Increase metal detection productivity at PPMA 2026

Showcased for the first time at a UK exhibition, the Raptor Tritek is a 3-in-1 combination system that features metal detection, checkweighing and label inspection vision technologies in a single easy-clean frame. Designed to improve TCO and OEE, it ensures food manufacturers maintain rigorous food safety compliance all-day-long, by prioritising metal detection on every pack. All in the smallest possible inspection footprint.

Demonstrating the inspection of large format applications weighing up to 25kg is the Fortress Technology Big Bag Combination System. Integrating metal detection and case weighing in one unit, this easy-to-use and ergonomic system handles bulky products effortlessly without slowing production lines. The system on show measures less than 1.7 metres without its heavy-duty reject conveyor (approx. 2.5 metres with).

Rather than requiring separate machines for each stage of the inspection process, these intelligent Metal Detector/Checkweighing Combination systems can work side by side and talk seamlessly with each other using Industry 4.0 connectivity and automated data reporting. This helps to streamline quality control, improve user safety and minimise human errors.

A standalone Stealth Metal Detector will demonstrate how all manufacturers can improve inspection operational efficiency and productivity at the final packaging stage. Connecting seamlessly to existing upstream and downstream equipment, see how the Stealth Metal Detector can be built to match specific line heights, widths and plant configurations.

"The industry is rapidly moving away from fragmented machinery toward cohesive equipment that prioritises productivity and supports operator free running," explains Fortress Technology's European Commercial Manager Jodie Curry.

Additionally, many processors optimise floor layouts by expanding vertically. Positioning gravity detectors on mezzanine floors increases production profitability per square metre and protects processing equipment from costly damage. This supports processors by reducing total downtime, highlights metal detection expert and industry consultant Mike Bradley.

Engineered specifically for tightly packed production facilities, low ceiling heights and for insertion between product chutes and hoppers, the Fortress Technology Gravity Metal Detector is packed full of useful labour and time saving features. It is specifically built to withstand vibrations and temperature changes without compromising performance and can be supplied to meet hazardous location standards.

All four machines can be supplied with Halo Automatic Testing to validate the performance of each metal detector. Replicating the signal disturbance automatically eliminates production downtime and reduces waste and product rework.

During PPMA 2026, Fortress Technology will show how it is possible to extract and connect production data from multiple machines together using Contact 4.0. This consolidation not only simplifies data gathering but directly results in faster decision making and a quicker ROI.