Measurement Sensors for the Food and Beverage Industry

Consistent quality is paramount in food production, so precision measurements are used throughout the entire food and beverage processing. Precision measurement sensors govern the entire process, with the end goal of ensuring the right ingredients are added in correct proportions, all temperatures are accurately maintained, and all products are adequately packaged.

However, precise measurement in the food and beverage industry doesn’t relate to product quality alone. The use of precise measurement sensors also optimizes the use of ingredients and resources, leading to waste reduction—overuse of ingredients adds to unnecessary costs, while underuse leads to substandard products.

Thus, measurement systems help optimize the food and beverage production process, minimize waste and associated costs, and ensure the quality and safety of products.

The food and beverage industry relies heavily on various non-contact sensors to inspect the quality of its products. However, most systems rely on color contrast to detect defects or missing parts. Because product materials can vary in color, it can make it difficult for various cameras to detect defects and differentiate them from expected patterns.

KEYENCE’s 2D/3D Profilers, such as the LJ-X8000 Series, alleviate these problems. For example, they can detect dimensional differences in case of missing or even misaligned products. These inspection sensors use laser displacement technology to measure the height, width, and other physical properties of a particular product. This makes them more reliable than contrast sensors, as they’re unaffected by color.

The food and beverage industry often relies on packaging that’s either easily deformed or damaged by physical sensors, which only underlines the importance of precise, non-contact measurements.

Sensor selection mostly depends on the type of packaging. For example, the LJ-X Series measures variance down to the single-digit µm level, making it perfect for inspecting shrink-wrapping tears, lid height differences, and burrs.

Likewise, confocal displacement lasers, such as KEYENCE’s CL-3000 Series, are capable of handling various surface conditions. This guarantees consistent and dependable cap seating inspection, regardless of the material or color of the cap.

Of course, the packaging inspection doesn’t end there. Our sensors offer innovative solutions for almost every type of non-contact packaging inspection. In the end, packaging protects and preserves the food and beverage, and it has to be adequately inspected before it’s dispatched to the end consumer.

Automated inspection with non-contact sensors offer real-time defect detection that’s much faster, more reliable, and consistent compared to manual inspection. These systems can detect various issues in the early stages of production, thereby reducing the number of defective products that reach packaging and shipment.

If you’re looking to enhance the quality of your product, the cost-effectiveness of your manufacturing process, and reduce waste with proper inspection, don’t hesitate to contact KEYENCE. We offer innovative solutions for the food and beverage industry, and our professional staff can answer any inquiries related to integrations and implementations into pre-existing production lines.