Mettler-Toledo Expands X6 Series With AI-Enabled X56 DXD+ X-Ray Inspection System
Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection has launched the X56 DXD+, a new dual-energy photon-counting x-ray inspection system designed to improve the detection of low-density contaminants in packaged food products. The system expands the company’s X6 Series portfolio and is aimed at manufacturers seeking enhanced inspection capabilities for challenging applications involving contaminants such as rubber and plastic.
The new system is intended for medium and large packaged products on single-lane lines, as well as smaller packages running across multiple lanes. Featuring a 500 mm inspection width, the X56 DXD+ complements the existing X16 and X36.2 models within the X6 Series range.
Combining dual-energy photon-counting detector technology with Advanced Material Discrimination Pro (AMD Pro) software, the system is designed to enhance contaminant detection in products that present inspection challenges due to variations in thickness, density or overlapping textures. Mettler-Toledo highlighted applications including pet food, potato products, crisps and multi-pack formats.
A key feature of the X56 DXD+ is the integration of artificial intelligence to support inspection and quality control tasks. According to the company, AI capabilities improve inspection reliability while reducing unnecessary product rejection. The technology is intended to address complex scenarios such as overlapping or mixed products and is also available across other x-ray systems in the company’s portfolio.
Beyond contaminant detection, the system incorporates several quality control functions, including completeness checks, clip detection and product-in-seal inspection. These capabilities are intended to help manufacturers improve product consistency and reduce the risk of quality-related issues reaching the market.
The X56 DXD+ has also been developed with operational efficiency in mind. Features include an intuitive user interface, tool-free belt removal for cleaning and a hygienic design suitable for high-volume production environments. The system can process up to 500 products per minute, supporting manufacturers looking to maintain throughput while strengthening inspection performance.
For integration into existing production environments, the x-ray solution is available in both single- and multi-lane configurations and supports a variety of conveyor heights and reject mechanisms. The system also includes traceability functionality through a recorded image database and can be connected to Mettler-Toledo’s ProdX data management software for centralized monitoring, reporting and compliance management.
According to the company, ProdX automates the collection and reporting of inspection data in real time, helping manufacturers support regulatory compliance, demonstrate due diligence and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
Chris Plant, Head of Market Management, Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-ray, said: “The launch of the X56 DXD+ expands our X6 Series, offering a comprehensive suite of inspection solutions tailored to modern food manufacturing. With its dual energy photon-counting capabilities, the X56 DXD+ delivers new levels of detection performance in complex packages across single and multi-lane formats. This advanced inspection capability will further help customers inspect every product with confidence, protect productivity, brand reputations and profits, plus comply easily with industry requirements.”
The launch reflects growing demand for advanced inspection technologies capable of identifying contaminants that conventional single-energy x-ray systems may struggle to detect, particularly in complex packaged food applications.