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Thermo Fisher Scientific unveils breakthrough metal detection technology

Intellitrack XR, a major advancement in signal processing methods, offers significantly improved performance in the most difficult applications.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. today announced Intellitrack XR (IXR), a new signal processing technology that will be integrated into the entire family of Thermo Scientific APEX metal detectors. As product safety and contamination detection remain top concerns for food, beverage and pharmaceutical companies, this breakthrough software addresses the demand for better performance in challenging situations where traditional “phase out” techniques are unable to meet strict standards.

Detecting metal in discrete wet products which change over time is particularly challenging for traditional phasing methods. IXR is specifically designed to handle these types of products, including cheeses, breads, water bottles and baby wipes. The innovative IXR technology learns and cancels the X (reactive) and R (resistive) product signals, leaving only the metal contaminant to be detected. To assure high-performance over time, the intelligent IXR tracks these product signals by adjusting product cancellation on the fly. This dual channel (X and R) cancellation approach eliminates the risk of phasing out a foreign metal object and having it go undetected.

"It's been nearly two decades since the last major advancement in metal detection signal processing technology - IXR is an entirely new method that offers a solution to customers who've had to settle for disappointing results in the past," said Bob Ries, product manager for process instruments at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "Making the world a safer place is part of our mission at Thermo Fisher Scientific, and this is a clear example of that commitment - we listened to our customers and developed a breakthrough technology that offers significantly better results and ultimately, helps ensure that consumers are receiving uncontaminated products."

Thermo Fisher Scientific has applied for a patent on the IXR software, and effective immediately, the software will be incorporated as a standard feature on all Thermo Scientific APEX metal detector models including the APEX 500, 300 and 100. All product inspection systems are backed by Thermo Fisher Scientific's worldwide service and support network.
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