You can submit a service request by contacting our service department or your local distributor.
Visit our test samples page to place an order:
We suggest having a complete spare parts kit on hand. Having a complete set will help get the best results when troubleshooting. Contact Parts for more information.
As with any piece of vital precision machinery, high performance can only be assured if the system is regularly and properly maintained. You can achieve this by implementing a planned preventative maintenance program at regular intervals. Maintenance can be carried out by the equipment manufacturers or in-house company engineers, provided that the manufacturers have trained them. After any repairs, maintenance or adjustments, we’ll perform a full metal detector test before you can use the system again.
Generally, maintenance consists of the following steps:
- Inspecting the system for damage
- Inspecting mechanical parts for signs of wear
- Ensuring electrical connections and cable entries are tight
- Keeping the system clean
Fortress Technology systems support compliance with GFSI-benchmarked standards such as BRCGS and SQF by strengthening foreign-body control, verification and traceability programs. Our inspection systems, automatic testing solutions like Halo, and data collection tools help processors validate CCP performance, automate routine verification, and generate time-stamped records to support audit requirements and HACCP-based food safety programs.
Highly trained help is just a call away as we offer free telephone support to all our customers. Our dedicated, courteous service support team is on standby to answer your questions and offer expert advice. Fortress has a dedicated team of Service engineers based throughout North America who are ready to respond to our customer’s requirements. Contact our Service department for more information on technical support.
There is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution to producing safe products or protecting your equipment from metal contaminants. Fortress custom manufactures over 90% of its systems because of market demand. We work with you to determine the best solution based on your product, process, and application requirements. Contact us to discuss the details.
It’s obvious which type of inspection technology to use in some applications since only one of them can reliably detect metal contaminants that pose the risk you’re trying to mitigate. However, it’s not always that straightforward. We recommend reviewing our whitepaper “Metal Detectors Versus X-Ray Systems, the Top 3 Comparison factors to consider” to help guide your decision.
The capability of the metal detector depends on many factors; the most common limiting factor is the product effect. The product itself may be conductive and act like metal in many applications. This effect must be overcome first before sensitivity can be determined. The sensitivity is not only regulated by product effect but other factors like aperture size, operating frequency, product speed and environment. To determine the achievable sensitivity of your product, contact us to arrange a free product test.
Unless you are inspecting a product with pure aluminum packaging, which requires a Ferrous in Foil detector, our metal detectors will detect all types of metal. Metal detectors are generally tested with ferrous, non-ferrous and 316 stainless steel test samples. Testing with these three types of samples ensures that the detector is capable of discovering all metals.
Fortress metal detectors can run products packaged in metalized film while maintaining a high level of sensitivity. However, you may need some assistance if the detector was not originally configured for this application. When the packaging material is pure aluminum foil, such as an oven-ready tray, it’ll be too much to overcome, and the user will need to use a ferrous foil detector. In these situations, we recommend that the detector be installed before the packaging process. Please contact our sales or service department for more information.
This depends mainly on your product and your process. If your customer has asked you to meet a specified sensitivity spec, it is best to send us samples of your product to determine the achievable sensitivity. Contact our experts to make arrangements for free product testing.
Due to requirements of government regulations, HACCP and large buyers, you may need a certificate to validate the proper functionality of your metal detector as often as four times a year. Fortress Technology’s field specialists will provide you with an on-site Metal Detector Validation Certificate to help ensure you meet your auditor’s requirements.
We recommend you complete a Preventive Maintenance Check for a Metal Detector Validation Certificate annually.
Please contact us to book a service for your Fortress Technology metal detector, and we’ll arrange a convenient time for us to visit your site.
Testing frequency is typically dictated by your internal food safety plan, industry standards, and or audit requirements. We recommend testing hourly and at the beginning of a production run or a shift change. View our training video for more information about testing your metal detector.
We’d love to hear from you if you have a question not mentioned above. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
The most important information you can give our technicians is the serial number of the Fortress unit. The serial number allows our technicians to identify exactly what model you are working with. For locations, please click here.
