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Metal Detector Controllers
MPI’s Metal Detector Controllers deliver precise, real-time control and monitoring of metal detection systems to ensure optimal sensitivity, reliability, and process integration. These controllers, designed for use with conveyor-based, pipeline, and drop-through metal detectors, feature intuitive interfaces, multi-frequency operation, customizable reject settings, and digital data logging. They enable rapid calibration, recipe management, and compliance tracking while minimizing downtime and false rejects. Whether installed in food, pharmaceutical, plastics, or recycling operations, MPI’s controllers enhance contaminant detection performance and system efficiency, giving operators complete control and confidence over product purity and regulatory compliance.
Metal Shark® 2 Controller
The MetalShark® 2 Controller is an advanced solution for metal particle inspection (MPI), featuring improved detection for ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants. It boasts a user-friendly interface and multi-frequency capabilities, utilizing innovative Four-Quadrant technology to enhance sensitivity with a full 360-degree detection area. Designed for challenging products like cheese and high-salt foods, it simplifies testing with vibrant screens and an integrated teaching assistant. The system includes strict password protection for authorized access, automatic data recording for compliance with HACCP, IFS, BRC, and GMP standards, and timestamps for metal detections and setting changes. Reports are easily downloadable to a Windows PC for long-term storage.
Metal Shark® (BD) 3 Controller
The METAL SHARK® BD can be used as a standalone unit or in combination with conveyor belts and chutes. It employs advanced 3D detection technology to accurately identify even the smallest magnetic and non-magnetic metal contaminants (such as iron, stainless steel, and aluminum) with high reliability, even in challenging environments. Its durable, sealed stainless steel housing is easy to clean, making it particularly suitable for the food industry. For the inspection of packaged goods, the MetalShark® BD Controller provides optimized performance, a compact design, and streamlined product changeover options specifically designed for conveyor-based systems.
SharkNet® Software
SharkNet® Software provides robust remote access, real-time monitoring, and centralized data logging to support HACCP and regulatory compliance. Ideal for use with metal detectors and checkweighers, it enhances operational visibility, simplifies validation tracking, and streamlines quality control. Available in two versions—SharkNet Light for remote maintenance and SharkNet for full-featured monitoring and management—it empowers operators to detect issues early, ensure validation completion, and generate actionable reports. SharkNet improves product quality by helping teams respond quickly to missed checks and maintain consistent inspection performance across food, pharma, plastics, and general manufacturing environments.
Compatibility Check - Metal Detector Controllers Comparison
Unique Benefits and Considerations
Industries, Applications and Regulations
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Industry Type
Industries That Use MPI’s Metal Detector Controllers
These controllers and software are deployed across industries where metal contamination control, process monitoring, and traceability are essential:
Food & Beverage
Processed foods, snacks, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, bakery goods
Ensures contaminant-free products and meets HACCP requirements
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical
Tablets, capsules, powders, and liquid suspensions
Supports validation logging and regulatory compliance (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11)
Plastics & Rubber
Raw resins, granulates, regrind materials
Prevents equipment damage and ensures clean inputs for molding/extrusion
Packaging & Logistics
End-of-line inspection of packaged consumer goods
Monitors inspection accuracy and logs product changeovers
Chemical & Industrial Processing
Powders, pellets, and bulk dry materials
Reduces contamination risk and ensures quality assurance
Processing Application
Typical Applications
MetalShark® 2 Controller
Used in most MPI metal detection systems across conveyor, gravity, and pipeline applications
Monitors, configures, and calibrates detection sensitivity
Supports multi-frequency scanning to reduce false rejects
MetalShark® BD Controller
Specifically optimized for belt conveyor systems inspecting packaged goods
Offers fast product changeovers, programmable settings, and user-friendly touch interface
Ideal for high-speed production lines with frequent batch changes
SharkNet® Software
Connects to multiple metal detectors and checkweighers across the plant
Enables centralized monitoring, remote support, and audit-ready data logging
Tracks validation checks, operator activity, and reject events for quality compliance
Materials Processed
MPI controllers and software help manage inspection of:
Packaged foods and beverages
Pharmaceutical tablets, capsules, and powders
Meat emulsions and sausage blends
Granular materials and resins in plastics
Dry bulk goods like sugar, flour, chemicals, or spices
Regulations and Requirements
Regulations and Quality Control Requirements
Regulatory Standards
FDA – For inspection of food and pharmaceutical products
USDA / FSIS – In meat and poultry processing environments
GFSI Standards – Such as BRCGS, SQF, and FSSC 22000, requiring validated CCPs
21 CFR Part 11 – Electronic records compliance (especially with SharkNet® Software)
CE / UL – Equipment safety and integration standards
Quality Control Practices
Routine Sensitivity Checks – Using certified test samples (ferrous, non-ferrous, stainless)
Audit Trail Logging – SharkNet® captures operator actions, events, and system status
Performance Validation – Documented reject tests and response verification
Remote Diagnostics & Support – SharkNet® Light enables troubleshooting without on-site service
Centralized Control – Enables traceability, trending, and issue resolution across production lines