According to a process for separating thermoplastic components from a mixed stream and sorting different types of thermoplastics in which the thermoplastic components are softened by selective heating, it is proposed that plastic components softened in temperature ranges defined according to type be fixed on separating bodies penetrating or transpiercing the softened surfaces of the plastic components and then removed from the separating bodies. Sorting is accomplished by at least one conveying separating body (4, 14 to 16) having a flat or curved surface fitted with structures (10, 11) to penetrate or transpierce the softened surfaces of the plastic components (23 to 26) and to maintain the plastic components on the separating body, and a device (5) (doctor blade) to remove the plastic components secured to the separators after they have been removed from the mixed stream.