LOMA X5 SPACESAVER X-RAY IS CREAM OF THE CROP FOR MANUFACTURER OF CHILLED AND AMBIENT CAKES & DESSERTS

Changing retailer codes of practice together with business growth drives Mathiesons bakery to choose newly launched X5 Spacesaver x-ray inspection system

Retailer codes of practice that increasingly specify a preference for x-ray contaminant detection technology and on-going business growth has driven cake and dessert producer, Mathiesons, to install one of Loma Systems (www.loma.com; +44 (0) 1252 893300) latest generation X5 Spacesaver x-ray models. This high performance machine was launched by the leading global manufacturer of food industry checkweighers, metal detectors and x-ray inspection equipment less than 12 months ago.

Established in 1872, Mathiesons manufactures a wide range of chilled and ambient cakes and desserts for local and UK-wide retailers, including independent bakeries and major supermarkets.

Mathiesons operates six production lines at its BRC (British Retail Consortium) accredited production facility in the heart of Scotland. The new X5 Spacesaver, which is inspecting fresh cream products for contaminants at speeds up to 1500 packs per hour, complements two Loma metal detectors already in use at the company’s plant.

Nick Wills, Managing Director at Mathiesons comments: “The investment in the X5 Spacesaver follows on from the successful installation of two Loma metal detectors several years ago. As a food business, we are committed to utilising the best production equipment on the market and we felt that this new x-ray model met our brief perfectly. It is also important that we harness technology that is future proof and keeps up with changing BRC standards and retailer codes of practice.”

Loma’s X5 Spacesaver offers 25% improved detection performance, 20% smaller footprint than similar machines and ultra-hygienic design for quick clean and low maintenance and serviceability.

Nick continues: “Space is always at a premium so the X5 Spacesaver’s compact, slimline size is a big advantage. It also has a very hygienic design including sloping shoulders so food particles do not gather in the crevices and easy access for efficient strip down, cleaning and maintenance.”

Incorporating Adaptive Array Technology (AAT), Loma’s X5 Spacesaver offers 25% improved detection performance. This new technology tailors resolution, depth and scaling to give the best performance for any product requiring inspection. AAT eliminates the previous need to specify the diode array pixel size as the unit will adjust to give ultimate detection performance for the product.

Capable of operating at line speeds up to 75 metres per minute, the X5 Spacesaver x-ray detects and rejects foreign body contaminants such as bone, metal fragments, glass, stones, bone, plastics and ceramics. The system can identify improperly packaged product for: size, shape, length, fill level, component count and presence.

It also boasts automated set up, remote diagnostics and features an intuitive graphical touch screen display, with multiple language options. The X5 PC has been migrated to Windows Embedded Standard operating system and continued support from Microsoft. It has a high speed USB sensor and simple Ethernet connection for easy reporting.

The X5 Spacesaver offers IP66 ingress protection and a new Eco Mode designed to exploit sensitivity for excellent detection results and one of the lowest x-ray energies in the industry. The intuitive touch screen has IP69K rating while the belt is FDA/EU approved ensuring the entire system is designed to withstand high pressure washdown applications.

““The X5 Spacesaver is easy to install and operate plus offers instant operator access to a wide range of invaluable quality control information and data,” Nick adds. “Since installation, it has proved to be as reliable as Loma’s metal detectors, requiring little or no maintenance.

“Having used Loma equipment for some time, we know their support packages meet all our criteria. The Scotland-based engineers are a major advantage and their overall service is good. They do what they say they are going to do,” he concludes.

Tel: +44 (0)1252 893300

www.loma.com