Loma launches its new X-ray contaminant inspection machine

The equipment manufacturer Loma Systems launched its new X-ray contaminant inspection machine, a model aimed at food manufacturers, processors and packers running multi-product, retail ready lines that are keen to make the switch to X-ray technology for the first time.

Manufactured at Loma’s facility in Farnborough, the new X5c adheres to the company’s ‘Designed to Survive’ ethos whilst reducing the cost of ownership of X-ray inspection technology by an industry-beating 30%. It represents significant investment by Loma in developing a fully specified system that offers good quality contaminant inspection using a reduced number of well-proven subcomponents and streamlined design.

Loma’s new X5c is multilevel password protected for improved data management, which means the system can log events against individual operators. Produced from brushed stainless steel, it also offers an ultra-hygienic design for easy cleaning and low maintenance and serviceability. A quick release belt can be completely removed without the need for tools or the belt tension can be eased for cleaning. The X5c also has sloping surfaces to stop food particles and washdown droplets accumulating in crevices and to reduce drying time.

Ideal for the detection of glass, calcified bone, rubber, stone as well as ferrous, non ferrous and stainless steel metal in various packaging. Loma’s X5c operates at line speeds up to 50 meter per minute and measures just one meter in length. It is capable of handling products up to 100mm (height) x and 300mm (width) but weighing no more than 3kg – making it ideal for the inspection of ready meal lines in particular.

With energy saving benefits and providing balanced processing power to inspection, the X5c incorporates a detector array with 0.8mm diode pitch offering a low power and self-contained high efficiency X-ray generator. A simple, effective cooling mechanism ensures long tank life.

Tony Bryant, Loma Systems’ UK Sales Manager comments:

“The development of the X5C is another example of Loma’s flexible approach and ability to quickly adapt to the needs of the market. With the recent BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 7 and retailers’ Codes of Practice further recognizing the use of X-ray inspection systems in the food industry, Loma used its considerable knowledge, experience and resources to build a system that offers major cost advantages and opens up X-ray inspection technology to those food manufacturers, processors and packers who previously considered it too expensive”.

Tony adds:

“In terms of cost, it compares extremely favorably with other types of inspection equipment. Although it is a streamlined unit, the X5C has been designed using industry-proven subcomponents which have been optimized to give the maximum performance. It really does offer excellent value for money and will give smaller food companies the peace of mind that they have quality control procedures in place that meet the requirements of major retailers.”

Loma’s X5C features an easy to use eight inch intuitive touch screen. The X5c PC has been migrated to a Windows Embedded Standard operating system ensuring continued support from Microsoft. It has a high speed USB port and simple Ethernet connection for easy outputting of reports.

As with all Loma’s products, customers benefit from a high level of before and after sales service and receive a tailor made solution to their X-ray inspection requirements.