Introducing Our New Metal Detector and Checkweigher Series: Inline Inspection Solutions for Modern Packaging Lines

As global food safety regulations tighten and production efficiency demands increase, inline inspection equipment has become a non-negotiable component of any compliant packaging line. We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of our expanded metal detector and checkweigher product series — engineered to meet the evolving requirements of food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and industrial packaging operations.

This preview outlines the key specifications, application scenarios, and integration capabilities of our new inspection systems, giving procurement engineers and line managers the technical context needed to evaluate fit before formal launch.

Why Inline Inspection Is Now a Line-Design Requirement

Regulatory frameworks including FDA 21 CFR Part 110, EU Regulation (EC) No 852/2004, and FSMA Preventive Controls mandate documented contamination control and weight verification at critical control points (CCPs). Beyond compliance, inline inspection directly impacts:

• Product recall risk reduction — early detection of ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel contaminants
• Giveaway control — real-time weight feedback reduces overfill and underfill rates
• OEE improvement — automated rejection eliminates manual sampling bottlenecks
• Audit readiness — data logging and SPC reporting support HACCP and BRC documentation

Our current lineup — including the Metal Detector JZM400FB, Pipeline Metal Detection MH200, Throat-type Metal Detector, Weight Checker JZ-300, and Weighing Inspection Machine JZ-450 — already serves these needs across multiple industries. The new series builds directly on this foundation.

New Metal Detector Series: What to Expect

Expanded Aperture Range for Diverse Product Formats

The new metal detector models will cover a wider aperture range to accommodate bulk bags, pillow packs, stand-up pouches, and rigid containers on the same platform family. Detection sensitivity targets for the new series include:

• Ferrous: ≥ Φ0.6 mm
• Non-ferrous: ≥ Φ0.8 mm
• Stainless steel (SUS316): ≥ Φ1.0 mm

These figures are consistent with HACCP-validated thresholds for dry food and pharmaceutical applications.

Enhanced Product Effect Compensation

High-moisture and high-salt products — such as fresh meat, brined vegetables, and certain nutraceutical powders — generate significant product effect interference in conventional metal detectors. The new series incorporates multi-frequency simultaneous detection and adaptive phase-angle compensation algorithms to maintain sensitivity in these challenging product environments.

IP69K Washdown Rating

All new conveyor-type metal detector models will carry IP69K ingress protection, supporting high-pressure, high-temperature washdown procedures required in dairy, meat processing, and ready-meal production environments.

Integration with Existing Rejection Systems

The new detectors are designed for direct integration with air-blast, pusher, and diverter rejection mechanisms. PLC-compatible I/O and Ethernet/IP communication protocols allow seamless connection to existing line control architectures without additional gateway hardware.

For pipeline and gravity-fed applications, our existing Pipeline Metal Detection MH200 and Throat-type Metal Detector remain available and continue to be updated with firmware improvements.

New Checkweigher Series: Precision Weight Verification at Line Speed

Dynamic Weighing Accuracy at High Throughput

The new checkweigher models target dynamic weighing accuracy of ±0.1 g (1σ) at throughput rates up to 200 ppm, depending on product weight and conveyor configuration. This performance level supports compliance with OIML R 51 and EU Directive 2014/31/EU for non-automatic weighing instruments used in pre-packaged goods verification.

Multi-Zone Rejection and Grading

Beyond simple pass/fail rejection, the new series supports multi-tier weight grading — enabling producers to sort products into defined weight bands for premium, standard, and rework streams. This is particularly relevant for fresh produce, protein portions, and portion-controlled foodservice packs.

Integrated SPC and OEE Dashboards

Real-time statistical process control (SPC) charts, Cpk monitoring, and shift-level OEE reporting are built into the HMI. Data can be exported via USB or transmitted to MES/ERP systems via OPC-UA or Modbus TCP, supporting Industry 4.0 connectivity requirements.

Hygienic Frame Design

The new checkweigher frames use 304 stainless steel construction with sloped surfaces, open-frame legs, and tool-free belt removal to minimize cleaning time and reduce microbial harborage risk — a design priority for BRC Grade A and SQF Level 3 certified facilities.

Our current Weight Checker JZ-300 and Weighing Inspection Machine JZ-450 provide a strong reference point for the performance baseline the new series will build upon.

Combination Inspection Systems: Metal Detection + Checkweighing in One Unit

A key addition in the new release will be integrated combination units that house both a metal detector and a checkweigher in a single compact frame. Combination systems offer several operational advantages:

• Reduced line footprint — single frame replaces two separate machines
• Unified rejection logic — one rejection event covers both weight and contamination non-conformances
• Single data record per pack — simplifies traceability documentation for HACCP and retailer audits
• Lower total cost of ownership — one HMI, one PLC, one maintenance contract

Combination inspection systems are increasingly specified by major retailers and co-manufacturers as a standard line requirement, particularly in the UK, EU, and North American markets.

X-Ray Inspection: Complementary Technology for Complex Applications

For applications where metal detection alone is insufficient — such as detecting glass, bone, dense plastic, or calcified material — our X-Ray Foreign Detector and Side-Beam X-Ray Inspection System provide complementary foreign body detection capability. The new metal detector and checkweigher series is designed to operate alongside these X-ray systems within the same line architecture.

Target Applications and Industries

The new inspection series is designed for deployment across the following segments:

• Food manufacturing — snacks, confectionery, frozen foods, ready meals, fresh produce
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical — tablets, capsules, powders, sachets
• Pet food — wet and dry formats, treat portions
• Industrial and chemical — granules, powders, hardware components

These align directly with the end markets served by our VFFS and premade pouch packaging systems, enabling customers to source complete, validated packaging and inspection lines from a single supplier.

Integration with Packaging Lines

Inspection equipment performs most effectively when specified as part of the line design rather than retrofitted. Our engineering team supports line integration planning for projects that combine VFFS packaging machines — such as the High Speed VFFS Packaging Machine G420 and Granule 3-Side Seal Bag VFFS Packaging Machine KL-300K — with downstream inspection and checkweighing stations.

For turnkey line projects, we provide layout drawings, I/O mapping, and FAT/SAT test protocols to support commissioning and regulatory validation.

Availability and Pre-Launch Enquiries

The new metal detector and checkweigher series is scheduled for formal release in Q2 2026. Pre-launch technical specifications, dimensional drawings, and application questionnaires are available upon request for qualified projects.

If you are currently specifying an inspection system for a new or upgraded packaging line, we encourage you to contact our engineering team early to discuss your product parameters, line speed, and compliance requirements. Early engagement allows us to confirm equipment fit, provide preliminary quotations, and schedule factory acceptance testing aligned with your project timeline.

Browse our current metal detector and checkweigher product pages for reference specifications, or reach out directly to discuss your application.

Keypack Intelligent Technology provides packaging automation equipment including vertical form fill seal systems, premade pouch packaging machines, metal detectors, checkweighers, and X-ray inspection systems for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. All inline inspection equipment is designed for integration within complete packaging line architectures.