We suggest having a complete spare parts kit on hand. This kit should include a power supply, search headboard, digital board (DSP) and control panel. Having a complete set will help get the best results when troubleshooting.
Raptor checkweighers are designed to weigh your products accurately, monitor production processes, and provide automatic feedback to communication systems. We work with you to determine the best solution for your requirements to get the system’s maximum performance.
Raptor checkweighers are precise automatic weighing systems designed to compensate for environmental or product effects that may impact the system’s accuracy. We recommend you send us samples of your product to determine the correct solution for your application.
The Raptor lineup covers product weight ranges as low as 50g on standard-duty Raptors and up to 50kg with a Raptor BBK caseweigher.
One of the standard features on all Raptor checkweighers is our Conveyor-Run-Only mode, CRO. It allows you to keep running the system as a conveyor when checkweighing is not required, ensuring downtime is a thing of the past.
By controlling overweight products, checkweighers often offer a fast Return on Investment. Reducing product giveaway can result in significant cost savings.
As a standard, Fortress Raptors come with automatic batch data collection easily extracted via USB by a logged-in user. Fortress’ proprietary Contact 4.0 software enables you to collect live data and monitor all Fortress-built metal detectors and checkweighers in one interface. Additional options include OPC-UA and Ethernet-IP for other communication needs.
You may be required to routinely calibrate your system according to location and local regulations. However, we recommend calibration once a year at minimum, which requires calibrating the Raptor with a certified and controlled calibration weight. Contact us today to schedule your Raptor calibration.
Check weight testing is conducted to verify the performance of the checkweigher during production without interrupting or stopping the line. The frequency of these tests will vary based on your company’s policies and production volume.
Governments and industry-specific regulatory bodies may require mandatory weighing of all packs and batch data recording to ensure standards are being met and tracked. These regulations often vary by industry and location. Further benefits of including checkweighing into your process include brand protection, giveaway cost savings, and production monitoring.
Yes. Our standard duty (non heavy-duty) checkweighers feature a tool-less belt removal system, allowing quick and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. This design supports faster sanitation changeovers and makes routine maintenance checks simpler and more efficient.
Icon X-ray systems are designed to obtain the best possible inspection levels for a wide variety of foreign body contaminants and potential quality issues within your product. We will work with you to determine the best solution to meet your and your customer’s requirements.
Icon X-ray systems can detect the following:
- Metal – Ferrous/Stainless Steel (Very high detectability)
- Metal – Aluminum (Detectable)
- Glass (Detectable)
- Ceramic (Detectable)
- Plastic (Detectable)
- Bone (Some are detectable)
- Stone (Mostly detectable)
- Organic Contaminants (Limited detectability)
Detection performance can vary depending on product characteristics. Upon request, our dedicated support team will test your product at our facility to determine the optimized foreign body detection capabilities for your product using our Icon X-ray. The results of the product trials will be discussed, and together, we can select the best X-ray system specifications for your requirements. Contact us to request product testing.
Governments and industry-specific regulatory bodies often mandate the inspection of all products processed by your production line. These regulations may vary by industry and location. Conducting thorough inspections for foreign body contamination ensures the highest quality of your product, safeguards your customers, and protects your brand. Additionally, retailer requirements may stipulate that your products meet certain safety and quality standards to be eligible for sale.
X-ray inspection is not limited to metalized contaminants or contaminants that are on the surface of a product. Fortress Icon X-ray systems can complete a comprehensive inspection of your product and identify a wide range of materials (metalized and non-metalized) that you may consider unwanted. Along with contamination detection, the Fortress Icon can identify possible quality control issues that other technologies may miss.
The most common high-risk contamination culprit in food manufacturing facilities remains metal. There are certain metals an X-ray cannot detect in food products that a metal detector can. This includes lightweight foil strips, very thin blades and low-density alloys i.e., aluminum contaminants.
