New vision systems for automated end-of-line quality inspection

Three different sized vision systems can now be used by users based on the requirements of their production line. The compact SmartInspector? can be integrated into existing conveyor belts and completes essential inspection options with minimal installation space. The VisioCompact? enables a more comprehensive two-sided inspection with numerous inspection options, also with a minimal footprint. The VisioPointer? system offers the widest range of inspection criteria of any single unit, supported by three cameras as standard, multiple types of illumination and optional side and satellite cameras for multi-sided analysis. Added to this is the range of customised solutions as Inline-Inspector? for integration into packaging machines. Cameras and lighting in the systems can also be extended beyond the near-infrared spectrum to hyperspectral analysis.

Vistus? Pipeline - the optimal solution for the pet food industry

Vistus? Pipeline meets the most stringent sensitivity and technical requirements of manufacturers processing viscous and liquid food and pet food products. The aim is to ensure that products leave the factory free from metal contamination. Minebea Intec metal detectors support compliance with industry regulations such as HACCP, IFS and BRC. They protect brand image and avoid costly product recalls. The system includes well-known Vistus? electronics, intuitive touch displays and optional interfaces for monitoring and control. Different types of separators and various connections and mounting options are available. A wide range of variants and dimensions are available for individual requirements and applications, enabling precise integration into the production line. Of course, we also offer individual engineered-to-order solutions on request.

100-percent sample reliability on the packaging line

Checkweighers are used to ensure 100-percent sample reliability on the packaging line. Their integrated separation systems make sure that any defective products are removed from the product flow without stopping the production process. They also help to improve production efficiency using the checkweighing data that they collect.

Minebea Intec offers a variety of checkweighers for these tasks. They can be configured in accordance with individual requirements and, if customers have very specific requirements, customised versions can even be produced. With Flexus?, we are offering users high-resolution load cell technology that enables maximum throughput with absolute precision even at high process speeds of up to 2.6 m/s.

Needs-based, flexible checkweighing

Some manufacturers of pet food may need to be checkweighed after the actual production process is complete for quality management purposes, to make sure that the product weight is correct and that the product is complete. One solution that Minebea Intec offers for this task is Combics? – a series of verifiable industrial bench scales that can be tailored to the required maximum capacities and resolutions. The Combics series also offers a special single-workstation solution for the pre-packaging checking of pet food goods, which is particularly useful in smaller-scale production processes. Automatic statistics and print outs as well as graphical evaluations on the scale display help users with their day-to-day tasks.

The cost-effective checkweigher solution

Essentus? is an innovative solution and meets the needs of our customers who have clearly defined requirements for these systems.

We are often asked for a simple, inexpensive entry-level model that enables reliable, precise check weighing and classification on the packaging line. That’s where the Essentus efficiency, which offers the essential weighing functions, comes in. For customers who require more, the Essentus performance offers a checkweigher with advanced capabilities.

Freefall metal detection system

The freefall metal detection system Vistus? ensures the reliable inspection and removal of metallic foreign bodies from any kind of pet food products in granule form that is transported with the use of gravity through a pipe, e.g. kibble, semi-moist, fresh, dehydrated, freeze-dried and raw infused food and treats.

• Minimum installation height for easy integration into any application
• True In-Process Validation. This functionality guarantees correct performance testing
• Cost effective control of up to four search coils via one terminal

Reliable X-ray inspections

The X-ray inspection systems in our Dymond series are extremely versatile and are ideal for inspecting packaged pet food goods at the end of the production process, for instance. The systems reliably detect foreign objects in the product and enables hollow spaces to be detected in products and check whether the product contents fill the entire packaging. Whether the food products are dry or contain liquid, in cartons, bags or portion packs makes no difference to these systems. To meet the individual requirements of each production line, Minebea Intec offers three different Dymond models with belt widths of 200 mm to 800 mm. Multi-track applications with up to eight tracks are also possible with Dymond.

Process control of batches and recipes in production

The integrated control system makes it easy to automate weighing and process batch applications. The software Batch-PMS can be easily integrated into existing network and system infrastructures of various industries. It includes modules for process control, production management, recipe management, data management and many further options.

Your benefits:

• Simple and modular operating concept including multi-user operation 
• Easy integration into existing network and system infrastructures 
• Outstanding connectivity 
• High data safety including integrated backup functionality

Innovative software for process optimisation

Besides sophisticated hardware systems designed in accordance with hygiene standards, the related software is another important factor in the production of high-quality pet food. Minebea Intec has a range of innovative options in its portfolio for producers in this area, too. The statistical process control software SPC@Enterprise helps manufacturers to guarantee product quality, safety and productivity.

The current release of SPC@Enterprise 4.0, offers users a comprehensive tool that combines the logging of samples and automatic in-process checks for the pet food industry. It also enables the efficient networking of various equipment and systems from Minebea Intec and other suppliers, rapid process control thanks to a powerful monitoring program, the easy creation of production and verification statistics, and simple data backup options to minimise the risk of data loss.