Walk-Through Metal Detector Systems — Commercial Security Screening
Walk-Through Metal Detector Systems
A walk-through metal detector screens individuals for metallic weapons and contraband as they pass through the portal. Commercial walk-through metal detectors use multiple overlapping electromagnetic detection zones (typically 6–33 zones depending on the model) to pinpoint the location of a detected item on the body — reducing the time required for secondary handheld screening and improving throughput at high-volume entry points. Modern walk-through metal detectors also distinguish between ferrous metals (iron, steel) and non-ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass) and can be calibrated to ignore common personal items like belt buckles, keys, and coins at operator-selected sensitivity thresholds.
Garrett PD 6500i Walk-Through Metal Detector
The Garrett PD 6500i is the most widely deployed walk-through metal detector in courthouse and government building security applications — used at thousands of federal, state, and municipal facilities across the United States. It features 33 detection zones, discrimination capability to suppress common non-threatening items, a weatherproof design for covered outdoor deployments, and a large LED display visible to both the operator and the screened individual. The PD 6500i is approved for use in U.S. federal courthouses and meets GSA and Department of Justice security standards. We stock, install, and provide factory service for the Garrett PD 6500i throughout DFW.
CEIA Walk-Through Metal Detectors
CEIA is the Italian manufacturer that supplies walk-through metal detectors to most international airports and many high-security government facilities. CEIA detectors are specified where the highest discrimination capability is required — distinguishing firearms, knives, and metallic threats from belt buckles, jewelry, and medical implants with minimal false alarms. The CEIA SMD 600/A+ and CEIA HI-PE Plus are used at aviation security checkpoints and federal facilities requiring the lowest false alarm rate. We supply and install CEIA systems for DFW facilities requiring airport-grade detection performance.
Handheld Metal Detector Wands
Handheld metal detector wands are used for secondary screening of individuals who alarm a walk-through metal detector, or as the primary screening tool at low-volume access points. The Garrett SuperScanner V is the global standard handheld detector — used at courthouses, stadiums, schools, and event venues worldwide. We supply handheld detectors as part of complete screening system packages or as standalone equipment for facilities using guard-based manual screening.
Walk-Through Metal Detector Specifications
| Specification | Standard (6–8 zones) | Mid-Range (18 zones) | High-Security (33 zones) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection zones | 6–8 | 18 | 33 |
| Discrimination | Basic | Moderate | Full (firearm/knife vs. belt) |
| Throughput | 30–40 people/min | 40–50 people/min | 50–60 people/min |
| False alarm rate | Higher | Moderate | Low (airport-calibrated) |
| Outdoor rated | Some models | Most models | Yes |
| Typical application | School, small venue | Courthouse, stadium | Airport, federal building |
| Approximate cost | $2,500–$5,000 | $5,000–$9,000 | $9,000–$18,000 |
Where We Install Security Metal Detectors
- Courthouses and government buildings — required entry screening for public access; Garrett PD 6500i or CEIA standard
- Schools and universities — entry screening for high-security campuses and event-based security
- Houses of worship — congregation screening for large services, high-profile events, and ongoing security programs
- Stadiums and arenas — high-throughput entry lane screening with multi-lane configurations for rapid crowd flow
- Corporate headquarters and data centers — lobby and visitor screening for high-security headquarters
- Hospitals and medical centers — secure unit access and emergency department screening
- Hotels and convention centers — event-specific screening for conferences, political events, and concerts
- Correctional facilities — visitor screening and contraband interdiction
Metal Detector and X-Ray Scanner Integration
For complete entry screening, a walk-through metal detector works alongside an X-ray baggage scanner. The metal detector screens the person; the X-ray scanner screens their bags and personal items. 2M Technology installs integrated security screening lanes combining both systems — including the walk-through metal detector, X-ray baggage scanner, divestiture table, tray return conveyor, and stanchion queue management. We also integrate metal detector alarms with your access control system so a detector alarm can log to your security management platform.
Metal Detector Installation — DFW Service Area
We install walk-through metal detector systems throughout Dallas–Fort Worth — including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Garland, Irving, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Lewisville, and Denton. Walk-through metal detectors require a dedicated 120V outlet within 6 feet of the unit. Installation takes two to four hours per lane including unpacking, assembly, placement, and calibration. Multi-lane security checkpoint installations are typically completed in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a walk-through metal detector cost?
Walk-through metal detector cost ranges from $2,500 for a basic 6-zone school or small venue model to $18,000 for a 33-zone courthouse-grade system with full discrimination capability. The Garrett PD 6500i — the standard for U.S. courthouses — costs $4,500–$6,500 plus installation. CEIA high-discrimination units for airports and federal buildings run $9,000–$18,000 per unit. Installation adds $500–$1,500 per lane for delivery, setup, calibration, and operator training. Contact us for a site-specific quote based on your throughput requirements and security classification.
Do metal detectors detect all weapons?
Walk-through metal detectors detect metallic weapons — firearms, knives, and metal objects above a configurable minimum mass threshold. They do not detect ceramic knives, plastic weapons, or non-metallic threats. For comprehensive threat screening, metal detectors should be paired with X-ray baggage scanners (to screen bags and items removed from pockets) and handheld secondary screening wands. For the highest-security applications, millimeter wave body scanners detect both metallic and non-metallic concealed items, though they are more expensive and have lower throughput than metal detectors.
Are walk-through metal detectors safe for people with pacemakers or implants?
Modern walk-through metal detectors use low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields that are considered safe for individuals with pacemakers, cochlear implants, and other medical devices according to manufacturer specifications and FDA guidance. However, individuals with medical implants should consult their physician, and facilities should have an alternative screening procedure (handheld wand or pat-down by a trained guard) available for individuals who prefer not to walk through the metal detector. Garrett and CEIA both publish electromagnetic compatibility data for their devices.
What is the difference between a metal detector and an X-ray scanner?
A metal detector screens the person walking through it — detecting metallic objects on their body. An X-ray scanner screens bags, briefcases, and personal items placed on a conveyor belt — revealing the contents of closed containers. A complete security screening checkpoint uses both: the metal detector screens the individual, and the X-ray scanner screens their belongings simultaneously, maximizing throughput while maintaining comprehensive screening coverage. 2M Technology installs both systems and configures integrated screening lanes combining both technologies.