The decision to invest in X-ray or metal detection equipment on food processing lines is dependent upon a manufacturer’s requirements. Inspection systems should be selected based on operational needs and a risk analysis. If it’s determined that having an X-ray is necessary, have both – they are complementary technologies. For more information, download our white paper: Rethinking Product Inspection with Metal Detection and X-ray Systems.
One of the standard features on all Icon systems is our Conveyor-Run-Only mode (CRO). The override option allows you to keep running the system as a conveyor when X-ray functionality is not required.
Registration and safety logs are a common requirement for each X-ray installation. Local and state authorities are sometimes required to perform a periodic inspection of the equipment. The end user should be careful to ensure that all safety codes and regulations are being complied with. Personnel safety training and employee education is a requirement.
It is the end user’s responsibility to conform to all local and state safety regulations that apply. Relying on the manufacturer’s assurance of compliance alone may not be adequate. Pay particular attention to the FDA regulation that states no part of the human body should be able to reach the main X-ray beam. Many low-cost X-ray systems have been shortened to reduce cost and space, so may be infracting upon this regulation. Ensure that any additional safeguards required for installation are fully considered.
Requirements vary based on state and province regulations. It is essential to thoroughly research your local regulations to ensure compliance with installation and usage requirements for an X-ray system. For further clarification on the measures required in your facility, please contact us.
As part of the Fortress Technology service package, a complete range of certifications such as performance verifications, preventative maintenance and radiation surveys can be provided to meet food safety regulations such as BRC, GFSI, SQF and other relevant standards. The documents provided will include quality control and health and safety documentation that will be completed by one of our service Engineers.
X-rays, if used by untrained operators or used without the correct safety precautions can pose a health risk. When the X-ray tube is energized, X-rays are produced and radiation is generated. When turned off, the generation of radiation ceases. When utilizing this type of X-ray, there are stringent regulations governing radiation leakage and dosage. Cabinet X-ray systems such as the Icon contain a completely shielded enclosure around the X-ray generator and inspection area that reduces the level concerning X-rays beyond the allowable limits for operators. For more information on radiation safety and exposure limits, see our Radiation Safety Basics Guide.
No, when X-rays are turned off or power is removed from the system, the generator will be turned off and will no longer create X-ray radiation.
Most applications require an X-ray system be re-calibrated regularly (once or twice every shift). The calibration process for the Icon X-ray is automated upon system start-up, completing within seconds to ensure optimal performance and ease of use. Performing this calibration properly with no product present can take a few minutes on some X-ray systems.
Although X-ray machines can be built to withstand water, there is always a risk when introducing moisture near electronics. Similarly, dust, heat and cold temperatures can shorten an X-ray’s life span, including their components. For this reason, X-rays are less commonly deployed upstream in bulk, farming, gravity, ingredient or raw processing areas in a food production plant.
With any piece of vital precision machinery, high performance and reliability can only be assured if the system is regularly and properly maintained. Fortress will work with you to ensure the correct planned preventative maintenance program is in place. Maintenance can be done by Fortress or in-company engineers that are trained and competent. After any repairs, maintenance or adjustments, compliance tests must be carried out before running the system in production.
Generally, routine maintenance involves:
– Inspecting the machine for damage
– Inspecting mechanical parts for signs of wear as required
– Ensuring all safeguards are in place and functioning properly (i.e., interlocks, shielding and curtains)
– Keeping the system clean
Contact us to receive our Preventative Maintenance Guide for X-ray systems.
Fortress suggests having, at minimum, a basic spare parts kit on hand. The benefit of having parts available at your facility is the reduction of downtime on your line. Contact us to receive a list of recommended and critical parts specific to the system that you purchased.
The X-ray generator is fully sealed, eliminating the need for oil changes. This simplifies maintenance and significantly reduces costly downtime.
A range of training courses are available to our customer base, such as Operator Training and Radiation Safety Basics courses. The training can be carried out at your facility or our Head Office, whichever is more convenient for your business. Contact us to inquire about our training courses.
Service & Ongoing Support
You can submit a service request by contacting our service department or your local distributor.
