Guide to Walk-through and Hand-held Metal Detectors
Comprehensive Guide to Walk-through and Hand-held Metal Detectors
By Metal Detector team
Security has become a paramount concern across various sectors, necessitating advanced tools to ensure the safety of individuals and properties. Metal detectors, both walk-through and hand-held, have proven to be invaluable in this regard. This guide will delve into the features, uses, and benefits of these essential security devices.
First, lets revisit how metal detectors work by taking advantage of physics and magnetic fields. Metal detectors rely on the fundamental properties of magnetism and electromagnetism. The alternating current in the coils of the detectors creates a time-varying magnetic field, which is capable of inducing currents in conductive materials. The presence of these currents alters the magnetic field, which is then detected by the receiver coils. This sophisticated use of magnetic principles allows metal detectors to effectively and reliably identify metallic objects, enhancing security measures across various settings.
Magnetic materials that can be identified using detectors include ferrous metals. Unlike non-ferrous metals, ferrous materials have high magnetic permeability, making them easily detectable. Ferrous metals, containing iron, readily disrupt the detector's magnetic field, triggering an alarm. This makes them easy to detect in the form of common items like knives, guns, or tools with metal components. In contrast, non-ferrous materials, like aluminum laptops (part of the reason why we take laptops out during screenings), copper wires, or certain types of jewelry, don't disrupt the field as significantly. Security personnel need to understand this distinction. For instance, a laptop might trigger a low-level alarm due to its aluminum frame, requiring further screening. Conversely, a cleverly concealed knife made of high-carbon steel (ferrous) would likely set off a loud alarm. Understanding ferrous and non-ferrous properties helps security personnel efficiently screen for threats while minimizing unnecessary hassle for individuals.
How Do Walk-through Metal Detectors Work?
Walk-through metal detection systems, or door frame metal detectors, are security devices that people must pass through when entering a building. The machine is made up of an archway and two vertical posts connected by a horizontal bar.
These detectors work by using sensors to detect the presence of a metal object on a person’s body and set off an alarm if any metal is detected. The sensors can be either electromagnetic or magnetic.
When a person walks through the archway, the sensors create a magnetic field or an electromagnetic field around them. If they are carrying any metal objects, the metal disrupts the field, causing the detector to set off an alarm.
The Benefits of Walk-through Metal Detectors
Walk-through metal detectors are commonly used in police stations, business building, airports, special event venues, courthouses, and schools for weapons detection. They offer several benefits:
- Efficient screening of large numbers of people.
- Non-invasive and discreet compared to pat-down searches.
- Does not collect personal information.
Features of Walk-through Metal Detectors
Walk-through metal detectors offer advanced features such as:
- Access control
- Uniform detection
- 33 detection zones
- Thermal cameras
- Aluminum detection heads
Typical Uses and Locations
Originally seen primarily in airports and correctional facilities, walk-through metal detectors are now common in:
- Police stations
- Nightclubs
- Schools
- Public and private buildings
- Corporate workplaces
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses for loss prevention
- Nuclear facilities
- Transportation terminals
- Courthouses
- Historical landmarks
- Sporting events, arenas, and concerts
Choosing the Best Configuration
Consider whether your detector will be stationary or moved frequently. Portable walk-through metal detectors, like the Fisher M-Scope Portable, are ideal for locations requiring frequent relocation.
Setup and Operation
Modern walk-through metal detectors are designed for easy setup and operation, featuring digital electronics adjustable via a touchpad and LCD display. Factory preset programs can be fine-tuned to your specific needs.
Ensure all individuals entering or exiting a building pass through the detector. Provide a tray for items like watches, coins, keys, and belts to improve throughput efficiency.
Recommended Walk-through Metal Detectors:
The Garrett PD 6500i walk-through metal detector is the world's most advanced, offering superior target detection across multiple zones.
