Fortress Technology launches integrated 3-in-1 inspection system at Interpack 2026
Fortress Technology is introducing the Raptor Tritek at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf (7-13 May 2026) – a fully integrated food inspection system combining metal detection, checkweighing and vision technology within a single 2.5-metre stainless steel frame.
The compact combination system is designed to address food safety, weight compliance and labelling requirements simultaneously, offering food manufacturers a space-efficient alternative to modular inspection setups. The Raptor Tritek is at least 40% shorter in length compared to conventional modular systems that require individual connection of metal detectors, checkweighers and label vision systems via multiple conveyors and support frames.
Hygienic design as a core specification
Meeting HACCP, BRCGS, GFSI and IFS food safety and hygiene design principles, the system has been developed with sanitation practicality in mind. All three inspection technologies are integrated within a single frame, providing production staff with unobstructed, accessible and cleanable surfaces – a design feature intended to reduce the risk of microbiological and physical contamination.
The frame structure itself reflects this hygienic intent. Phil Brown, European Sales Director at Fortress Technology, notes: “Unlike standard-length models, which typically stand on twelve feet, our compact Raptor Tritek stands on only six. By halving the number of floor contact points and threads, the potential for dirt, debris and microorganisms to accumulate is greatly diminished, further enhancing the overall hygiene and safety of the production environment.”
Metal detection and checkweighing in a single pass
The Raptor Tritek inspects packaged food products – including meats, dairy, prepared meals, chilled pizzas, bakery items and confectionery – at an average throughput of 150 packs per minute. The system is available in four belt widths (100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm) to accommodate varying product dimensions and line configurations.
A key operational feature is the Conveyor Run Only Mode, which ensures HACCP metal detection remains active even when check-weighing is not required. As Brown explains: “Checkweighing is essential for quality control. But HACCP stipulates that product should never leave the production facility and be distributed to retailers if not inspected for potential metal contamination.” Separate reject mechanisms isolate metal contamination and weight rejects independently, reducing unnecessary food waste.
The high-performance metal detector automatically compensates for application-specific product effect, and a Single Pass Learning feature allows rapid calibration – automatically adjusting detector settings based on the product signal for accurate inspection results.
Vision system and label verification
Cameras positioned above and below the conveyor capture simultaneous images of both label surfaces as products transition from the checkweighing to the outfeed conveyor. Brown describes the capability: “Our integrated vision system uses advanced optical character recognition (OCR) to detect and reject faulty labels, printing errors and poor-quality print in real time.”
The vision system automatically recognises label layout, font and colour during setup, removing the need for manual data entry and reducing configuration time.
Connectivity and data reporting
The Raptor Tritek supports Industry 4.0 integration through Contact 4.0, enabling food processors to extract and align inspection data from multiple production applications to a common reporting structure. OPC UA and Ethernet/IP Adapters can be used to aggregate data across combination and inspection machines and route it through centralised data systems.
Metal detection and checkweighing functions are managed via a single HMI screen, with up to 500 stored product settings and graphical guidance to reduce operator error during changeover procedures.
Fortress Technology will exhibit the Raptor Tritek at Interpack 2026, Hall 11, Stand E30.
For more information, visit: www.fortresstechnology.co.uk
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