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.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Liquid X Ray

Liquid X Ray technology is a non-destructive inspection method that uses liquid-based radiographic contrast agents to detect contaminants, structural defects, and foreign materials within packaged products and manufacturing components without opening or damaging them. Shawpak Systems Ltd, based in Oakville, Ontario, evaluates and recommends inspection equipment for food processing, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing facilities across North America seeking contamination prevention and compliance assurance.

What Liquid X Ray Technology Actually Does

This inspection method injects or applies liquid contrast media to target materials, then uses radiographic imaging to visualize internal structures and identify anomalies. The contrast liquid adheres to or fills voids, making foreign objects, cracks, and structural inconsistencies visible on radiographic film or digital sensors. Because the process is non-destructive, products remain usable after inspection, making it suitable for high-value components and finished goods.

The technique differs from dry radiography in several ways. Liquid contrast enhances edge definition and penetrates irregular surfaces more effectively than air gaps alone. For food processing operations, this means detecting glass fragments, metal shards, or bone fragments within packaged meat or prepared products. For manufacturing, it reveals internal voids in castings, welds, or composite materials that could compromise structural integrity.

At Shawpak Systems Ltd, our technical advisory team helps operations directors and plant managers determine whether this inspection method addresses your specific contamination or quality control challenges. We evaluate your production volume, product density, regulatory requirements, and cost constraints before recommending equipment.

Comparing Liquid X Ray to Alternative Inspection Methods

Several approaches compete for contamination and defect detection in industrial settings. The choice depends on production speed, product type, detection sensitivity, and operational complexity.

Metal detectors excel at speed and integration into continuous production lines, but they cannot detect non-metallic contaminants such as glass, ceramic, or bone. Liquid X Ray inspection detects both metallic and non-metallic foreign matter, making it the more comprehensive choice for facilities where contamination risk spans multiple material types.

Food processing facilities in Oakville and across North America increasingly face dual contamination risks: metal fragments from machinery wear and non-metallic contaminants from product sourcing or handling. A single metal detector leaves glass and ceramic undetected. Many operations now use metal detection as a front-line speed filter, then employ radiographic inspection on a sample basis or on high-risk product runs to meet stricter food safety standards.

Selecting the Right Inspection Strategy for Your Operation

The decision to implement Liquid X Ray inspection involves five key factors. First, identify what contaminants pose the greatest risk to your products and brand reputation. Second, calculate the cost per unit of inspection time against your product value and production throughput. Third, determine whether your regulatory environment (FDA, CFIA, FSMA, or industry-specific standards) mandates specific inspection methods for your product category. Fourth, assess the space and infrastructure requirements for radiographic equipment in your facility. Fifth, consider whether you need mobile inspection capability for on-site validation or centralized inspection at a dedicated facility.

Shawpak Systems Ltd provides on-site technical consultation to evaluate your operation against these criteria. Our team visits your facility, observes your production workflow, reviews your product specifications and historical contamination or quality issues, and recommends the most cost-effective inspection approach. For some operations, that recommendation is Liquid X Ray. For others, it is a combination method or a different technology entirely.

Plant managers and operations directors working with us benefit from our Centre of Excellence demonstration facility, where equipment can be tested on your actual products before purchase. This eliminates guesswork and ensures the inspection method you select performs reliably at your production scale and speed.

If you are evaluating contamination detection or quality control options for your manufacturing or food processing operation, Shawpak Systems Ltd is ready to discuss your specific needs. Contact our technical team to arrange a facility consultation or demonstration.