Food & Drink Processing & Packaging Issue 33 2021 | Page 5

The key point is that these triplecombination systems can incorporate vision inspection , with Mettler-Toledo ’ s Product Data Check ( PDC ) smart camera system being integrated into the existing C-Series checkweighers with either metal detection or x-ray inspection technology . A further combination solution is available ; a checkweigher paired with a track and trace technology . Mettler-Toledo can further accommodate a wide range of custom developments , including multi-lane , multitechnology systems as well as building a range of accessories , such as printers , into the solution .
The foundation stone to these product innovations is Mettler-Toledo ’ s modular C-Series range of checkweighers , which enables a wide degree of flexibility when integrating other product inspection technologies . The benefits that food manufacturers get from any integrated or combination solution are magnified further with a triple combination product inspection system : a huge amount of technology is packed into a small footprint , and they only need to deal with a single supplier to cover multiple needs .
This is certainly the case when they speak to Mettler-Toledo , at any rate . Few companies can claim that they can produce all of these advanced product inspection technologies in-house . Mettler- Toledo is one that can . We have succeeded in completing the hard yards of integration – both for the software and the hardware . This is particularly important when integrating vision inspection technology into combination systems , since it has traditionally been difficult to set up and operate , requiring considerable time and effort . Mettler-Toledo ’ s triple combination systems including vision inspection are now truly plug and play , supporting easy product set-up and fast product changeovers via the checkweigher .
Ongoing support will be from a single supplier too – and one that provides highly sophisticated service and support through technologies such as Augmented Reality-based remote diagnostic and repair services in which the engineer and the operator can interact via a live video stream to reduce downtime .
CONTROL AT THE CCP One question that we are commonly asked by people when talking about our integrated product inspection solutions is what happens if one part of the system goes wrong – does this not drag the entire product inspection system offline ? The short answer is no ! All Critical Control Points ( CCPs ) remain alive , so that the combination system continues to reject contaminated or non-conforming products . All Human-Machine Interfaces ( HMIs ) on any part of the combination system are integrated and communicate with each other . If one HMI fails , another will take over and ensure that the CCP continues to function . Mettler-Toledo provides customer warranties on this basis . This failsafe design ensures that no contaminated product can reach the marketplace .
The 3 in 1 system can also be combined with ProdX™ data management software thereby storing the product inspection images externally . This has additional benefits such as traceability , quick data retrieval and proving due diligence .
IN CONCLUSION Combination product inspection systems meet a growing need in the marketplace . Food manufacturers are challenged with ever more stringent demands , and consumer safety and regulatory compliance are among their highest priorities . Technology is undoubtedly the answer , but space constraints are an issue for most food manufacturers . Integrated product inspection systems provide a smart answer to these problems . Mettler-Toledo brings a flexible and modular approach to the market , open to customisation and with the ability to seamlessly integrate a range of advanced inspection technologies into a small footprint .
It means that manufacturers can now monitor product , packaging and label quality , and therefore address the many consumer safety , compliance and traceability challenges they face , all from a single , compact device , serviced by a single engineer that could solve problems from anywhere in the world .
Register here for a free live webinar on combination systems with Frank Borrmann on 25th March 2021
For more information : www . mt . com / pi-combination-systems-pr
FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk 5