Food manufacturers will be able to identify very small contaminants in a quicker and more reliable manner with the X34 X-ray inspection system from Mettler-Toledo
The X34 X-ray inspection system provides detection of metal, glass, high-density plastic, mineral stone and calcified bone fragments across a wide range of packaged foods, thus reducing cost product recalls while protecting brand reputations. The system also comes with advanced software that enables automated product set-up, decreasing the chance of human error and reducing the number of false rejects. This, according to Mettler Toledo, makes for more efficient and profitable operations, while delivering return on investment.
The X34 is a single lane X-ray system designed for the inspection of a wide range of small and medium-sized packaged products. One key feature is a 100W ‘Optimum Power’ generator, which automatically maximises detection sensitivity. This is complemented by a 0.4mm detector for the accurate detection of the very small contaminants. These technologies ensure that power and contrast levels are optimised for every product, resulting in enhanced detection performance. This means the X34 does not always have to run at its full 100W output to achieve the best results, delivering power savings to the end user.
The high-performance software also allows for automated product set-up without the need for manual adjustment from the operator, leading to ultra-reliable product inspection. New products only need to be passed once through the system for the power to be optimised and the fully intuitive software requires minimal passes to automatically set the contamination inspection tools. This reduces operator training, increases production uptime and ensures product safety.
The X34 comes with Mettler-Toledo’s advanced ContamPlus inspection software, which further enhances detection capabilities, helping food manufacturers achieve a zero False Reject Rate (FRR). This is a crucial means of reducing product waste and ensuring product safety. By lowering FRR, manufacturers can achieve higher production outputs without adding extra lines, boosting productivity and profitability. Subsequently, Total Cost of Ownership is reduced and Overall Equipment Effectiveness scores are increased.
In addition, the X34 can be equipped with the ProdX advanced data management tool, which maximises production efficiency and quality control. The ProdX software can store images of foreign body contamination, which can be viewed remotely, in full support of connectivity, traceability and compliance. The system also features a highly-responsive capacitive touchscreen, allowing users to increase the viewing angle of stored images while maintaining image consistency.
The X34 also offers ingress protection, with an IP65 rating as standard and IP69 available through upgrade. Cooling is enabled through an air conditioner, which allows the X34 to operate in high ambient temperature environments.
With its optimised detection and automated set-up, the X34 compliments Mettler-Toledo’s existing vertical X-ray range. Other systems include the compact, easy-to-use X33 for effective contamination detection with a low Total Cost of Ownership, and the highly configurable, advanced integrity inspection solution of the X36 for applications with multiple lanes.
