A metal detector plays an important product safety role in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Other industries that benefit from the use of a metal detector include rubber, textile, plastics and chemical manufacturing. Metal is one of the most commonly found contaminants in these industries and can be introduced at any stage of the manufacturing process.
Identifying metal contaminants through the use of a metal detector ensures the safety of the products being manufactured by identifying and removing them from the production line during processing or packaging. Often metal detectors are required to be in compliance with safety standards and industry guidance.
There are three main groups of metal contaminants that can be detected by most metal detectors. They are:
Regardless of the type of contaminant or position (exposed or embedded) within the product, the device will be able to detect and notify the user.
Sensitivity is an important factor when choosing a metal detector. Each type of metal detector will offer different degrees of sensitivity performance. Understanding the impact sensitivity has on metal detection will help you decide on the most appropriate model to meet your needs.
Sensitivity refers to the detector's ability to accurately and consistently detect specific types and sizes of metal contaminants. Some systems have the capacity to detect non-spherical or irregular-shaped contaminants whereas others may not. All detectors have a spherical sensitivity range. This can vary from 0.1mm - 1.5mm in size. When choosing a detector it is important to follow guidelines regarding this sensitivity.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a single or multi frequency metal detector for your production line is the product you will be inspecting. Whether or not your product is packaged in film, wet or dry, hot or cold, frozen or liquid, will have an impact on which detector you will require.
Two or more of the challenging applications such as those listed above will require two or more frequencies applied simultaneously. The more frequencies delivered the greater the detection capabilities.
Metal detectors can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines without issue. It is recommended to put the metal detector at the end of the production line for packed products allowing a final product inspection of metal contaminants.
However, it is possible that the presence of metal within a product may be harmful to other machinery. In this case the detector should be placed before it is further processed.
Metal detectors are finely tuned machines that require ongoing maintenance and inspections to ensure optimal performance. Each model of detector will come with an equipment maintenance programme that provides detailed performance monitoring checks.
These checks should be carried out in accordance with the prescribed intervals to maximise the lifespan of the machine.
If you are looking to a buy a Metal Detector for sale, suppliers on IndustrySearch include HMA Group, Minipack International, Diverseco, CISCAL Group of Companies, Mettler Toledo, A&D Weighing & Inspection Specialists, OFI Weigh & Inspection, MPI Australia, TELFORD SMITH Machinery & Engineered Solutions