LOMA has revealed that many food processors are now opting to combine checkweighers with metal detectors or X-ray inspection systems. An integrated X-ray and checkweighing unit, for example, will weigh products while simultaneously inspecting for a wide range of foreign bodies, all in one complete system.
Loma said that choosing combined ‘detect and weigh’ technologies helps ensure brand protection, and consistency in weight, size and shape. “These units detect physical contaminants while ensuring perfect product presentation and quality assurance with fill level and seal inspection, mass measurement and component counts,” the firm explained. “The major advantage of buying a combo checkweigher and metal detection unit is that both systems are operated using one control panel allowing easier operation and quick changeover from one product to the next. With standalone machines, the operator must be relied on to change them individually. Free-standing units can also be incorporated into combo systems at a later date.”
Loma’s CW3 Combo checkweigher and metal detector is described as a fully accredited system designed to save line space and eliminate the expense of a separate conveyor for the metal detector.
The manufacturer’s X5c compact X-ray machine can be bolted on to an existing CW3 as one unit for effective Critical Control Point (CCP) detection. Including reject facility, it measures just 2.5 metres in length when fully integrated and is said to be capable of running at speeds up to 150 packs per minute.
