Optimum Speed vs Minimum Downtime

Keeping productivity at their optimum levels is vital in all manufacturing Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) environments. Downtime on production lines has an adverse effect, not just on profits but on waste, energy and time.

Key factors to look at our speed, which should not be delayed by product inspection equipment. The use of quality control, inspection equipment is important and has an effect operating speeds. The technology today can ensure that systems are flexible enough to exceed speed levels with a vast array machinery available from x-ray and metal detection through to check weighing and vision systems. All these systems have been developed to operate on an in-line basis ensuring 100% of products can be inspected.

Also to consider is flexibility to allow manufacturers to work with more than one product, using a variety of packaging materials, sizes and combinations. Installing a system that is able to handle a range of products and how they present at inspection will allow for an increase in productivity and a system’s ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously increases this still further. X-ray systems, for example, are capable of detecting contaminants such as metal, glass, bone, rubber and plastic components, at the same time as performing other product integrity checks, such as monitoring fill levels and checking for damage to packaging.

Also to consider is the reject system once flaws have been identified. In-feed and reject systems can be tailored to each manufacturers quality specifications, and designed to be integrated into existing lines resulting in downtime being minimised when it comes to installation.

While productivity as a whole must be viewed across lines in their entirety, ensuring product inspection equipment will not lead to serious production difficulties is a key element to get right. By working with experts to tailor the best solutions possible, manufacturers can focus on improving other areas of those lines, while having the confidence to leave product inspection equipment to do its job. This is something that a systems integrator is able to initiate a project, allowing existing engineering staff to concentrate on the day to day running of manufacturing lines. A team from the Northwest of England are not only able to modify lines, improve OEE and integrate end of line packaging machinery but also introduce accumulation to ensure line performances are maximised.