Combination Inspection Systems for Food Manufacturing
From dual-function checkweigher combinations to all-in-one platforms integrating multiple inspection technologies in a single machine — a complete overview of integrated inline quality control for food production lines.
Why a combination inspection?
Food manufacturers face pressure to do more with less floor space, fewer validation cycles, and reduced maintenance complexity. Combination inspection systems integrate multiple quality-control functions into a single machine frame, replacing what would otherwise require two or three standalone units in sequence.
Antares Vision Group offers three categories of combination systems — from dual-function checkweigher combinations to all-in-one platforms capable of performing multiple inspections, configurable from the widest range of technologies available on the market: leak detection, X-ray contamination screening, weight verification, label and code inspection, serialisation, and seal integrity control. All in a single pass, on 100% of production, in real time.
Checkweigher and Metal Detector Combination
A single machine integrates a dynamic checkweigher — measuring the net weight of each pack at line speed — with a metal detection aperture that simultaneously screens for ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants. One machine frame, one centralised data collection, and one rejection system
Key capabilities
| Simultaneous dual inspection : Weight checking and metal detection run seamlessly together — no synchronisation issues, no loss of line speed. | Multi-metal detection : ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel detection with product-effect compensation for wet or conductive products. |
| Dynamic weighing with advanced features . Accurate net weight at full speed with a self-learning system, calibration, and automatic filler feedback | Unified audit trail Weight records and contaminant events logged together — one complete report per batch, per line. |
Ideal for
Packaged snacks, bakery, confectionery, dairy pouches, ready meals, pet food, and dry or semi-dry product lines where the contamination risk is limited to metallic foreign bodies and accurate weight compliance is required.
Metal Detector & Checkweigher Systems →
X-Ray Inspection and Checkweigher Combination
Where contamination risk extends beyond metallic foreign bodies — to glass, bone, stone, or dense plastic — the combination checkweigher x-ray system provides substantially broader inspection coverage in an extremely compact form. X-ray inspection detects metallic contamination as well as a wider range of dense foreign materials, with stored pack-level images providing visual evidence for every product inspected.
Antares Vision Group X-ray + checkweigher combination systems are the only ones on the market capable of simultaneous inspection in a single station, maintaining the same footprint as a standard X-ray thanks to internally developed, optimized sensors.
Key capabilities
| Broad contaminant range : metal, glass, bone, stone, ceramic, rubber, and dense plastic — detected in a single inspection pass. | Pack-level X-ray image archive Every pack generates a stored image — visual evidence for audit, investigation, and production history. |
| The Only Single-Station Combo System The market’s only single-station X-ray and checkweigher, maintaining a standard X-ray footprint via proprietary sensors. | Dynamic weight verification Full checkweigher functionality with self-learning system and calibration and filler feedback alongside x-ray inspection. |
Ideal for
Poultry, bone-in meat, seafood, ready meals, canned and fresh-cut products, bakery with nut or seed inclusions, baby food, and any product where non-metallic contamination features in the HACCP risk assessment or where retailer codes of practice specify x-ray inspection.
X-Ray & Checkweigher Systems →
ALL-IN-ONE
ALL-IN-ONE is the new generation of ANTARES VISION GROUP machines which, by integrating multiple and innovative technologies into a single solution, generates a completely new approach to quality control for the food industry.
An innovative solution, unique on the market, capable of combining space optimisation and production organisation with the need to carry out multiple checks in real time on each individual product. With a single machine installed on each production line, it is now possible to meet the different quality requirements that see the simultaneous use of different technologies.
With this new, ground-breaking approach, Quality Departments don’t need to ask themselves anymore how many control machines they must put into their line; they just need to think about which inspections they wish to implement into their ALL-IN-ONE system.
ALL-IN-ONE configured with LDS / XR / CW — Micro-Leak Detection, X-Ray Inspection, and Checkweigher
This ALL-IN-ONE configuration combines three inspection modules in a single machine frame, performing a complete conformity check on 100% of production without interrupting the line. Designed for MAP and hermetically sealed products where packaging integrity, contamination screening, and weight accuracy must all be verified simultaneously.
How it works — three modules in sequence
| MODULE 1 LDS — Micro-Leak Detection IR or laser spectroscopy | As soon as the product enters the system, the LDS module applies a slight, non-destructive pressure to the package. If a hole or micro-hole is present, CO₂ (characteristic of MAP-packaged products), escapes and is immediately analyzed by IR or laser spectroscopy. |
| MODULE 2 XR — X-Ray Inspection X-ray imaging | The product is scanned by a full X-ray inspection system capable of detecting contaminants of any nature — glass, stones, metals, bones, high-density plastics, and concrete chips. Detection performance is maintained even in the presence of metalised polylaminate, tinplate, aluminium, and metal clips. Every pack generates a stored X-ray image for audit. |
| MODULE 3 CW — Checkweigher Load cell (MID available) | The onboard dynamic weighing unit verifies the actual weight of each product against the nominal weight specification, rejecting packs outside the defined tolerance. Available with MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) approval for legally controlled metrological applications, supporting compliance with EU Directive 2014/32/EU. |
Shared platform benefits
| → Reduced footprint — one machine replaces three standalone units | → Single control panel with results from all three inspection modules |
| → Differentiated rejection per inspection type | → Automatic recipe changeover across all modules simultaneously |
| → One electrical and one pneumatic connection point | → Centralised data acquisition — one complete production record per pack |
| → One maintenance program and single service contract | → Reduced Total Cost of Ownership versus three individual machines |
| → No product synchronisation issues between inspection stages | → Compliant with HACCP, BRCGS, IFS Food, SQF, and MID approval available |
Ideal for
Modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) fresh meat, poultry, fish, cheese, fresh-cut produce, baked goods and prepared meals; any flexible packaging where contamination, packaging integrity and weight compliance must be verified
ALL-IN-ONE configured with IE / SER / SIS — Label Inspection, Serialisation, and Seal Integrity
This ALL-IN-ONE configuration is a complete vision system that addresses the integrity, traceability, and labelling requirements: Are the codes correct and readable? Is the label present and correctly positioned on both sides? Is the package serialised? Is the sealing area clean? Three technologies, one machine, 100% of production.
