Skip to Content

APPEARANCE CONTROL AND ALMOND SIZE SORTING

In the food industry, the size of an almond directly affects its commercial value: a homogeneous batch meets the specifications of manufacturers and distributors, while an out-of-size fruit can lead to the downgrading of an entire batch. Visual appearance is equally important: a broken almond or one with defects can indicate a health risk or a preservation issue. In a context of increasingly strict standards, reliable visual inspection has become a basic requirement to access premium markets.

THE CHALLENGE

Our client already had an existing sorting machine, but it was no longer functioning and required a complete replacement. The goal was to implement a new solution capable of sorting almonds according to two demanding criteria:

  • The gauge : with an error of ±0.7 mm
  • The appearance : detection of stains, broken almonds, or those with visual defects

The challenge was not to eliminate defective almonds, but to sort them by directing them towards other uses, without material loss.

PROJECT COMPLEXITY

This project presented several major technical challenges:

  • A very high production rate, requiring extremely short reaction times
  • A precise synchronization between the vision system and the ejection automation: identifying the right almond, on the right track, and triggering the ejector at the right moment: all at high speed
  • The necessity to ensure the reliability of the entire automated/vision communication to avoid any misalignment or erroneous ejection

METHODOLOGY

CODA Systèmes has designed and integrated a complete, entirely new solution:

  • New equipment : selection and installation of vision and conveyor systems suited to the pace
  • New vision program : setting up gauge and appearance controls specifically for the product
  • New automation : fully developed by CODA to control the real-time ejection of defective almonds on all 12 lanes simultaneously

This turnkey approach has provided the client with a reliable, accurate solution that is perfectly suited to their production constraints.

A PROJECT ?

If you would like to share a project or need more information, our team is at your disposal.

 CONTACT CODA​​​​