Metal Detection Q & A
WHAT IS THE BEST METAL DETECTOR SYSTEM FOR MY PRODUCT/PROCESS/APPLICATION?
There is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution to producing safe products or protecting your equipment from metal contaminants. Fortress custom manufactures over 90% of its systems because of market demand. We work with you to determine the best solution based on your product, process, and application requirements. Contact us to discuss the details.
CAN FORTRESS METAL DETECTORS ACHIEVE MY CUSTOMERS’ SENSITIVITY SPECIFICATIONS?
This depends mainly on your product and your process. If your customer has asked you to meet a specified sensitivity spec, it is best to send us samples of your product to determine the achievable sensitivity. Contact us to make arrangements for free product testing.
WILL FORTRESS METAL DETECTORS HELP WITH FSMA?
Yes. Our Stealth and Interceptor models of metal detectors include data collection software that captures a metal detector’s critical control point performance in an easy-to-use and understandable format. Fortress metal detectors are known for their ease of operator use, easy to maintain (Never Obsolete; parts, service and upgrades are always available) and easy to clean (IP69K certified). These standard features are all part of the FSMA requirements.
METAL DETECTOR OR X-RAY: WHICH BEST SUITS MY APPLICATION?
It’s obvious which type of inspection technology to use in some applications since only one of them can reliably detect metal contaminants that pose the risk you’re trying to mitigate. However, it’s not always that straightforward. We recommend reviewing our white-paper “Metal Detectors Versus X-Ray Systems, the Top 3 Comparison factors to consider” to help guide your decision.
WHAT PARTS DO YOU RECOMMEND WE KEEP IN OUR STOCK?
We suggest having a complete spare parts kit on hand. This kit should include a power supply, search headboard, digital board (DSP) and control panel. Having a complete set will help get the best results when troubleshooting.
HOW OFTEN DO METAL DETECTORS NEED TO BE CERTIFIED?
Due to requirements of government regulations, HACCP and large buyers, you may need a certificate to validate the proper functionality of your metal detector as often as four times a year. Fortress Technology’s field specialists will provide you with an on-site Metal Detector Validation Certificate to help ensure you meet your auditor’s requirements.
We recommend you complete a Preventive Maintenance Check for a Metal Detector Validation Certificate annually.
Contact us to book a service for your Fortress Technology metal detector, and we’ll arrange a convenient time for us to visit your site.
WHAT IS THE DETECTOR CAPABLE OF DETECTING?
The capability of the metal detector depends on many factors; the most common limiting factor is the product effect. The product itself may be conductive and act like metal in many applications. This effect must be overcome first before sensitivity can be determined. The sensitivity is not only regulated by product effect but other factors like aperture size, operating frequency, product speed and environment. To determine the achievable sensitivity of your product, Contact us to arrange a free product test.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC STEPS TO MAINTAIN THE METAL DETECTOR SYSTEM?
As with any piece of vital precision machinery, high performance can only be assured if the metal detector is regularly and properly maintained. You can achieve this by implementing a planned preventative maintenance program at regular intervals. Maintenance can be carried out by the equipment manufacturers or in-house company engineers, provided that the manufacturers have trained them. After any repairs, maintenance or adjustments, we’ll perform a full metal detector test before you can use the system again.
Generally, maintenance consists of the following steps:
- Inspecting the detector and system for damage
- Inspecting mechanical parts for signs of wear
- Ensuring electrical connections and cable entries are tight
- Keeping the system clean
DOES MY FORTRESS DETECTOR DETECT ALL METALS?
Unless you are inspecting a product with pure aluminum packaging, which requires a Ferrous in Foil detector, our metal detectors will detect all types of metal. Metal detectors are generally tested with ferrous, non-ferrous and 316 stainless steel test samples. Testing with these three types of samples ensures that the detector is capable of discovering all metals.
WE RUN OUR PRODUCT IN A FOIL PACKAGING / METALIZED FILM. CAN WE STILL USE A FORTRESS METAL DETECTOR?
Fortress metal detectors can run products packaged in metalized film while maintaining a high level of sensitivity. However, you may need some assistance if the detector was not originally configured for this application. When the packaging material is pure aluminum foil, such as an oven-ready tray, it’ll be too much to overcome, and the user will need to use a ferrous foil detector. In these situations, we recommend that the detector be installed before the packaging process. Contact us for more information.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE TEST THE METAL DETECTOR WITH THE METAL TEST SAMPLES?
Testing frequency is typically dictated by your internal food safety plan, industry standards, and or audit requirements. We recommend testing hourly and at the beginning of a production run or a shift change. View our training video for more information about testing your metal detector.
