SNB’s Blog

Utilising inspection systems brings a wealth of benefits to all manufacturers. The technology has allowed companies to continue production at high speeds whilst ensuring the safety of products.

However, all inspection equipment, metal detectors, checkweighers and combination systems, must be calibrated for health and safety purposes. This article intends to inform readers why calibrations need to be executed and different types of calibrations. It will also include how SNB Electronic Services can perform calibrations at your manufacturing site.

 

What is an Inspection Equipment Calibration?

A calibration is a health check routine for an inspection system, almost like an MOT for your machinery. Within the checks, a certified engineer would check everything from the sensitivities of ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel pieces, to the condition of the belt that the products travel on. Depending on the type of machine and the products that are usually tested for metal, will depend upon how long the calibration itself could take.

An SNB calibration includes testing the following:

• – Photogating sensor (this is only applicable on a metal detector)
• – Reject mechanism (if present on the machine)
• – A reject override test
• – Any lockable bin compartments from rejected products
• – The reject activation or confirmation sensor
• – The sensor on the reject bin being full
• – Fixed over-belt guard (used to prevent removal of detected products)
• – The audible or visual fault alarm
• – The controls on the re-start after fail-safe activation
• – Latching fault alarm – not reset by power cycle

On average, it takes around an hour for an engineer to calibrate one piece of machinery.

Once a calibration is has been conducted, SNB customers receive certificates to certify to any auditors that the machine has been thoroughly checked. Most manufacturers tend to have their inspection equipment on a yearly basis. Although, some have theirs checked on a quarterly or bi-annual basis.

 

Performance Validations on Inspection Equipment

As well as calibrations, certain retailer customers require a Performance Validation. Simply, this is an enhanced calibration. A Performance Validation also conducts tests on a reject bin sensor, the pack check sensors and the drive roller encoder (where fitted).

However, if you are considering having a Performance Validation, please note that a certificate can only be provided if their inspection equipment has met all specifications as stated on the relevant codes of practices. Additionally, the fail-safe equipment on the inspection machine must be in complete working order.

Retailer Compliance Requirements

Some manufacturers may be producing goods for certain big branded retailers. Therefore, these manufacturers will be complying with more specific regulations regarding running and maintaining their inspection equipment.

Usually, manufacturers that are producing for retailers, will ask for a “Best Sensitivity Checks” to be conducted on their metal detectors. These are required to understand the metal detectors optimum performance for each type of product on the production line. Within the Best Sensitivity Checks, the engineer carrying out the tests will detail any limiting factors from the machine and recommendations on how to improve the results (where possible).

 

How can SNB Electronic Services help with your calibrations? 

SNB have a team of engineers able to offer calibrations to customers across the UK. Our engineers are trained to provide Calibrations, Performance Validations and Best Sensitivity Checks. The engineers are continuously delivering calibrations to customers whilst training to continue the development of knowledge on new and existing detection equipment.

If customers do unfortunately have a breakdown with their machinery, SNB aims to have an engineer on site, if not, as quickly as possible.

If you would like to more information regarding how SNB Electronic Services can aid your calibrations, please contact the sales team on 01977 689555.