| 1 | Equipment Definition | A carton box metal detector is an inline inspection system that detects ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contamination in products or packages moving through an electromagnetic detection zone. | It is installed on a conveyor line to inspect sealed cartons before storage, shipment, or secondary packaging. | Confirm whether the system is intended for unpackaged products, packaged goods, or finished cartons. |
| 2 | Detection Technology | Most industrial units use a balanced-coil electromagnetic system with a transmitter coil and receiver coils. | The aperture creates a controlled inspection field through which each carton passes. | Multi-frequency or product-compensation technology can improve performance when the product has high moisture, salt, or conductivity. |
| 3 | Contaminants Detected | Common detectable materials include iron, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum, subject to product and machine conditions. | The detector can identify metal fragments introduced during processing, packing, maintenance, or equipment wear. | Detection capability should be validated with certified test pieces under actual production conditions. |
| 4 | Typical Conveyor Speed | Many conveyor-based systems operate at approximately 20 to 60 meters per minute, while specialized systems may operate outside this range. | The conveyor must transport cartons through the aperture at a stable and repeatable speed. | Specify the maximum carton rate, spacing between cartons, and required response time of the rejection device. |
| 5 | Product Opening Size | Available aperture dimensions vary widely; common food-packaging applications use openings approximately 200 to 600 mm wide and 100 to 300 mm high. | The aperture must be large enough for the largest carton while remaining as small as practical for better sensitivity. | Measure the maximum carton width and height, including conveyor clearance and product movement tolerance. |
| 6 | Inspection Sensitivity | Sensitivity is normally expressed as the smallest certified metal test sphere or wire that can be detected reliably under defined conditions. | Actual sensitivity depends on aperture size, product effect, carton orientation, speed, and the type and location of contamination. | Do not compare sensitivity figures unless the test conditions, product, aperture, and test-piece standards are the same. |
| 7 | Carton and Packaging Compatibility | Corrugated cardboard, paperboard, plastic film, and many dry packaged products are generally compatible with metal detection. | The detector inspects the carton without opening it, provided the packaging does not contain conductive or metallic components that create excessive interference. | Check carton staples, metalized films, foil liners, conductive inks, clips, and nearby metal structures before final selection. |
| 8 | Rejection Methods | Typical automatic rejection options include air blast, push arm, swing arm, drop flap, belt stop, and diverter systems. | The reject mechanism removes or diverts a contaminated carton after the detector sends a signal. | The rejection method should match carton weight, line speed, product fragility, and the required fail-safe behavior. |
| 9 | Hygiene and Construction | Food-processing models commonly use stainless-steel frames, sealed electrical enclosures, smooth surfaces, and washdown-compatible components. | The construction helps the system withstand routine cleaning and reduces areas where dust, moisture, or product residue can accumulate. | Review the required ingress-protection rating, cleaning chemicals, drainage design, and applicable sanitary standards. |
| 10 | Verification and Compliance | Production systems commonly include password access, automatic test routines, event records, alarm functions, and rejection confirmation. | These features support traceability and help verify that contaminated cartons are detected and removed consistently. | Define testing frequency, record-retention requirements, reject-bin monitoring, and applicable food-safety or quality-system rules. |