Multivac launches entry-level X-ray inspection machine

The Baseline I 100 works with a durable diode array whose resolution of 0.4mm ensures detection of small foreign bodies in packaging.

In the standard version, the machine stores the parameters of up to 100 products.

An extended software package can store more parameters and evaluate metering, completeness and fill level control.

Entry level X-ray machine​

Tobias Schröder, product manager for Multivac marking and inspection systems, said customers need an X-ray machine to ensure they detect all contaminants.

“It is a compact entry model with a belt width of 300mm and the scan height is 120mm. The speed of the machine goes up to 60 metres per minute and it is able to detect 200 packs per minute,” ​he told FoodQualityNews at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne.

“We can find contaminations from 0.4mm so it’s possible to detect glass, metal, stainless steel for example, with this X-ray system.​

“If you look to metal detection it is cheap and easy, if you switch over to an X-ray system it is more expensive. This machine, an entry model, is nearly two times a metal detector cost-wise but in the past it was three or four times.​

“This is made for our food customers, it is specially for, we say the white area, for the clean area with its hygienic design so water will not stay on the frame.”​

The compact model is IP 65 rated and is suitable for monitoring of primary and secondary packaging.

Not just contamination detection​

Multivac said the use of X-ray inspection systems allows for full control of the packaged products, because it detects a variety of materials.

If the beam hits a foreign body which has a higher density than the package contents, it can be seen as a dark spot on the image.

This is the case when there is metal, glass, bone, stone, ceramic or dense plastics in the food material and air inclusions, cracks or voids are visible as bright areas on the display.

X-ray inspection can be used to determine if individual pieces are damaged in packaging, whether products are missing or if the fill level is correct.

Schröder said different types of reject methods can be used with the machine.

“I like the pusher because it is very fast and it can push upper weights with more than 1,000g what can't be done by an air nozzle for example. The latter goes up to maximum 400g. You can also have a diverter but that is a little bit slower.​

“It is also possible to have a hinged conveyor but this is a little bit slower. However, if you produce in two lanes, which is possible with this machine, then you need something like that.”​

The machine has a 15-inch colour touch screen which also serves as the control panel.

“You see how many packs you have detected in this batch, how many contaminations you have had and the speed,” ​said Schröder.

“If you have a contamination you get the pictures from the packs and this is something you cannot get on a metal detector. So you can see the contamination and find out what is the problem.”​

X-ray inspection systems – unlike metal detectors – are unaffected by vibration, temperature and humidity changes, or by the salt and acid content of a product. 

The biggest advantage is independence from electric and magnetic fields which make it possible to detect non-metallic and organic materials and examine contents of packaging containing metallic particles.