Mettler-Toledo detection software proves its metal

The new software is geared toward broadening the capabilities and increasing the flexibility of processing lines. The UK-based firm’s new software heightens detection sensitivity in wet and dry food products.

Demand flexibility​

According to Jonathan Richards, marketing manager for Mettler-Toledo Safeline Metal Detection, the software helps food manufacturers keep on top of the needs of consumers.

“The ability to respond quickly to changes in market demand is the ultimate prize for food manufacturers​,” Richards said. “There is a trend in global markets towards limited edition or seasonal products, and it is important manufacturers are able to meet these new demands without the need for the installation of new lines or any impact on productivity​.”

Changeover ease​

The Product Clustering feature reportedly simplifies product changeovers, which lets manufacturers process a range of products on a single frequency setting. The enhancements support compliance with rigorous safety standards across the globe.

The new software also lets food processors demonstrate due diligence in production processes. The feature can help food firms reduce the risk of product recalls.

Additionally, the Product Clustering ensures the detector is set at the optimum frequency for identifying contamination for a selection of products. The capability also allows users to overcome the “product effect” or electrical signal emitted by conductive foods or packaging.

This effect in question can muddle inspection by masking the signal given off by metal contaminants. Inspecting multiple products on a single setting minimizes changeover downtime, boosting efficiency.

Sensitive detection​

Sensitivity for non-ferrous metal fragments and stainless steel is optimized with a specialized software algorithm. The feature enables the Profile detectors to identify irregularly-shaped metal fragments as small as 0.25 mm in diameter.

Finally, the software enables food processing operations to demonstrate due diligence at any point in the inspection, cutting the risk for product recalls. It also facilitates the retrieval of inspection data, ensures rejection of only substandard packs (rather than entire batches) and reduces the need for retesting.

Profile metal detectors already installed on production lines can be easily upgraded with the software enhancement, enabling food manufacturers to benefit from the optimized sensitivity and simplified product changeover with minimum disruption to their processing line. The software will feature as standard in new Profile metal detectors.