Packaging
LOMA LAUNCHES IQ3 METAL DETECTOR
Tuesday 13. May 2008 - Loma Systems launches its next generation of metal detection, the state-of-the-art IQ3, underlining the companys commitmment to ongoing development in the inspection system market. Lomas IQ3 has been engineered for quick, simple set up, unbeatable performance and is full of technical innovation. As with all Loma products, the IQ3 is built to last.
Metal Detection is the traditional choice for ensuring consumer products are free from potentially hazardous metal contaminants and Lomas new IQ3 Metal Detector range leads the field in sensitivity, stability and reliability.
The unit has a revolutionary case and coil geometry and delivers a quantum leap in immunity from vibration, electrical interference, case distortion and thermal shock. In addition, the system can be built with a variety of head sizes to accommodate virtually all applications. It is designed for a tough industrial environment – the integrity of the system meets IP69K harsh environment washdown specifications and enhanced protection for high temperatures.
The IQ3 is a true multi-frequency machine. It can operate at any frequency between 40kHz and 900kHz and has the ability to select the correct operating frequency in seconds, eliminating the past restrictions caused by single frequency and limited frequency detectors.
Sensitivity to metal in the product, especially stainless steel, is a function of the operating frequency of the metal detector. Normally the manufacturer needs to build the metal detector with a specific operating frequency to keep the “product effect” at manageable levels, while getting as much signal from non-magnetic metals as possible. If the frequency is too high, instability and false rejects due to product effect could result; if the frequency is too low the stainless steel detection capability is diminished.
Traditional single frequency metal detectors need internal adjustments when faced with a product that is materially different from others usually inspected on the line. Typically, an engineer must be called to fit new electronics and retune the metal detector, which can take several hours and delay production. With the multitude of frequencies available on the IQ3, operators can optimise performance over a wide range of products, where new products are continually being introduced such as those in the chilled food industry or where there is a need to frequently change metallic packaging materials. With increased flexibility, the IQ3 can easily be adapted to new products, switched to other production lines or manufacturing plants.
The IQ3 continues with the highly successful Performance Validation System (PVS), which automatically prompts the operator to test the performance at pre-set intervals, according to HACCP principles. This prompt takes the emphasis and responsibility off the operator, so verification of the test is not reliant on the operator. This unique feature means that the test results cannot be falsified and are automatically recorded by the system. In addition, if metal is detected in your product, the contaminant log lists when the contamination was detected and indicates its size.
Further to the PVS, the IQ3 has an Object linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC). OPC-enabled system allows operations managers to view data from their metal detector alongside information from other equipment on the production line. This helps facilitate efficient production lines and is an effective methodology for identifying and achieving a company efficient production line.
The IQ3 has the capacity to incorporate LomaEnet, an Ethernet Reports Capture System. This report and information management system allows the user to view and archive reports, which are required for HACCP and retailers codes of practice, and the system can be networked to any computer system to provide complete management information.
Loma is a world leader in the design and manufacture of equipment to detect product defects, specification variances or potentially harmful contaminants in consumer products. With a comprehensive range of Metal Detectors, Checkweighers, X-ray and Temperature Monitoring systems, Loma is committed to providing the most efficient and cost-effective solutions for all product inspection requirements.