Top Glass X-Ray Inspection Companies & What to Look For

Leading companies for glass x ray inspection in 2026 include Mettler-Toledo, Eagle Product Inspection, Anritsu, Ishida, and Mekitec. The market reflects this focus, projecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 7.5% through 2026.

Selecting the right system requires evaluating detection sensitivity, production speed, and software capabilities to ensure product safety and brand integrity.

Critical Features in a Glass-in-Glass X-Ray System

   

Choosing the right system involves more than just its price tag. Manufacturers must assess specific technical features to guarantee effective contamination detection and seamless production line performance.

High-Resolution Detectors and Advanced Algorithms

Modern glass x ray inspection relies on high-resolution detectors paired with sophisticated software. Advanced deep learning algorithms automatically identify hidden features that older methods miss. This technology provides superior accuracy, overcoming challenges like glass transparency and reflection.

Throughput Speed and Production Line Integration

A system must match the facility's production speed. Top-tier machines can inspect a high volume of containers without creating a bottleneck.

• Solo systems: up to 2,000 containers per minute (cpm)

• Beverage bottlers: 1,800 cpm

• Baby food jars: 1,000 cpm

Note: Successful integration requires optimizing product handling. Incorrect spacing between containers or non-uniform bottle shapes can lead to false rejects and reduce overall efficiency.

Software Capabilities and Ease of Use

Intuitive software minimizes downtime and human error. Features like an auto-learn interface and automated product setup allow for rapid changeovers. This software also provides critical data logging and reporting capabilities, generating HACCP-compliant documentation and audit trails essential for regulatory compliance.

System Build and Hygienic Design

The physical construction of a glass x ray inspection system is vital. Machines must feature a hygienic design, often using stainless steel, to withstand rigorous cleaning protocols in food production environments. This prevents bacterial contamination and ensures long-term durability.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The initial purchase is only part of the investment. A comprehensive TCO calculation includes ongoing expenses. These costs cover routine maintenance, potential emergency repairs, necessary spare parts, and periodic software updates that enhance system functionality and security.

Top Machines for Glass X Ray Inspection in 2026

   

Leading manufacturers offer specialized systems designed to tackle the unique challenges of glass-in-glass detection. Each machine brings a distinct combination of technology, performance, and design to the production floor. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right equipment.

Mettler-Toledo: The X34 & R50G Series

Mettler-Toledo provides robust solutions tailored for different container types. The X34 series is a versatile single-lane system ideal for a wide range of applications. It combines powerful hardware with intelligent software to deliver reliable detection.

• Generator: A 100W 'Optimum Power' generator provides stable imaging.

• Detector: Its advanced 0.4 mm detector offers high-resolution contaminant identification.

• Software: The ContamPlus™ software automates product setup for quick changeovers.

• Ingress Protection: The system comes with an IP65 rating, which is upgradeable to IP69 for harsh washdown environments.

For tall, rigid containers like jars and bottles, the R50G series offers a specialized approach. It is engineered to eliminate blind spots that can hide contaminants.

• Angled Single X-ray Beam: This design inspects the base, body, neck, and cap area, overcoming the challenge of thicker glass at the container's bottom.

• Jar Fill Level Inspection: The system simultaneously verifies correct product fill levels.

• Adjustable Components: The detector and tank adjust to accommodate various product heights.

• User-Friendly Interface: A 15-inch multi-language touchscreen simplifies operation and reduces training time.

Eagle Product Inspection: The EPX100

Eagle's EPX100 is an entry-level system that brings advanced capabilities to a broader market. It focuses on maximizing detection while minimizing false rejects, a critical factor for improving line efficiency. The EPX100 detects physical contaminants like glass, metal, and stone while also performing important quality checks.

The system's primary goals are to improve the probability of detection (POD) and lower the rate of false rejects, protecting both consumers and profits.

The power behind the EPX100 is its fifth-generation SimulTask™ PRO software. This image analysis software provides exceptional detail, allowing the system to find smaller and lower-density contaminants. It offers the highest greyscale values in the industry, up to 65,535, which helps users see subtle contrast differences for superior detection. This advanced software makes the EPX100 a formidable tool for any glass x ray inspection program.

