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 X-ray Inspection

 Go beyond contaminant detection


Our x-ray inspection system detects low-density contaminants such as stone, glass and bone.

The attributes of x-ray inspection systems and metal detectors for contaminant inspection.

X-ray systems can detect stone, glass, and bone as well as metal contaminants. Metal detectors can detect the entire range of metals such as ferrous, non-ferrous, aluminum, etc. Since the principle of detecting contaminants differs between x-ray systems and metal detectors, the type of likely contaminants needs to be considered in selecting the appropriate inspection system.

Is x-ray system better than metal detector?

X-ray system detects glass, rubber, etc. as well as metal fragments. It seems that x-ray system excels in detection performance when comparing the type of detectable contaminants. However, metal detector detects some of foreign objects that cannot be detected by x-ray system.

X-ray detection target area
The difficulty of detecting contaminants

Best-in-class inspection capability - 0.2 mm diameter metal

The Anritsu UltraHD technology installed in our machines can detect even the most minute contaminants - 0.2 mm diameter ferrous, non-ferrous and stainless steel spheres at production line speeds. Tuning the algorithm to match the new high-sensitivity sensor easily detects low-contrast contaminants such as bone and plastics.

*Using the h-series with our in-house test pieces.


Anritsu's ability to detect contaminants with high accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability is unmatched in the industry.

<Our unique image processing technology> The unprocessed x-ray image (below) includes noise due to the shape and characteristics of the inspected item. Anritsu signal-processing technology and image-processing algorithms accurately capture contaminant signals.

Signal Processing Technology
Signal processing advancements allow detection of smaller contaminants.


<Signal Processing Technology> Signal processing (filtering) of x-ray images two or more times enhances detection of contaminants signals, realizing detection of diverse contaminants ranging from soft contaminants such as bone to metal contaminants.

Signal processing advancements

Shape Detection

●Package Check

Packages of sliced ham, etc., are checked to ensure none of the contents is caught in sealed parts.

Package Check

●Void Check

Inspects voids and air bubbles entrapped in retort food, cheese, or butter for maintaining freshness.

Void Check

●Missing Product Detection

[Count detection] Inspects the number of pieces per pack of vertically packed biscuits or cookies.

Count detection

[Virtual weight detection] Shortages in the number of items in a package can be found when the amount is displayed as number of contained pieces and detecting such shortages based on mass is difficult, because each piece has variable mass.

Virtual weight detection: Example of a package containing 12 cupcakes

●Shape Detection

The shape, area and mass are analyzed from x-ray images to find irregularities including breaks and chips. Missing fillings can also be spotted.

Shape Detection

●Mask Functions

Detection sensitivity is improved by masking according to product characteristics such as forms and shapes.

Mask Functions