Visit our test samples page to place an order:
We suggest having a complete spare parts kit on hand. Having a complete set will help get the best results when troubleshooting. Contact Parts for more information.
As with any piece of vital precision machinery, high performance can only be assured if the system is regularly and properly maintained. You can achieve this by implementing a planned preventative maintenance program at regular intervals. Maintenance can be carried out by the equipment manufacturers or in-house company engineers, provided that the manufacturers have trained them. After any repairs, maintenance or adjustments, we’ll perform a full metal detector test before you can use the system again.
Generally, maintenance consists of the following steps:
- Inspecting the system for damage
- Inspecting mechanical parts for signs of wear
- Ensuring electrical connections and cable entries are tight
- Keeping the system clean
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Fortress Technology systems support compliance with GFSI-benchmarked standards such as BRCGS and SQF by strengthening foreign-body control, verification and traceability programs. Our inspection systems, automatic testing solutions like Halo, and data collection tools help processors validate CCP performance, automate routine verification, and generate time-stamped records to support audit requirements and HACCP-based food safety programs.
Technical Support and Training
Highly trained help is just a call away as we offer free telephone support to all our customers. Our dedicated, courteous service support team is on standby to answer your questions and offer expert advice. Fortress has a dedicated team of Service engineers based throughout North America who are ready to respond to our customer’s requirements. Contact our Service department for more information on technical support.
System Selection & Application
There is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution to producing safe products or protecting your equipment from metal contaminants. Fortress custom manufactures over 90% of its systems because of market demand. We work with you to determine the best solution based on your product, process, and application requirements. Contact us to discuss the details.
It’s obvious which type of inspection technology to use in some applications since only one of them can reliably detect metal contaminants that pose the risk you’re trying to mitigate. However, it’s not always that straightforward. We recommend reviewing our whitepaper “Metal Detectors Versus X-Ray Systems, the Top 3 Comparison factors to consider” to help guide your decision.
The capability of the metal detector depends on many factors; the most common limiting factor is the product effect. The product itself may be conductive and act like metal in many applications. This effect must be overcome first before sensitivity can be determined. The sensitivity is not only regulated by product effect but other factors like aperture size, operating frequency, product speed and environment. To determine the achievable sensitivity of your product, contact us to arrange a free product test.
Unless you are inspecting a product with pure aluminum packaging, which requires a Ferrous in Foil detector, our metal detectors will detect all types of metal. Metal detectors are generally tested with ferrous, non-ferrous and 316 stainless steel test samples. Testing with these three types of samples ensures that the detector is capable of discovering all metals.
Fortress metal detectors can run products packaged in metalized film while maintaining a high level of sensitivity. However, you may need some assistance if the detector was not originally configured for this application. When the packaging material is pure aluminum foil, such as an oven-ready tray, it’ll be too much to overcome, and the user will need to use a ferrous foil detector. In these situations, we recommend that the detector be installed before the packaging process. Please contact our sales or service department for more information.
This depends mainly on your product and your process. If your customer has asked you to meet a specified sensitivity spec, it is best to send us samples of your product to determine the achievable sensitivity. Contact our experts to make arrangements for free product testing.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Due to requirements of government regulations, HACCP and large buyers, you may need a certificate to validate the proper functionality of your metal detector as often as four times a year. Fortress Technology’s field specialists will provide you with an on-site Metal Detector Validation Certificate to help ensure you meet your auditor’s requirements.
We recommend you complete a Preventive Maintenance Check for a Metal Detector Validation Certificate annually.
Please contact us to book a service for your Fortress Technology metal detector, and we’ll arrange a convenient time for us to visit your site.
Testing frequency is typically dictated by your internal food safety plan, industry standards, and or audit requirements. We recommend testing hourly and at the beginning of a production run or a shift change. View our training video for more information about testing your metal detector.
We’d love to hear from you if you have a question not mentioned above. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Service and Maintenance
The most important information you can give our technicians is the serial number of the Fortress unit. The serial number allows our technicians to identify exactly what model you are working with. For locations, please click here.
