industrial Applications: Metal detectors are used in manufacturing and food processing to detect and remove metal contaminants from products.

In summary, metal detectors work by generating an electromagnetic field, detecting disturbances in that field caused by metal objects, and then analyzing the signal to alert the user to the presence of metal.