Anritsu: The XR75 Series

Anritsu's XR75 series is known for its outstanding sensitivity and efficiency. The system exceeds the demands of modern food processing with its superior image processing. For general contaminants, Anritsu HD systems can detect glass fragments within a 1.0mm to 2.0mm range. However, the advanced XR75 DualX model can detect contaminants as small as 0.4mm by using dual high and low energy signals to analyze material differences.

The XR75 delivers these results with a focus on a lower total cost of ownership.

• It reduces power consumption by 30% with a low-output X-ray generator.

• Lifetime operating costs can be over 20% lower compared to competing systems.

• The design ensures superior performance and an extended life cycle.

This combination of high sensitivity and operational efficiency makes the XR75 a leading choice for manufacturers prioritizing both safety and budget.

Ishida: The IX-G2 Series

The Ishida IX-G2 series uses innovative dual-energy technology to master the detection of low-density contaminants. This system is particularly effective in applications where the product and contaminant have similar densities, such as finding bone in poultry. The technology captures images at both high and low energy levels. Comparing these images creates a clear contrast that reveals foreign bodies like glass, bone, rubber, and metal.

This dual-energy analysis significantly reduces false rejects and detection errors. The IX-G2 series also boasts impressive throughput capabilities.

This high-speed performance ensures that the advanced glass x ray inspection does not become a bottleneck in demanding production environments.

Mekitec: The MEKI-C System

Mekitec targets small to medium-sized producers with its MEKI-C system. This machine offers a compact and cost-effective solution without compromising on detection quality. Its streamlined design allows for easy integration into existing production lines where space is limited. The MEKI-C is valued for its user-friendly interface and simple maintenance, making advanced X-ray technology accessible to a wider range of manufacturers. It provides reliable detection of glass, metal, and stone, ensuring food safety for brands of all sizes.

How to Choose the Right X-Ray Inspection Partner

Selecting the right equipment is only half the battle. A manufacturer's success also depends on the vendor's expertise and support. A strong partnership ensures optimal performance, regulatory compliance, and long-term value from the investment.

Request a Product Test with Your Containers

A product test is the most reliable way to validate a system's capabilities. This process provides concrete proof of detection performance with a manufacturer's specific products and potential contaminants. The procedure typically follows three key steps:

1. Submit a Test Request: The manufacturer provides the vendor with product specifications, throughput speeds, and desired detection requirements.

2. Conduct Physical Testing: The vendor runs multiple product samples through the machine, placing contaminants in different locations to simulate real-world scenarios. Technicians perform at least ten passes to ensure data accuracy.

3. Receive a Final Report: The vendor delivers a detailed report with inspection images, machine settings, and contaminant detection results.

A manufacturer should always test with multiple samples. Be cautious of reports that promise high detection rates without providing data on the number of passes or the False Reject Rate (FRR).

Evaluate Service and Support Networks

A vendor's commitment extends beyond the initial sale. Leading companies offer robust service networks to maximize uptime and operator proficiency. Comprehensive training programs, like those from Eagle Training Academy, cover machine operation, radiation safety, and system maintenance. These courses empower staff to manage the equipment effectively. Additionally, 24/7 remote technical support provides immediate assistance for troubleshooting, which minimizes production delays and protects revenue.

Verify HACCP and BRC Compliance Certifications

Modern X-ray systems are fundamental to food safety programs. A vendor should demonstrate how their equipment helps a manufacturer meet Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements. The X-ray machine often serves as a Critical Control Point (CCP) for identifying physical hazards like glass and metal. This integration is also essential for achieving certification under global standards like the BRCGS. The right partner provides equipment and documentation that strengthen a brand's commitment to product safety and regulatory adherence.

A manufacturer's final choice balances detection requirements, production speed, and budget. Investing in a specialized system from a reputable vendor is the most effective strategy for mitigating contamination risks.

Partnering with companies like Mettler-Toledo, Eagle, Anritsu, Ishida, or Mekitec provides a clear path to enhanced product safety and brand protection.

FAQ

Why is detecting glass in glass difficult?

Glass contaminants and containers have similar densities. Advanced systems use dual-energy technology or angled beams to create the necessary contrast for reliable detection.

Do these systems find contaminants other than glass?

Yes. X-ray systems identify various foreign bodies based on density. They effectively detect metal, stone, bone, and some high-density plastics in addition to glass fragments.

Are X-rays safe for food products?

Yes. Food inspection X-ray systems use extremely low radiation levels. The process does not affect the food's safety, flavor, or nutritional value, meeting global safety standards.