We suggest having a complete spare parts kit on hand. This kit should include a power supply, search headboard, digital board (DSP) and control panel. Having a complete set will help get the best results when troubleshooting.
System Selection and Performance
Raptor checkweighers are designed to weigh your products accurately, monitor production processes, and provide automatic feedback to communication systems. We work with you to determine the best solution for your requirements to get the system’s maximum performance.
Raptor checkweighers are precise automatic weighing systems designed to compensate for environmental or product effects that may impact the system’s accuracy. We recommend you send us samples of your product to determine the correct solution for your application.
The Raptor lineup covers product weight ranges as low as 50g on standard-duty Raptors and up to 50kg with a Raptor BBK caseweigher.
One of the standard features on all Raptor checkweighers is our Conveyor-Run-Only mode, CRO. It allows you to keep running the system as a conveyor when checkweighing is not required, ensuring downtime is a thing of the past.
By controlling overweight products, checkweighers often offer a fast Return on Investment. Reducing product giveaway can result in significant cost savings.
Data Collection & Integration
As a standard, Fortress Raptors come with automatic batch data collection easily extracted via USB by a logged-in user. Fortress’ proprietary Contact 4.0 software enables you to collect live data and monitor all Fortress-built metal detectors and checkweighers in one interface. Additional options include OPC-UA and Ethernet-IP for other communication needs.
Compliance and Calibration
You may be required to routinely calibrate your system according to location and local regulations. However, we recommend calibration once a year at minimum, which requires calibrating the Raptor with a certified and controlled calibration weight. Contact us today to schedule your Raptor calibration.
Check weight testing is conducted to verify the performance of the checkweigher during production without interrupting or stopping the line. The frequency of these tests will vary based on your company’s policies and production volume.
Governments and industry-specific regulatory bodies may require mandatory weighing of all packs and batch data recording to ensure standards are being met and tracked. These regulations often vary by industry and location. Further benefits of including checkweighing into your process include brand protection, giveaway cost savings, and production monitoring.
Service & Maintenance
Yes. Our standard duty (non heavy-duty) checkweighers feature a tool-less belt removal system, allowing quick and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. This design supports faster sanitation changeovers and makes routine maintenance checks simpler and more efficient.
System Selection and Application
Icon X-ray systems are designed to obtain the best possible inspection levels for a wide variety of foreign body contaminants and potential quality issues within your product. We will work with you to determine the best solution to meet your and your customer’s requirements.
Icon X-ray systems can detect the following:
- Metal – Ferrous/Stainless Steel (Very high detectability)
- Metal – Aluminum (Detectable)
- Glass (Detectable)
- Ceramic (Detectable)
- Plastic (Detectable)
- Bone (Some are detectable)
- Stone (Mostly detectable)
- Organic Contaminants (Limited detectability)
Detection performance can vary depending on product characteristics. Upon request, our dedicated support team will test your product at our facility to determine the optimized foreign body detection capabilities for your product using our Icon X-ray. The results of the product trials will be discussed, and together, we can select the best X-ray system specifications for your requirements. Contact us to request product testing.
Governments and industry-specific regulatory bodies often mandate the inspection of all products processed by your production line. These regulations may vary by industry and location. Conducting thorough inspections for foreign body contamination ensures the highest quality of your product, safeguards your customers, and protects your brand. Additionally, retailer requirements may stipulate that your products meet certain safety and quality standards to be eligible for sale.
X-ray inspection is not limited to metalized contaminants or contaminants that are on the surface of a product. Fortress Icon X-ray systems can complete a comprehensive inspection of your product and identify a wide range of materials (metalized and non-metalized) that you may consider unwanted. Along with contamination detection, the Fortress Icon can identify possible quality control issues that other technologies may miss.
The most common high-risk contamination culprit in food manufacturing facilities remains metal. There are certain metals an X-ray cannot detect in food products that a metal detector can. This includes lightweight foil strips, very thin blades and low-density alloys i.e., aluminum contaminants.
