General Questions
[expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]What is the best Metal Detector System for my product/process/application?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] When it comes to producing safe products or protecting your equipment from metal contaminants, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Fortress custom manufactures over 90% of their systems because of market demand. We work with you to determine the best solution based on your product, your process and your application’s requirements. Contact us to discuss the details.[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]Can Fortress metal detectors achieve my customers’ sensitivity specifications?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] This depends largely on your product and your process. If your customer has asked you to meet a specified sensitivity spec, it is best to send us samples of your product to determine the achievable sensitivity.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]Will Fortress metal detectors help with FSMA?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] Yes, absolutely. Our Stealth and Interceptor models of metal detectors include data collection software that captures a metal detector’s critical control point performance in an easy to use and understand format. Fortress metal detectors are known for their ease of operator use, they are easy to maintain (Never Obsolete; parts, service and upgrades are always available) and they are easy to clean (IP69K certified). These standard features are all part of the FSMA requirements.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]Metal detector or X-Ray: which best suits my application?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] In some applications, it’s obvious which type of inspection technology to use since only one of them can reliably detect metal contaminants that pose the risk you’re trying to mitigate. However, it’s not always that straightforward. We recommend reviewing our whitepaper “Metal Detectors Versus X-Ray Systems, the Top 3 Comparison factors to consider” to help guide your decision.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]What information should I have on hand when my detector is being serviced?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] The most important information that you can give our technicians is the serial number of the metal detector. This will let our technicians identify exactly what model you are working with. For locations, please click here
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]What parts do you recommend we keep in our stock?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] We suggest having a full spare parts kit on hand. This includes a power supply, search head board, digital board (DSP) and control panel. Having a full set will help when troubleshooting.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]How often do metal detectors need to be certified?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] Due to the requirements of government regulations, HACCP and large buyers, you may require a certificate to validate the proper functionality of your metal detector as often as four times a year. Fortress Technology’s field specialists will provide you with an on-site Certificate of Calibration to help ensure you meet your auditor’s requirements.
We recommend a Preventive Maintenance Check for a Certificate of Calibration be completed on an annual basis.
To book a service for your Fortress Technology metal detector, please contact us to arrange a convenient time for us to visit your site.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]What is the detector capable of detecting?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] The capability of the metal detector is dependent on many factors; the most common limiting factor is the product effect. In many applications, the product itself may be conductive and act like metal. This effect must be overcome first before sensitivity can be determined. The sensitivity is not only regulated by product effect but other factors such as, but not limited to, aperture size, operating frequency, product speed and environment may also limit sensitivity. To determine the achievable sensitivity for your product, contact us to arrange a free product test.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]Are there any specific steps to maintain the metal detector system?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] As with any piece of vital precision machinery, high performance can only be assured if the metal detector is regularly and properly maintained. This can be achieved by implementing a planned program of preventative maintenance at regular intervals. Maintenance can be carried out by the equipment manufacturers or by in company engineers, provided that they have been trained by the manufacturers. After any repairs, maintenance or adjustments, a full metal detector test must be carried out before the system is used again.
Generally, maintenance consists of the following:
- Inspecting the detector and system for damage
- Inspecting mechanical parts for signs of wear
- Ensuring electrical connections and cable entries are tight
- Keeping the system clean
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]Does my Fortress detector detect all metals?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] Unless you are inspecting product with pure aluminum packaging which requires a Ferrous in Foil detector, our metal detectors will detect all types of metal. Metal detectors are generally tested with ferrous, non-ferrous and 316 stainless steel test samples. Testing with these three types of samples ensures that the detector is capable of discovering all metals.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]We run our product in a foil packaging / metalized film. Can we still use a Fortress metal detector?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] Fortress metal detectors are capable of running products packaged in metalized film while maintaining a high level of sensitivity. However, if the detector was not originally configured for this application, you may need some assistance. When the packaging material is pure aluminum foil, such as an oven ready tray, it will be too much to overcome and the user will need to use a ferrous in foil detector. In these situations, we recommend that the detector be installed before the packaging process. Please contact our sales or service department for more information.
[/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_content_wrapper] [expanding_title]How often should we test the metal detector with the metal test samples?[/expanding_title] [expanding_content] Testing frequency is typically dictated by your internal food safety plan, industry standards, and/or audit requirements. We recommend testing on an hourly basis, as well as, at the beginning of a product run or at a shift change. For more information about how to test your metal detector, view our training video. [/expanding_content][/expanding_content_wrapper] If you have a question not mentioned above, feel free to contact us for more information.
