Equipment Snapshot: A new X-ray machine from Thermo Fisher Scientific engineered to handle heavy product weights of up to 50 kilograms/110 pounds in IP65 washdown environments will make its debut at Interpack 2017, May 4-10 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Messe Dusseldorf, Hall 8a, Stand C77.

The Thermo Scientific NextGuard Pro X-ray inspection system—the latest model in the Thermo Scientific NextGuard X-ray inspection platform—features an extended, rugged, washdown conveyor that is capable of handling multiple large packages while also incorporating a complete rejection system.

“The NextGuard Pro is cost-effective and ideal for processors with larger, heavier products such as bagged rice or dog food, blocks of cheese, larger boxes and other dense products that are too heavy for a typical conveyor to accommodate. In addition, those looking for a complete food safety system on one frame will prefer the new configuration,” said Bob Ries, lead product manager, product inspection, Thermo Fisher.

Standard NextGuard C330 and C500 Pro X-ray machines are 1.5 meters long (infeed, X-ray and outfeed), but with configurable modular infeeds and outfeeds can be up to 3.5 meters long. All systems feature a fully integrated single belt design intended to eliminate potentially difficult product transfers between inspection and rejection. The monolithic approach also means rejection mechanisms, photo-eyes, shielding and other options can be easily accommodated.   

The NextGuard Pro was engineered after a wide range of customer applications were examined and the global need for this type of X-ray inspection/detection configuration became apparent. To meet the needs of processors in countries with more stringent X-ray radiation regulations, additional shielding options are available. The NextGuard technology platform, including the C330 conveyor and C500 wider-aperture model, is already used in more than 30 countries.