Fortress Technology is using Interpack 2026 to unveil a compact, fully integrated inspection platform that combines metal detection, checkweighing and vision inspection within a single hygienic frame, targeting processors seeking to consolidate food safety controls while reducing line footprint.
Exhibiting in Hall 11, Stand E30, the company is presenting the Raptor Tritek system as a response to tightening compliance requirements and increasing demand for space-efficient line design. The system integrates all three inspection technologies into a 2.5-metre stainless steel frame, which Fortress says is at least 40% shorter than conventional modular combinations that require separate conveyors and support structures.
Designed to meet HACCP, BRCGS, GFSI and IFS principles, the Raptor Tritek is positioned as Industry 4.0-ready, with built-in data aggregation and interoperability capabilities. Fortress states that the system’s compact architecture also supports hygienic design by reducing floor contact points and potential contamination zones.
“Another notable feature is the system’s unique frame structure. Unlike standard-length models, which typically stand on twelve feet, our compact Raptor Tritek stands on only six. By halving the number of floor contact points and threads, the potential for dirt, debris and microorganisms to accumulate is greatly diminished, further enhancing the overall hygiene and safety of the production environment,” emphasises Fortress Technology’s European Sales Director Phil Brown.
The machine has been developed in response to processor feedback for inspection systems that are easier to sanitise, operate and maintain—requirements highlighted in the PMMI 2025 Food Safety and Sanitation report. By integrating metal detection, weight control and label verification into a single frame, Fortress aims to provide unobstructed, accessible surfaces that simplify cleaning procedures.
The Raptor Tritek is engineered for high-throughput environments, inspecting, weighing and checking labels at an average of 150 packs per minute. It is designed for a range of packaged food applications including meat, dairy, prepared meals, chilled pizzas, commercial bakery products and confectionery. Four belt widths—100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm—are available to accommodate different product formats and line requirements.
A distinguishing operational feature is the Conveyor Run Only Mode, which ensures that HACCP metal detection remains active even when weight control is not required. Separate reject mechanisms isolate metal contamination from weight non-conformities, helping to minimise unnecessary product loss. The metal detector is designed to compensate automatically for product effect specific to the application.
“Checkweighing is essential for quality control. But HACCP stipulates that product should never leave the production facility and be distributed to retailers if not inspected for potential metal contamination,” reports Phil.
Vision inspection is integrated directly into the line, with cameras positioned above and below the conveyor to capture top and underside labels as packs move from checkweighing to outfeed. According to Fortress, the system uses optical character recognition to detect label defects, printing errors and poor-quality print in real time.
“Our integrated vision system uses advanced optical character recognition (OCR) to detect and reject faulty labels, printing errors and poor-quality print in real time,” expands Phil.
From a usability standpoint, the Raptor Tritek supports up to 500 product settings, expandable if required. A single HMI controls both metal detection and checkweighing functions, using animated guidance to support start-up and product changeovers. Single pass learning enables rapid calibration by identifying product effect and automatically adjusting metal detector parameters.
Digital connectivity is central to the system’s positioning. Fortress states that the Raptor Tritek can securely collate and aggregate inspection and production data, aligning with future reporting requirements. Through Contact 4.0, processors can extract and standardise data from different production applications. OPC UA adapters support broader interoperability, while Ethernet/IP adapters can aggregate data from multiple inspection machines and feed centralised data systems.
By consolidating inspection functions into a single hygienic platform, Fortress Technology is targeting processors looking to simplify compliance, reduce floor space and strengthen digital oversight as food safety and traceability expectations continue to intensify.
