Ishida creates rapid X-ray technology for flow-wrapped packaging

Ishida has developed high-speed x-ray for flow wrapped packs, overcoming the challenge of carrying out comprehensive foreign body and quality checks on small lightweight flow wrapped confectionery and bakery packs on high-speed packing lines.

Ishida’s latest X-ray inspection system, the new Ishida IX-EN-2493-Compact combines an ultra-compact design, which can fit easily into existing lines, with speeds of up to 120 metres per minute. This is double the speed of a typical standard X-ray inspection system.

Key to achieving these high speeds is the IX-EN-2493-Compact’s split conveyor design.

Traditional X-ray systems have a single conveyor with protective curtains that contain the X-ray beam within the machine. These curtains can interfere with the movement of lightweight flow wrapped packs, causing them to be destabilised and creating product jams.

Ishida’s approach means the curtains are raised above the conveyor so as not to impede the movement of the packs. The X-ray beam is therefore projected through the pack as it passes over the gap in the conveyor where it is captured within two large metal plates to ensure any X-ray emissions are contained within the machine.

“Our new compact X-ray inspection system enables manufacturers to check primary packs, whereas before the fast speed of line prevented inspection at this stage,” explained Glen Oxborough, quality inspection control sales specialist, Ishida Europe. “Prior to this, therefore, the only effective solution was to carry out the inspection in the secondary packaging, either when the packs were part of a multipack or in their outer case ready for onward delivery.

“However, this meant that if a sub-standard pack was detected, the entire pack or box would need to be rejected, leading to unnecessary – and expensive – product and packaging waste.”

The IX-EN-2493-Compact features Ishida’s proven genetic algorithm (GA) technology that enables operators to optimise the X-ray inspection process for greater sensitivity to specific foreign bodies. As well as detecting items including steel, aluminium, tin, glass, stones, dense rubber and Teflon, the machine can also identify quality issues such as broken or mis-shaped items.

Another special design feature of the Ishida X-ray system are the two separate bins for foreign bodies and quality issues, both of which can be accessed from one side of the conveyor for maximum operator convenience. This also helps to minimise the overall footprint of the machine to enable easy integration into packing lines.

“Food quality and safety are key issues that can adversely affect brand image and consumer loyalty,” said Glen Oxborough.

“Our new IX-EN-2493-Compact delivers peace of mind for manufacturers with a solution that can handle the fast line speeds of flow wrappers to enable primary packs to be inspected.”

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