Loma Systems has released a redesigned version of its X5 X-ray inspection system said to deliver “maximum uptime” on even the busiest food packing lines in round-the-clock manufacturing sites.
The UK-based specialist supplier of metal detection, checkweighing and X-ray inspection machinery says the new X5 X-ray inspection system incorporates new features that bring “industry-leading levels of product integrity” in identifying and rejecting the smallest contaminants.
“In today’s challenging market-place, with food quality standards coming under increasing scrutiny, the Loma X5 X-ray inspection system allows users to achieve competitive advantage through increased productivity whilst satisfying the most demanding of retailer QA mandates,” Loma Systems says.
To allow for quick and effective cleaning, meaning “significant savings in productivity”, the rounded, sloping surfaces of the new system ensure that food particles and wash-down droplets cannot accumulate on its surfaces, while impermeable seals have also been added to the X-ray cabinet to prevent water ingress.
A new tubular framework, made from high quality 304 grade stainless steel, is said to be equally easy to clean and robust, to withstand harsh working conditions, while a Windows-based operating system delivers “accurate reliable product control” at lines speeds of up to 120m/min.
According to Loma, new Adaptive Array Technology (AAT) dynamically tailors resolution, depth and scaling to give the best detection performance for any product requiring inspection.
“AAT eliminates the previous need to specify the diode array pixel size as the X5 will adjust from 0.4mm, 0.8mm and 1.6mm to give the best detection performance for the product,” the company says.
Using cutting-edge inspection technology, contaminants such as metals, glass, PVC, bone, rubber, stones and ingredient clumps are automatically detected, and the affected packs diverted from the line for investigation.
Under- and over-weight packs can also be eliminated from the packing line, along with irregular and improperly packaged items and packs with incorrect content levels.
Inspection data can be automatically monitored and extracted to provide an effective and reliable audit trail for each production run.
“Capable of matching any line speed, the X5 X-ray ensures that suppliers of packaged foods and ready meals can meet the quality and consistency standards of leading retailers with confidence,” Loma says.
Other features of the new X5 X-ray inspection system include: a quick release mechanism, mounted on a gas strut for operator safety, allowing the conveyor belt to be changed “within a few minutes”; a toughened belt that comes in a choice of widths of 300, 500 and 600mm to suit individual requirements; advanced X-ray technology that delivers high quality visual images, with energy efficient power consumption; and a number of cooling options to suit individual applications, with an innovative energy-saving heat exchange system that delivers “excellent” thermal dissipation.
Finally, a clear and easily cleaned dome signal lamp displays the unit’s status at a glance.
