Reinforcing its position at the forefront of cutting-edge food industry inspection equipment, Loma Systems (www.loma.com; 800-872-LOMA) has responded to growing demand for a compact and cost effective yet highly functional X-ray machine in North America. The revolutionary new X5c (Compact) model is 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 or as end of the line product quality checker.

Manufactured at Loma’s state-of-the-art facilities, the new X5c adheres to the company’s ‘Designed to Survive’ philosophy while reducing the cost of ownership of X-ray inspection technology compare to other X5 models. 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.

The X5c has multilevel password protection for improved data management, which means the system can log events against individual operators. Produced from brushed 304 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 sloping surfaces of the X5c prevents food particles and water droplets accumulating in crevices thus reducing drying time.

Ideal for the detection of glass, calcified bone, dense plastic, rubber, stone as well as ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel metals in various packaging. The X5c operates at line speeds up to 50 meters (164ft) per minute and measures just one meter (3.3ft) in length. It is capable of handling products up to 100mm (3.94in) in height and 300mm (11.8in) in width and weighing no more than 3kg (6.6 lbs) – making it ideal for the inspection of ready meal lines in particular.

With significant energy saving benefits and providing the best balance of processing power to inspection, the X5c incorporates a detector array with 0.8mm diode pitch offering a low power of up to 80W per hour and self-contained high efficiency X-ray generator. A simple, effective cooling mechanism ensures long tank life.

Tomasz Strzemecki, X-Ray Product Manager for Loma Systems, comments: “We are very excited to introduce the new X5c Compact X-Ray inspection system in North America which we have developed for customers who are ready to make the switch from Metal Detection to X-Ray technology or where space is restricted. With its small footprint, the X5c would typically be placed at the end of production lines where it is also capable of providing quality checks for broken or damaged products and overall monitoring of fill levels and portion control.”

The X5c features an easy to use eight inch intuitive touch screen. The integrated PC has utilizes a Windows Embedded Standard operating system ensuring continued support from Microsoft. A high speed USB port and simple Ethernet connection are included for easy reporting.

As with all products from Loma Systems, customers benefit from a high level of before and after sales service as well as customized solutions for their X-ray inspection requirements.