Quality stands proud for UFP with Ishida X-ray / checkweigher combination
An Ishida X-ray inspection system and checkweigher combination has played a key role in enabling one of the UK ’ s leading contract packing companies to implement a new packaging solution for a major customer .
Universal Flexible Packaging , based in Leicester , UK , is a long-term partner of leading Asian-inspired food brand Itsu . Itsu wanted to reduce the amount of packaging for its premium noodle cup range with a new cup and foil sealed lid . However , this meant quality checks using traditional metal detectors would not be possible , and for a filling and packing system where the majority of the equipment is built of stainless steel , X-ray provided the best solution for both brand and consumer protection .
The installation and integration with the rest of the line was seamless , and both machines have proved very reliable and easy to operate .
While X-ray inspection technology delivered effective quality control , the challenge was to keep the lightweight cups upright . With most other X-ray solutions , cups would topple as they pass through the protective curtains to enter the inspection chamber .
Ishida ’ s solution was to use its entrylevel IX-EN-2463 X-ray inspection system with a lower 50kV voltage and remove the protective curtains . As the pots enter the chamber an extended guarding provides full protection from the X-ray process without the need for the curtains .
“ We have a longstanding working partnership with Ishida , so they were the obvious choice for this particular application ,” said Steve Potter , Universal Flexible Packaging ’ s Engineering Manager .
“ As well being able to come up with a suitable solution , the company ’ s IX-EN X-ray inspection system was very competitively priced .”
The IX-EN is integrated with Ishida ’ s DACS-G checkweigher , which provides
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