SNB’s Blog

Due to retailer codes of practices and HACCP compliance, most manufactures require the use of inspection equipment on site. Metal detectors, checkweighers, x-rays and combination systems tend to be installed at ‘critical points’ of the production process.

Metal detectors must be regularly QA tested to check that the unit is finding metal. By buying and using test pieces, this allows for Technical, Engineering and Quality departments to demonstrate checks are being regularly done to meet compliance.

Test Pieces

Metal Detector heads have to be manufacturer to meet the Food and Drug Administrator (FDA’s) guidelines and regulations. SNB’s test sticks are made from shatter resistant materials and can take high impact which helps decrease the risk of any contamination.

All SNB test piece will have a certificate number engraved onto the front of the test piece. This number correlates to a sphere batch number allowing all our test pieces to be traceable. When ordering tests pieces, you will receive a certificate of conformity that includes the certificate numbers and the sphere batch numbers.

SNB can offer customers the following types of test pieces for metal detectors and x-rays:

• Ferrous – Chrome
• Non-Ferrous – Brass
• Stainless Steel – 316
• Soda Lime Glass (for X-Rays)
• Ceramic (for X-Rays)
• Aluminium (for X-Rays)
• Bronze (for X-Rays)

What Type of Test Pieces do SNB supply?

SNB can supply customers with the following test pieces:

• Test Sticks – these can be in coloured form (Red for Ferrous, Yellow for Non-Ferrous and Blue for Stainless Steel) or in a standard blue colour with different coloured writing. These pieces start from 0.2mm and range up to 10.00mm
• Test Balls – the test balls can come in sphere sizes starting from 0.5mm. Depending on the diameter to drop the test balls through, SNB can make the balls between 25mm to 35mm diameter. Additionally we sell the Ferrous 20mm Balls
• Test Blocks – these blocks only come in 20mm Ferrous
• Test Disks – also known as test pucks, can range from 0.5mm to 5.0mm
• Pipeline test sticks
• Test Cards

Advise For Choosing Test Pieces

For most customers, retailers may have already set out certain sensitivities for you to work towards. However, it is key to select the correct type of test piece and size for your metal detectors.

Depending on the type of metal detector depends on the type of test piece needed. For example conveyor units use stick pieces whereas for a pipeline systems a pipeline test stick would be required.

Another factor to consider is the product itself. Whether you are running meat or bakery goods, the temperature and frequency set on the metal detector will vary the test sphere required. Additionally the apertures height and width can determine sensitivity capabilities.

Needing further advice or want to buy some test pieces now? You can get a quote by clicking this button or email us on SNB@metaldetector-rentals.co.uk. Fancy a chat? Call us on 01977 689555