L O G I S T I C S www.foodtechnology.co.nz 39 DO I NEED AN X-RAY INSPECTION MACHINE? www.heatandcontrol.com/ishida Technologies that deliver superior inspection performance The IX-G2 dual energy system for food products is the most powerful Ishida x-ray inspection system to date. The IX-G2 analyses x-rays at two different energy levels to improve performance where objects of different densities are being inspected. These are then compared to eliminate the background effect caused by the product itself and improve the detection of low-density contaminants such as bone fragments. In addition to reducing false detection, this system offers all of the other capabilities of an Ishida x-ray inspection system, including missing pieces, product deformation and weight estimation. Exclusive distributor AUS +61 7 3877 6333 NZ +64 9 274 4182 info@heatandcontrol.com Protect your consumer and your brand FT365 X-ray inspection can detect bone, stone, glass, iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, nylon, PVC and Teflon – all possible inconsistencies in materials, packs or a flow of product passing a given point. But those inconsistencies don’t stop at foreign bodies. Voids, broken or missing product pieces can also be picked up clearly by x-ray, opening up whole areas of quality control. While x-ray inspection systems can be used to detect a full range of defects in products packed in cans and metallised film, the minimum particle size detected varies from one material to another, and depends on the system’s sensitivity. How it works An x-ray beam is directed through the item to be inspected, and a photodiode array on the other side of the item picks up the radiation that gets through. The photodiodes give out a voltage or current signal depending on the level of x-ray that they detect, which is then converted into a greyscale image that can be easily saved. If inclusions are present which are denser than the product, these will show up as darker patches. Voids and fissures will show up as lighter, as more radiation is able to penetrate. The system can be set to automatically reject items that have either type of defect. Improving quality X-ray inspection can pick up imperfections unrelated to contamination. These include voids or gas bubbles; undersized or missing pieces of product; underfilled compartments in ready meals; product with cracks or fissures; agglomerations (grains stuck together) in powdered products; metal ties or other securing devices missing or out of place. The system can also estimate the weights of individual items in a pack, if these are sufficiently separated. This enables rejection of packs which have underweight pieces. The cost of not having x-ray inspection Legal action arising from dangerous contamination is clearly the chief concern justifying expenditure on x-ray equipment. On another level, poor quality - such as the voids and fissures mentioned above - can also damage brands by spoiling the consumer experience. But if they do not result in complaints, widespread low-level discontent may go unnoticed, with costly effects on product sales. X-rays provide a way of seeing the product inside its pack as the consumer will see it, something which only highly relevant (and expensive) market research can otherwise reveal. For more information on x-ray machines, go to www.heatandcontrol.com or email info@heatandcontrol.com. Stay up-to-date on Twitter (@heatncontrol), LinkedIn or Facebook.
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