Established in 1984 Shawpak Systems prides itself on providing high level technical sales and support to our valued customer base. Offering solutions for Product Inspection, Packaging and Hygiene equipment sales and after sales support including certified customer training on site or at our Centre of Excellence training and demonstration facility.

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Liquid Metal Detectors

A liquid metal detector is a specialized piece of equipment designed to identify metallic contamination in liquid, paste, or semi-solid products during manufacturing and food processing operations. Shawpak Systems Ltd supplies and installs these critical safety systems for facilities across Canada and the USA, helping you protect your product quality and meet regulatory compliance standards.

Whether you operate a food processing plant, meat processing facility, pharmaceutical manufacturing operation, or any industrial facility handling liquid or semi-liquid products, understanding how metal detection works-and why it matters-is essential to your operation's success. The consequences of metal contamination reaching consumers are severe: product recalls, regulatory fines, damage to reputation, and potential harm to end users. That's why decision-makers like you-plant managers, operations directors, and facility maintenance supervisors-need reliable equipment and trusted partners who understand your specific challenges.

Here's what you need to know about selecting and implementing the right detection system for your facility.

1. Detection Sensitivity Matters More Than You Think

Metal detection systems work by generating an electromagnetic field that responds when ferrous, non-ferrous, or stainless steel objects pass through. The sensitivity of your detector directly affects what size contamination it can catch. Most industrial-grade systems can detect metal particles as small as 1-3 millimeters, depending on the product being inspected and the metal type involved.

Here's the practical reality: a detector sensitive enough to catch tiny stainless steel fragments (which are harder to detect than iron) may require careful product tuning so it doesn't trigger false alarms on naturally occurring minerals in your product. Shawpak Systems Ltd works with you during the selection and commissioning process to balance sensitivity with your specific production needs, ensuring your system catches genuine contamination without halting your line unnecessarily. This is where technical expertise and on-site training make a real difference to your bottom line.

2. Installation Location and Product Flow Design Are Critical

Where you position your metal detector in your production line determines how effectively it protects your product. The detector should be placed as late in the process as practical-ideally just before packaging-so you catch contamination introduced during manufacturing. However, the system must also integrate smoothly with your existing equipment and workflow without creating bottlenecks or requiring extensive retrofitting.

The product pathway through the detector matters too. Liquid and semi-liquid products flow through the detection chamber differently than solid products, and the flow rate affects detection accuracy. A system running too fast may miss small contaminants; running too slowly creates production delays. Shawpak Systems provides technical advisory and equipment selection consultation specifically designed to optimize your facility layout. Our Centre of Excellence demonstration facility in Oakville allows you to see systems in action before you commit, and our certified after-sales support across Canada and the USA means you have expert help throughout commissioning and beyond.

3. Reject Mechanisms Protect Both Product and Your Reputation

Detection is only half the equation-you also need a reliable reject system that removes contaminated product before it reaches your customer. Industrial metal detectors typically trigger one of three rejection methods:

• Air blast systems that divert the product stream away from the main line
• Pneumatic gates that stop flow and isolate the contaminated batch
• Conveyor stoppage that halts the line until an operator can remove the affected product

The right choice depends on your production speed, product type, and facility layout. A pharmaceutical or food processing operation running high volumes needs a different reject strategy than a smaller batch producer. Shawpak Systems' technical team evaluates your specific requirements during consultation, ensuring the reject mechanism suits your operation and minimizes product loss while maximizing safety. Proper reject design also means you can trace exactly when and where contamination occurred, giving you data to prevent future incidents.

4. Maintenance, Calibration, and Ongoing Support Keep Your System Reliable

Like any industrial equipment, metal detection systems require regular maintenance and periodic recalibration to stay effective. Over time, product buildup inside the detection chamber can affect sensitivity, and electromagnetic components can drift slightly from their original settings. Most facilities need quarterly or semi-annual calibration checks, depending on production volume and product type.

This is where your partnership with Shawpak Systems becomes invaluable. We provide parts distribution and certified after-sales support across Canada and the USA, meaning you're never left troubleshooting a critical piece of safety equipment on your own. Our on-site training ensures your team understands how to perform daily checks, recognize when sensitivity is drifting, and know when to call for professional service. Because metal detection directly impacts food safety and regulatory compliance, having a trusted technical partner you can rely on-not just at installation, but throughout the equipment's life-protects your facility's reputation and your customers' safety.

If you operate a manufacturing plant, food processing facility, meat processing operation, or any industrial facility in Oakville, across Ontario, or anywhere in North America, Shawpak Systems Ltd is ready to help you select, install, and maintain the right metal detection solution. We've been serving industrial facilities since 1984, and we understand the specific challenges you face. Reach out to our team to discuss your facility's needs and discover how the right equipment partnership can strengthen your production line and protect your brand.