The Mettler Toledo X39 X-Ray Inspection System Conducts Ten Product Integrity Checks in One Inspection Pass

The X39 X-ray inspection system designed by Mettler-Toledo Safeline reportedly enables manufacturers of frozen formed burger patties to detect and reject non-conforming products, including both those containing contaminants and those with other product irregularities or defects.

The X39 employs a two-stage inspection process. Stage one is an integrated laser technology preliminary brand integrity check for flake defects, and length, width and height irregularities. In the second inspection stage, the X39 X-ray detector consecutively inspects the remaining good products for foreign-body contaminants and additional product defects. The X39 X-ray detector could enable manufacturers to rework products detected by each examination stage, significantly reducing waste and protecting bottom line savings.

Mettler-Toledo reportedly developed the X39’s inspection process and technology in response to the evolving demands of frozen formed food processors and manufacturers. The set-up software of the laser technology, X-ray and reject devices reduces manual operator installation time and potential product identification errors.

The system’s reject nozzles use jets of air to remove all non-conforming products, through a gap between consecutive conveyors, into a primary rework bin for sorting. If the product is too large to fit through the pre-programmed gap, then a second-stage rejection flap will automatically remove the item.

The software reportedly monitors system performance to ensure that the technology is always working at precision levels. A row of reject sensors can be easily removed from the system and cleaned collectively, or individual sensors can be replaced, without stopping production. In addition, the system software records and stores all inspection results for due diligence and food safety legislation requirements.

The X39 design follows industry recognized European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) guidelines to meet the highest hygienic standards required by manufacturers working with raw food products. Anti-corrosion materials ensure the system’s durability and its ability to be sterilized in uncooked food production environments. The entire system is IP69 ingress protection rated to accommodate the harsh wash down schedules needed to prevent bacterial contamination.

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