Thermo Scientific Xpert C400 X-Ray Inspection System

Importance of the Topic

The control of foreign objects and verification of product integrity in packaged foods are critical for consumer safety, regulatory compliance and brand protection. High‐performance X‐ray inspection systems enable manufacturers to detect a wide range of contaminants and ensure consistent product quality across diverse production lines.

Objectives and Overview

This summary examines the Thermo Scientific Xpert C400 X-Ray Inspection System, designed to provide reliable contaminant detection, product integrity verification and mass estimation. The system combines advanced imaging algorithms with modular hardware to support food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods inspection.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Xpert C400 uses a high‐reliability X‐ray source operating at 70 kV/1.2 mA or 80 kV/2 mA and a high‐resolution detector scanning up to 2800 lines per second. Key features include:

• Detector resolution of 0.8 mm standard or 0.4 mm optional
• Inspection algorithms covering binary, contrast, gradient, morphology and weight/count analysis
• Conveyor belt speeds from 10 to 80 m/min with FDA approved urethane belting
• Modular infeed and outfeed conveyor options, reject mechanisms and adjustable aperture sizes
• Safety and interlock features including emergency stops, X‐ray key switch and radiation curtains
• 15 inch washdown touchscreen HMI with watertight USB and Ethernet connectivity

Instrumentation Used

The system employs food safe materials for contact surfaces, built-in air conditioning to maintain stable temperatures, a no‐lead X‐ray shielding curtain on an adjustable frame and multiple reject devices such as air blast and pusher options with bin full verification.

Main Results and Discussion

Field performance demonstrates state‐of‐the‐art sensitivity in detecting metal, stone, glass, bone and high‐density plastics while minimizing false rejects. The modular mechanical design allows rapid belt changes and simplified maintenance. Advanced software tools support real‐time filter adjustment, reject image storage, automated data logging and remote monitoring for faster troubleshooting.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Manufacturers can integrate this system into existing lines to meet HACCP and retailer safety standards. It delivers consistent contaminant rejection, mass estimation for fill control and end-of-line verification for products ranging from snack foods to toothpaste tubes, enhancing quality assurance and reducing recall risks.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Next-generation developments may include machine learning algorithms for adaptive inspection, cloud-based analytics for predictive maintenance, integration with Industry 4.0 platforms and expanded multispectral X-ray imaging for improved material differentiation.

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific Xpert C400 offers a robust, high‐performance X-ray inspection platform that balances detection sensitivity, operational reliability and total cost of ownership. Its flexible, modular architecture and advanced software make it an expert solution for diverse quality control needs.

References

No literature references were provided in the source document.