Kinnerton chooses adaptable metal detector
Kinnerton Confectionery, the largest independent UK manufacturer of chocolate and novelty confectionery, has recently purchased a new metal detector.
Kinnerton is frequently developing its range of seasonal and everyday confectionery from Easter eggs and Advent calendars, to chocolate bars and chocolate miniature figures as well as chocolate and jelly lollipops. With constantly changing production lines, Kinnerton required an adaptable metal detector which could easily be set up to inspect their variety of products.
Lee Hunt, Kinnerton’s deputy engineering manager says, “We wanted a flexible machine that could cope with our constantly changing lines, as we manufacture a variety of products, ranging from 2kg chocolate Easter eggs to 2 foot high chocolate bunnies. Furthermore, we need to inspect over 800 different product lines, so a metal detector, which is simple to set up and minimises downtime was essential. The Loma IQ3 metal detector was the ideal choice”.
The metal detector from Loma Systems has sophisticated electronics to enable the automatic product learn system to calibrate and automatically learn the characteristics and settings for up to 100 different products. An additional feature is the variable frequency system, allowing the operator to auto-select the correct frequency for maximum contaminant sensitivity.
Traditionally single frequency metal detectors need internal adjustments when faced with a product that is materially different from others usually inspected on the line.
The IQ3 is designed for tough wash down cleaning specification and meets the IP69K environment standard. The system also benefits from a bright control panel, which is very simple to understand and is designed to be used in any multi-language environments. The machine includes a performance validation system, automatically prompting the operator to test performance at pre-set intervals according to HACCP principles, and producing a detailed record of any contaminants found.
