Key Technology introduces Optyx for kettle chips

Key Technology introduces Optyx sorters designed specifically for kettle-style potato chips.

Featuring a unique camera and lighting configuration to sense opacity as well as subtle color differences, these new Optyx sorters identify and remove objectionable clusters of chips stuck together as well as defects and foreign material.

Kettle chip manufacturers can now automate their inspection process to dramatically improve product quality and food safety while reducing labor costs with the system.

Optyx features two scanning zones. An on-belt scan, identical to the inspection typically used by other potato chip manufacturers, uses a proprietary color camera to identify millions of subtle color differences to detect defects such as chips with green spots, bruises, and overcooked black spots.

An optional top-mounted laser can be added to maximize detection and removal of foreign material.

A unique off-belt, in-air scan uses a bottom-mounted color camera, no foreground lighting, and high-intensity background lighting to inspect product opacity.

With opacity inspection, objectionable clusters of multiple chips stuck together are easily detected and ejected from the production line.

Optyx 3000 features a 24-inch (610-mm) scan width to handle up to 2750 lb. (1250 kg) of kettle chips per hour.

For higher volume processors, Key offers Optyx 6000. With a 48-inch (1220-mm) scan width, Optyx 6000 achieves production rates of up to 5500 lb. (2500 kg) of kettle chips per hour.