FORTRESS Technology is introducing a new metal detector, checkweigher and vision combination food inspection system at interpack 2026.
Described as compliance and Industry 4.0-ready, the Raptor Tritek system meets the latest HACCP, BRCGS, GFSI and IFS food safety and hygiene design principles. A distinguishing feature is its compact footprint, with Fortress revealing the 3-in-1 system is ‘at least 40%’ shorter in length compared to modular combination systems that require individual connection of metal detectors, checkweighers and label vision systems using multiple conveyors and support frames.
By incorporating all three technologies — metal detector, checkweigher and vision inspection — within a single 2.5m stainless steel frame, the system aims to save floor space, enhance operational efficiency and maintain robust food safety standards.
The machine has been developed in response to calls from food processors for inspection systems that are easy to sanitise, operate and maintain. Fortress added that the design offers production staff ‘unobstructed, easily accessible and cleanable surfaces’, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.
“Another notable feature is the system’s unique frame structure,” said European sales director Phil Brown. “Unlike standard-length models, which typically stand on twelve feet, our compact Raptor Tritek stands on only six. By halving the number of floor contact points and threads, the potential for dirt, debris and microorganisms to accumulate is greatly diminished, further enhancing the overall hygiene and safety of the production environment.”
The Raptor Tritek is designed to inspect an array of packaged food products, including meats, dairy, prepared meals, chilled pizzas, commercial bakery items and confectionery. Inspecting, weighing and checking labels at an average of 150 packs per minute, the solution is said to meet the demands of high-throughput production environments.
To accommodate various product sizes and production line requirements, the Raptor Tritek is available in four different belt widths – 100mm, 200mm, 300mm and 400mm.
Another advantage is the Conveyor Run Only Mode, which is designed to guarantee HACCP metal detection is prioritised even when weight control is not a requirement.
The inclusion of vision provides automated top and bottom label inspection to prevent label-related defects reaching point of sale. Cameras located above and under the conveyor capture a picture of the top and underside label simultaneously as product transitions from the checkweighing to outfeed conveyor.
The Raptor Tritek is equipped with 500 product settings which can be expanded if required. The metal detection and checkweighing technologies are managed by a single HMI screen featuring animations to guide users through start-up procedures and product changeover tests. Graphical instructions are provided to help minimise user errors during operation.
Prepared for future digital reporting requirements, the Raptor Tritek can collate and aggregate production and inspection data. Contact 4.0 provides food processors with a means to extract data from different production applications and processes and align to a common reporting structure.
