How to choose a food metal detector

Looking to protect your customers from contamination?

Metal detection systems continue to be the mainstay of preventing contaminants from finding their way into the food production chain while offering a relatively inexpensive solution for maintaining your business’ reputation.

But how do you know which one is the best for your production line?

Here, specialists at Stainless Steel Manufacturing & Equipment Ltd (SSME) explore the most important factors to consider when investing in a food metal detector.

What sort of products do you manufacture?

Different food metal detectors are designed for different types of products.

For example, some are made to inspect raw meats and poultry, while others are for conveying baked goods, spices and sugary snacks.

What do you want the metal detector to do?

The required sensitivity of metal detection can vary depending on your application.

In some cases, the system will be used to protect a piece of equipment – eliminating metal that is big enough to damage such apparatus and bring operations to a halt.

Alternatively, if you need to inspect goods in bulk, a food metal detector with a higher level of sensitivity will be required, especially at the final package inspection stage.

Do you need to integrate it with existing equipment?

Another important factor to consider when choosing a metal detector for your food business is the system’s connectivity – in other words, will it be a standalone unit or does it need to join with other apparatus in your facility?

The best food metal detectors can be integrated with existing packaging lines. You can position them at strategic points to ensure a thorough inspection of products, without disrupting the speed or safety of processes.

Where will the metal detection system be installed?

Selecting a food metal detector that suits your environment is essential to the efficiency and durability of the system itself, and the safety and quality of your food goods.

With that said, it’s worth evaluating the inspection area. Is it wet or dry? Do your cleaning procedures call for low-pressure or high-pressure washdown? What are the potential temperature changes in your environment?

Is it easy to use?

Finding a system that can detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals in food goods with ease can be a real boon.

Most of them allow you to adjust the speed and output with the simple push of a button. This not only gives you complete control but also enables you to convey products throughout your production line safely and efficiently.

How do you clean it?

A common source of metal contamination in the food production line is from machinery wear or failure, which is why all equipment must be regularly cleaned and maintained to a high standard.

Stainless steel is a hygienic material that’s easy to clean and sanitise. Thanks to its smooth, non-porous surface, it’s difficult for dirt, grime and bacteria to accumulate. But even if they do, all it takes is a quick wipe down with a cloth.

Therefore, it’s worth considering a stainless steel food metal detector – ideally, with a conveyor belt that can be removed and cleaned in between uses.

Ready to purchase a food metal detector?

Here at SSME, we stock only the best food metal detectors, including a choice of conveyorised units and purpose-built models.

We can assure you that, as with all the products we supply, our metal detection systems are manufactured from the highest quality stainless steel and can be tailored to suit your requirements.

On top of this, we guarantee competitive prices – so, if you’d like to receive a free, no-obligation quote for your ideal food metal detector, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Either give us a call on 0121 661 6346 or send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.