SNB’s Blog

A metal detector does what it says on the packaging, it detects metal. Over the last decade or so, they have become widely used by manufacturers, especially those working towards stricter guidelines.

In different industries, including food, furniture and pharmaceutical, metal has become commonly found to be a contaminant within produced goods. Metal can be introduced accidentally at any point within the production cycle. Most construction machinery, utensils and equipment pieces are made from many types of metal. Consequently, manufacturers are having to work harder than ever to make sure all products produced are fit for purpose.

This blog will entail how an industrial metal detector works, where they should be placed in the production line and why companies need to invest in metal detectors for their production lines.

 

How do industrial metal detectors work?

In most modern detectors, the machine works by using ‘The Balanced Coil’ system. Within the head of the metal detector there are three coils, a coil within the centre (the transmitter) and two coils either side of the transmitter (also known as receiver coils). The receiver coils are used to help measure any distortion caused by a contaminant. However, there are other factors that can unfortunately distort these two coils, including the product itself.

The transmitter coil constantly generates an electromagnetic field, meaning if a contaminated product passes through, this will obstruct the electromagnetic field. If a product containing metal passes through, the coil will alert the head on the metal detector. This will result in the metal detector stopping the product from continuing on the production line.

All industrial metal detectors have a type of rejection system attached, either an alarm belt stop alerting a factory employee to a contaminant or an automated reject like an air blast. Therefore, depending on the type of product being manufactured, will determine how the product is taken off the conveyor belt.

 

Where should the metal detector be placed?

Generally speaking, manufacturers choose to place their metal detectors at the end of the production line. This is to ensure that the no products leave the factory contaminated.

Some manufacturers (especially large food companies) have more than one metal detector placed across the production line. For example, if a biscuit needed chocolate applying onto it, the producer may place a metal detector after the biscuit manufacturing process and then after the chocolate has been added and packaged.

 

Why do manufacturers need metal detectors?

The primary reason that industrial metal detectors are used within a production line is to protect both the business and consumer. Due to Health and Safety regulations, consumers are protected from goods that contain contaminants. Meaning that manufacturers need to be vigilant with all aspects of safety relating to their products. Any products found with metal particles could seriously injure a consumer. Additionally, those harmed by a product could complain, which in turn could lead to a business’s brand image being damaged and a financial loss in both recalls and customer compensation. Overall, this could lead to businesses losing the trust of their consumers and impairing any supplier relationships.

A crucial benefit to having and using an industrial metal detectors is they are able to protect any machinery used within a factory. Metal particles breaking from other machinery could lead to a machine failing or breaking. Repairing machinery can be expensive and having to put production into downtime can lead to decreasing revenue.

 

How can SNB help your production line?

SNB Electronic services are able to help manufacturers in a variety of ways. Firstly, we are able to offer calibration services allowing customers to make sure their detection equipment is fit for purpose whilst complying with any retailer COPs.

Secondly, SNB are always on hand to visit customer site for breakdown and service calls. Our engineers carry a variety of spares and parts for all types of models of metal detectors, ensuring that our engineers can diagnose and fix any issues.

Finally, if manufacturers have any inspection equipment that is no longer working or fit for purpose. SNB houses a vast range of refurbished stock that customers can either be purchased, hired or rent to buy.

If your factory requires our services, please contact the sales team on 01977 689555.