The decision to invest in X-ray or metal detection equipment on food processing lines is dependent upon a manufacturer’s requirements. Inspection systems should be selected based on operational needs and a risk analysis. If it’s determined that having an X-ray is necessary, have both – they are complementary technologies. For more information, download our white paper: Rethinking Product Inspection with Metal Detection and X-ray Systems.
One of the standard features on all Icon systems is our Conveyor-Run-Only mode (CRO). The override option allows you to keep running the system as a conveyor when X-ray functionality is not required.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Registration and safety logs are a common requirement for each X-ray installation. Local and state authorities are sometimes required to perform a periodic inspection of the equipment. The end user should be careful to ensure that all safety codes and regulations are being complied with. Personnel safety training and employee education is a requirement.
It is the end user’s responsibility to conform to all local and state safety regulations that apply. Relying on the manufacturer’s assurance of compliance alone may not be adequate. Pay particular attention to the FDA regulation that states no part of the human body should be able to reach the main X-ray beam. Many low-cost X-ray systems have been shortened to reduce cost and space, so may be infracting upon this regulation. Ensure that any additional safeguards required for installation are fully considered.
Requirements vary based on state and province regulations. It is essential to thoroughly research your local regulations to ensure compliance with installation and usage requirements for an X-ray system. For further clarification on the measures required in your facility, please contact us.
As part of the Fortress Technology service package, a complete range of certifications such as performance verifications, preventative maintenance and radiation surveys can be provided to meet food safety regulations such as BRC, GFSI, SQF and other relevant standards. The documents provided will include quality control and health and safety documentation that will be completed by one of our service Engineers.
Safety and Radiation
X-rays, if used by untrained operators or used without the correct safety precautions can pose a health risk. When the X-ray tube is energized, X-rays are produced and radiation is generated. When turned off, the generation of radiation ceases. When utilizing this type of X-ray, there are stringent regulations governing radiation leakage and dosage. Cabinet X-ray systems such as the Icon contain a completely shielded enclosure around the X-ray generator and inspection area that reduces the level concerning X-rays beyond the allowable limits for operators. For more information on radiation safety and exposure limits, see our Radiation Safety Basics Guide.
No, when X-rays are turned off or power is removed from the system, the generator will be turned off and will no longer create X-ray radiation.
Calibration and Performance
Most applications require an X-ray system be re-calibrated regularly (once or twice every shift). The calibration process for the Icon X-ray is automated upon system start-up, completing within seconds to ensure optimal performance and ease of use. Performing this calibration properly with no product present can take a few minutes on some X-ray systems.
Although X-ray machines can be built to withstand water, there is always a risk when introducing moisture near electronics. Similarly, dust, heat and cold temperatures can shorten an X-ray’s life span, including their components. For this reason, X-rays are less commonly deployed upstream in bulk, farming, gravity, ingredient or raw processing areas in a food production plant.
Service and Maintenance
With any piece of vital precision machinery, high performance and reliability can only be assured if the system is regularly and properly maintained. Fortress will work with you to ensure the correct planned preventative maintenance program is in place. Maintenance can be done by Fortress or in-company engineers that are trained and competent. After any repairs, maintenance or adjustments, compliance tests must be carried out before running the system in production.
Generally, routine maintenance involves:
– Inspecting the machine for damage
– Inspecting mechanical parts for signs of wear as required
– Ensuring all safeguards are in place and functioning properly (i.e., interlocks, shielding and curtains)
– Keeping the system clean
Contact us to receive our Preventative Maintenance Guide for X-ray systems.
Fortress suggests having, at minimum, a basic spare parts kit on hand. The benefit of having parts available at your facility is the reduction of downtime on your line. Contact us to receive a list of recommended and critical parts specific to the system that you purchased.
The X-ray generator is fully sealed, eliminating the need for oil changes. This simplifies maintenance and significantly reduces costly downtime.
Training
A range of training courses are available to our customer base, such as Operator Training and Radiation Safety Basics courses. The training can be carried out at your facility or our Head Office, whichever is more convenient for your business. Contact us to inquire about our training courses.
