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January 13, 2009 - Key Technology introduces Manta® for potato chips/crisps.
This state-of-the-art high volume sorter features a two-meter wide scan area
that dramatically increases throughput within a space-saving footprint. Handling
up to 3.5 metric tons (7,700 pounds) of potato chips per hour, Manta maximizes
production capacity while optimizing product quality to help processors match
final product specifications.
 With its high intensity discharge (HID)
illumination system and Key’s proprietary color cameras, Manta
recognizes millions of subtle color differences, easily identifying the
green, purple, and blue defects that are important to potato chip
processors. The highest resolution scanning allows Manta to detect and
remove even the smallest defects.
A specialized, proprietary infeed system gently accelerates potato
chips into the sorter, reducing sliding to maximize defect removal
accuracy and minimize good product going to the reject stream. To
further improve defect removal accuracy, Manta executes chip ejection
with its advanced SmartSorting technique. Air ejectors are tuned to
efficiently remove defective potato chips while maintaining gentle
handling of the pass stream to minimize product breakage.
Based on Key’s powerful G6 electro-optical platform, Manta offers the
most advanced image processing in the industry. Featuring a modular
design and proven, high performance connectivity standards such as
Camera Link™, FireWire® and Ethernet, Manta ensures forward
compatibility to maximize a food processor’s long-term return on
investment.
Simplicity is a guiding principle in the design of Manta. To ease
installation, Key designed Manta to be self-contained and complete.
Unlike other sorters that require additional elements such as separate
cooling systems, water filters, and air dryers, Manta incorporates all
the necessary components in one system. Simply connect air, water, power
and start sorting.
Ease of use, despite the sophistication of the underlying technology,
sets Manta apart from other sorters on the market. The icon-based
graphical user interface (GUI) is easy to learn and use, reducing
operator training and simplifying optimum operation. Product settings
can be stored and retrieved for fast product changeover. The GUI resides
locally, and its settings can be viewed and modified via its
OPC-compliant communication tags from a factory SCADA system. This
capability reduces dependence on manual procedures and labor, while
easing access for remote factory troubleshooting and application
assistance. Sophisticated real-time and on-demand diagnostics help avoid
costly downtime and detect conditions immediately that could compromise
inspection.
To ease maintenance, Manta features an open design and fewer, larger
cabinet doors that provide greater access to the sorter’s electronics
and hardware. Quick release components allow Manta’s belt to be changed
quickly and easily.
State-of-the-art sanitary design concepts are incorporated in the
design and construction of Manta. Key has eliminated horizontal surfaces
where debris could build up as well as overlapping surfaces that can
trap bacteria, making Manta far less susceptible to sanitation problems.
With stainless steel construction, watertight double-gaskets on doors, a
sealed control panel, and easy access to areas needing periodic
cleaning, Manta is designed to operate reliably in the harshest
environments and easily withstand high pressure washdowns.
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and
manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical
inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems
help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost.
With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration
and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions
in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem,
the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on the Global Market
tier of The NASDAQ Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.
Inquiries :
Anita Funk, Corporate Communications Manager
Key Technology, Inc.
150 Avery Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA
Tel: 509 529 2161
Fax: 509 527 1331
Email: afunk@key.net
URL: www.key.net
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