A metal detector fitted on an automatic bagging line is helping Thorntons to scan a variety of different shapes of bags of chocolates.

The Goring Kerr DSP3, from Thermo Electron, can be supplied configured to suit virtually any packaging application.

In its packaging building Thorntons uses freestanding mobile metal detectors, which are situated at the side of the conveyor, and in-line DSP3 units. "This is advantageous as product simply comes out from the checkweigher straight through the detector ready to be packaged," says Peter Leam, electrical maintenance engineer.

"The self-test function is particularly useful as it lets us know if the machine has failed and stopped working, thus saving time as operators do not have to check every hour or so."

Contact: Thermo Electron,

Tel: 01788 820300