7 replies to this topic

[FSQAManager2025]

Good afternoon! Since I've worked here my company has always relied on an X-Ray machine for foreign material detection. We test this using three test wands (FE, Non-FE, SS) throughout the production day. However, we recently purchased a metal detector to add in-line as a backup plan in case the X-Ray machine goes down. I know that the metal detector needs to be added to our procedures/risk assessments, etc. However, since we only plan to use it when the X-Ray machine isn't working, it doesn't need to be check every day, only the days we use it right? And when testing, can we use the same test wands that we use for the X-Ray or do they need to be different? Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[kconf]

Only if your metal detector can do or exceed what x ray machine is currently doing, as per your operational procedure. 

 

I am not sure what you mean by it doesn't need to be checked everyday. What doesn't need to be?

[FSQAManager2025]

Only if your metal detector can do or exceed what x ray machine is currently doing, as per your operational procedure. 

 

I am not sure what you mean by it doesn't need to be checked everyday. What doesn't need to be?

To make sure that it's working properly, such as running the test wands through it. 

[kconf]

I'd say you can check it only when you use it, as long as it is annually calibrated and verified for performance per its manufacturer's guidance. I don't see why you can't use the same test wands. Everything should be documented in your SOP/risk analysis. 

[GMO]

One question I'd raise is are your test wands specifically designed for x-rays?  The reason I ask is because some metal detection ones are designed with plastics which on certain settings (and depending on your product) may be x-ray visible.  I've normally seen test cards used instead which have thinner, flexible plastic.

 

Ones like this kind of thing:

 

Laminated X-Ray Test Card | Card for X-Ray Detector | Detectamet

 

So if you're using wands, I'd see no problem with using them for a metal detector, the question I'd have is if you should be using them for the x-ray.  Your technician could help advise.  It really might not be a problem for your product but certainly in the past (over a decade ago) I saw a test wand where the whole wand was visible to the x-ray on the settings they were using basically meaning they weren't checking for, say, 2mm but their test was showing them they could pick up a 50mm piece of hard plastic instead.  Great but not what the test was designed for.

[G M]

We have a variety of devices and use the same pool of test pieces for them all under normal circumstances.  Most "non-ferrous" tend to be brass so this will probably be fine, as long as your instruments have the same lower threshold for sensitivity and you validate it.

 

We also have "extra" devices that can be used as backups or for processes that aren't done frequently.  Like our offline "rework" units.  These are given the annual checks, but only receive monitoring/verification testing when they are being used. Making sure to include a before and after is the only extra consideration, when compared to the units that are operating nearly 24/7.

[SQFconsultant]

Not sure why the company would not get another X-ray system as the backup as a metal detector may not detect everything that an X-ray machine would.

 

With that said, I have seen backup metal detectors go out of calibration when shut down for long periods of time - but of course that would be picked up once a start up is done and can then be adjusted.

[Tony-C]

Hi FSQAManager2025,

 

It would make sense to use the same three test wands (FE, Non-FE, SS), that way you confirm you are running the metal detector to the same specification of metal detection and removal as normal.

 

I would only normally test when in use but think it probably should be checked periodically if out of operation for a significant amount of time.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony