Ishida Europe has extended its range of X-ray inspection systems with the launch of a model capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic contaminants (such as glass, stones and rubber) within products packed in PET bottles, tetra packs, carton brick packs and pouches.
The new Ishida IX-GE-B3034 provides stringent food safety monitoring to deliver valuable brand protection for manufacturers, reducing the negative implications and high costs of customer complaints and product recalls. Uniquely, the machine takes product off existing conveyors and returns it after inspection, meaning it can be easily integrated into current production layouts with minimal disruption.
The highly-sensitive X-ray system offers automatic set-up and rapid warm up within 90 seconds for fast and accurate operation. A user-friendly easy view 15in touchscreen monitor and Windows XP system ensure simple, intuitive operation. There is no need for routine calibration and sensitivity levels can be checked without interrupting product inspection. Data can be stored and accessed to produce quality reports. Other advanced features include automatic bottle pitch control.
A choice of reject systems is available and the IX-GE-B3034 can also be specified with fill level and cap detection to avoid under-filled and incorrectly sealed packs.
The sealed conveyor chamber ensures safe operation without the need for protective curtains, and X-ray output is immediately shut down if the integrity of the chamber is ever compromised. The machine’s stainless-steel construction, with an open framework for easy cleaning, conforms to HACCP requirements. The main body is IP-65 rated and the inspection chamber IP-66.
"This is another important development that helps to ensure food quality and safety," comments Jim Bedford, Ishida Europe’s product manager for X-ray systems.
"With pressure on manufacturers to maximise production throughput, it is even more critical that they have effective measures in place to ensure that product quality is not compromised. The use of the IX-GE-B3034 demonstrates due diligence to customers, avoids the high cost implications of product recalls, and makes a vital contribution to protecting the brand reputation of our customers."