How it works — three modules in sequence
| MODULE 1 IE — Label and Code Inspection Artificial vision (dual camera) | Two cameras — one below the conveyor belts, one above — simultaneously inspect the label and codes on both the lower and upper surfaces of each package, without stopping the product. The system reads and verifies alphanumeric codes, 1D (i.e., barcodes) and 2D codes (Data Matrix and QR codes); checks label presence, readability, position, and inclination; confirms label conformity; and verifies that lower and upper labels correspond to each other. |
| MODULE 2 SER — Serialisation Track & Trace platform | The integrated Track & Trace platform serialises each individual package — both in printing (via an onboard or externally connected printer) and in software-level data management. Serialization data is communicated directly to the customer’s management system creating a complete digital record for each pack and enabling compliance with product traceability regulations. |
| MODULE 3 SIS — Seal Integrity System Hyperspectral technology | A third camera using hyperspectral imaging technology inspects the sealing area for organic material — product residues or foreign bodies — trapped under the seal. This inspection is effective even on opaque and colored packaging films. Product residue in a seal area is a common cause of packaging failure, shortened shelf life, unsold items, and consumer complaints. |
Shared platform benefits
| → Reduced footprint — one machine replaces three standalone units | → Single control panel with results from all three modules |
| → Air-jet or pneumatic cylinder rejection, configurable per fault type | → Automatic recipe changeover across all modules simultaneously |
| → One electrical and one pneumatic connection point | → Centralised data acquisition — one complete production record per pack |
| → One maintenance program and single service contract | → Reduced Total Cost of Ownership versus three individual machines |
| → No product synchronisation issues between inspection stages | → Compliance with EU Regulation No 1169/2011, FDA Food Labelling Guide, and retailer barcode requirements |
Ideal for
Fresh and convenience food in trays, cups, skin packages requiring full labeling compliance; products subject to serialization or Track & Trace regulations; any line where seal area contamination is a quality or shelf-life risk; facilities implementing pack-level traceability across the supply chain.
Technology Comparison
Each combination system addresses a different quality control scope. The table below summarises capabilities across all four platforms:
| Capability | MD + CW | XR + CW | AIO: LDS/XR/CW | AIO: IE/SER/SIS |
| Dynamic weight verification | ✓ (MID available) | ✓ (MID available) | ✓ (MID available) | ✗ |
| Metal detection | ✓ | ✓ (via x-ray) | ✓ (via x-ray) | ✗ |
| Glass / bone / stone / dense plastic | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Detection in metallic packaging | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Pack-level x-ray image archive | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Micro-leak detection | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (IR/laser) | ✗ |
| Label presence and position check | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (single or dual camera) |
| Code reading (QR, Datamatrix…) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pack-level serialization / Track & Trace | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Seal area contamination (hyperspectral) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Choosing the Right Combination System
The appropriate platform depends on the specific quality and compliance risks present in your process. Use the guide below as a starting point for scoping the right solution:
| CHOOSE THIS IF… Metal Detector + Checkweigher Your HACCP analysis identifies only metallic contamination risk, floor space and budget are constrained, and your retailer requirements do not mandate x-ray. The most cost-effective combination, perfectly suited for dry and semi-dry product lines. | CHOOSE THIS IF… X-Ray + Checkweigher Your products carry risk from non-metallic contaminants (bone, glass, stone),your retailer code of practice requires x-ray and/or visual audit evidence per pack. |
| CHOOSE THIS IF… ALL-IN-ONE LDS / XR / CW You produce MAP products and need to verify packaging gas integrity (micro-leaks) physical contamination — including in metalized or metallic packaging formats and weight compliance – including MID-approved weighing. | CHOOSE THIS IF… ALL-IN-ONE IE / SER / SIS Your compliance requirements focus on labeling accuracy, code readability, and pack-level serialization, and you need to detect product residue in the sealing area of trays — a cause of seal failure, shortened shelf life, and consumer complaints. |
The two ALL-IN-ONE configurations can also be deployed in combination on the same line — LDS/XR/CW for weight check, packaging integrity and contamination, IE/SER/SIS for label compliance and seal quality — delivering a comprehensive, end-to-end quality gate with just two machines where previously five or six standalone units would have been required.
Explore the Full Range
Browse Antares Vision Group combination systems and ALL-IN-ONE configurations, or contact the application engineering team for a line-specific consultation.