Metal Detection Equipment
Combining trusted leak detection with advanced metal detection.
Metal Detection Systems for Empty Plastic Containers
ALPS Inspection has long been your trusted leak detection partner. As part of the TASI Test and Automation group of companies, we’re now partnering with CASSEL Inspection to extend our expertise into metal detection.
Metal impurities can occur in any production line, even when quality processes are in place. With the growing use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and the natural wear of molds, cutters, conveyors, and overhead machinery, there is an increased risk of small metal fragments entering empty plastic containers.
CASSEL Inspection’s conveyor metal detection systems provide reliable detection and rejection of contaminated containers before they damage downstream equipment, compromise product safety, or harm your brand reputation.
Request a Metal Detector for your line now.
Jill Shearer, General Manager, introduces the partnership:
Protect Your Plastic Containers from Hidden Metal Contaminants
Conveyor belt metal detection systems are the most effective way to inspect empty plastic containers immediately after blow molding or before they enter downstream processes. By integrating seamlessly over existing conveyors, these systems deliver highly sensitive, reliable detection without slowing production.
ALPS Inspection, in partnership with CASSEL Inspection, offers conveyor metal detectors (METAL SHARK BD) designed specifically for empty plastic containers. Using advanced 4-quadrant technology, these systems accurately identify and reject ferrous, stainless steel, and non-ferrous contaminants, even if the particles are embedded within the container walls. Once detected, the system sends a signal to the process control system and automatically removes the contaminated container from the product stream with a fast-switching reject mechanism.
In addition to conveyor solutions, ALPS can also offer gravity feed metal detectors for inspecting resin, which help detect even the smallest metal contaminants.
Key Advantages of CASSEL Metal Detection Systems:
- Detects all common metal contaminants with superior sensitivity
- Customizable configurations to fit blow molding and container-handling lines
- Fast-switching reject systems ensure contaminated containers are automatically removed
- Meets global quality and safety standards (IFS, BRC, FSMA)
- Designed for long service life with minimal false positives
By adding metal detection to your leak detection process, you create a more comprehensive inspection system that identifies both structural defects and hidden contaminants—enhancing product integrity and overall quality assurance.
The Power of ALPS + CASSEL
Choosing ALPS Inspection for metal detection for empty plastic containers means working with a partner who already understands your production line, your conveyors, and the unique challenges of blow molding.
Our decades of container-handling expertise ensure that CASSEL’s proven metal detection technology is not just added to your line, but integrated in a way that preserves efficiency and maximizes quality assurance.
- Comprehensive Inspection — By combining leak detection and metal detection, ALPS delivers a complete container quality solution. You get protection against both functional defects and hidden contaminants without having to manage multiple vendors.
- Seamless Integration — Because ALPS already knows how your lines run, we can position metal detectors in the right places, configure them for your specific container designs, and often integrate them directly into your existing footprint.
- Compliance Ready — Our systems help you meet and exceed international safety and quality standards, including IFS, BRC, and FSMA, giving your customers and regulators added confidence.
- Lifecycle Support — From installation to long-term maintenance, ALPS provides spare parts and service for both leak and metal detection, all backed by the global resources of CASSEL and TASI Test & Automation.
You’re not just adding new equipment, you’re extending a trusted partnership to cover every layer of container quality assurance.
Metal Detection FAQs
+-
What types of metals can be detected in empty plastic containers?
Metal detection systems can detect ferrous metals (iron and steel), stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, brass, and copper—even when embedded within the container walls.
+-
Will adding metal detection slow down my production line?
No. ALPS Inspection ensures seamless integration into your blow molding or conveyor line without reducing throughput. Our systems are designed for high-speed environments and can be added directly over existing conveyors.
+-
Why is metal detection important if I already use leak detection?
Leak detection identifies structural defects that affect container integrity, while metal detection finds physical contaminants that could compromise product safety, damage downstream equipment, or create costly recalls. Together, they provide comprehensive quality assurance.
+-
Can these systems handle containers made with PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic?
Yes. The advanced 4-quadrant and multiphase technologies minimize “product effect” and deliver reliable sensitivity, even with PCR materials that may be more conductive or variable in composition.
+-
How are contaminated containers rejected?
When metal is detected, the system signals the process control unit and activates a fast-switching reject mechanism. Contaminated containers are automatically removed from the line without slowing production.
+-
What’s the typical lifespan of a conveyor metal detection system?
With proper care and maintenance, metal detection systems often operate reliably for 20 years or more. ALPS provides ongoing support, parts, and service to keep your systems running at optimal performance.
+-
Does ALPS Inspection provide service and parts for metal detectors?
Yes. As your metal detection partner, ALPS supplies service, spare parts, and integration support for metal detectors, backed by the global resources of CASSEL Inspection, part of TASI Test & Automation.