Key Features of the Garrett PD 6500i
- Utilizes Garrett's exclusive digital signal processor (DSP) technology for precise target detection.
- 33-zone pinpoint detection covering left, center, and right sides of the body from head to toe.
- Multi-dimensional coil design detects guns, knives, and other weapons regardless of their location in the archway.
- Easy-to-view eye-level pacing lights with international "wait" and "proceed" symbols.
- Backlit LCD and LED bar graphs for continuous online operating status and self-diagnostic reporting.
- Meets international security standards including TSA (US airports), ECAC (European airports), and more.
- Portable with optional casters and battery module for rapid deployment at special events and large venues.
- Dual detection capability with transmitters and receivers in each panel for superior performance.
- Directional counter with multiple settings for counting and statistical analysis.
- Networking ability for managing walkthroughs individually or as groups via network with the Garrett iC Module.
- Tamper-proof settings secured with key lock and access codes.
- Advanced broadband detection technology for precise target analysis and discrimination.
- Internal USB port for software updates.
Applications and Versatility
The Garrett PD 6500i is suitable for airports, courthouses, prisons, schools, and special events, offering over 20 standard security programs and adjustable operating frequencies.
Conclusion
The Garrett PD 6500i sets the standard for walk-through metal detectors with its advanced technology, reliability, and versatility. Whether enhancing security at an airport or a public event, the PD 6500i ensures unmatched performance and peace of mind.
Hand-held Metal Detector Wands
Hand-held metal detector wands are essential for precise identification of concealed items after initial screening by walk-through detectors. These wands are designed to alert security personnel with audible tones, vibrations, or light indicators.
Importance of Hand-held Wands
Once a walk-through detector identifies the presence of a metal object, a hand-held wand allows for pinpoint location of the object. This is crucial for efficient and thorough security checks, especially in high-traffic areas.
Features of Hand-held Wands
Hand-held wands offer various features such as adjustable sensitivity, durable construction, and multiple alert modes (audio, light, and vibration). These features ensure reliability and ease of use in different security scenarios.
Recommended Hand-held Metal Detector Wands:
- Garrett Superscanner
- Garrett Superwand
- Fisher CW-20 Hand-Held Security Metal Detector Wand
- Fisher CW-10 Hand-Held Security Metal Detector Wand
Hand-held Metal Detector Wands with Vibration Only Alerts:
The Garrett SuperWand hand-held metal detector represents top-class reliability and precision in the field of security screening. Crafted with the needs of security professionals in mind, this essential tool ensures safety at airports, sports events, and various checkpoints.
Key Features of the Garrett SuperWand
- Operates at 95 kHz frequency for accurate detection of ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel weapons, contraband, and other metallic objects.
- No adjustments necessary; self-calibrating digital microprocessor technology.
- Runs on a standard 9V battery with up to 80 hours of operation; optional rechargeable battery kit available.
- 360-degree detection field with advanced magnetic technology for uniform sensitivity.
- Three-color LED indication: Green = power on, Amber = low battery, Red = alarm.
- Ergonomic design with easy-grip handle for comfortable use.
- Lightweight and durable construction suitable for high-security environments.
- Includes audible or silent/vibrate alarm modes for discreet operation.
Applications
The Garrett SuperWand is trusted by law enforcement professionals worldwide and is ideal for use in airports, government buildings, schools, and more.
Conclusion
With its advanced features and reliable performance, the Garrett SuperWand ensures efficient and accurate metal detection, enhancing security operations with ease.
Rolling Out Your Security Plan
Consider the cost of acquiring and operating walk-through metal detectors as part of your security plan. While the initial investment is significant, ongoing costs such as staffing are important to budget for. Combining the Garrett PD 6500i walk-through detector with SmartScan thermal imaging and handheld wands adds critical layers of protection in highly sensitive environments. This integrated approach ensures precise threat detection and is essential for tailored security solutions.
© 2024 MetalDetector.com - Revised July 2024