SORTING & INSPECTION
A production line can only ever run as quickly as its slowest component and this has led to considerable R&D effort by product inspection machinery suppliers
lines. “Combination inspection systems – for example a checkweigher and an x-ray or metal detection system within a single frame – are proving increasingly popular for this reason,” he says. “Modular inspection systems can also help in this regard, being able to meet immediate and future business needs as a confectioner grows and its applications and production capabilities evolve. Such modularity extends to conveyor systems too, with extended belt lengths and options for different reject devices often now being possible.” A combined solution has been employed by US-based confectionery company, Lake Champlain Chocolates, which produces gourmet chocolates that require the highest standards in product inspection. It uses a combination checkweigher and metal detector on its chocolate bar line, inspecting at a rate of 126 bars per minute – the machine can run at up to 200 bars per minute – before the products are wrapped in foil and then glued paper.
There are also multiple batch changes required evert day, and the ability to save job settings for push-button set up, as well as easy machine access for full washdown, are both important.
The combination system is also customised, with two extra spacing conveyors ensuring that only one chocolate bar is on the checkweigher at a time, while the high running speed influenced the addition of guide rails on the conveyors, to keep the bars oriented.
Juergen then highlights developments in a different area of product inspection which could also be of interest to confectionery producers – the latest breakthroughs in vision inspection technology. “Today confectioners can invest in systems equipped with automatically-adjusted smart cameras, allowing for quicker job set-up, and enabling a complete 360o picture of each product to be captured. Using this technology makes it possible to read labels, codes and product information on any part of a product, which is a great benefit for companies challenged to comply with regulations such as the EU Labelling Directive,” he explains.
All about x-rays
QConfectionery processers have, traditionally, faced some unique challenges in their bid to ensure consistent product quality. Requirements include mixing product configurations to precisely the right quantities, while minimising damage and maintaining consistency of presentation. According to Mark James, General Manager of Sales at
Yamato Scale Dataweigh UK, a more recent challenge facing confectioners is inflation, which is resulting in mounting costs across the industry and which also highlights the
X-ray systems can identify flaws in output, including damaged products or produce clumps.
Kennedy’s Confection August/September 2022 35
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