Use this comparison chart to see which system is right for you
Many factors can go into the selection of a food safety metal detector - from the unique challenges of your application (such as high salt content that may mimic metal) to packaging materials to environmental noise, washdown procedures and even where you locate the detector in your line.
This selection guide provides an overview of technology options, including our latest Thermo Scientific Sentinel Selectscan and Multiscan technologies that can be configured to your application. But, nothing beats a product test to see how our equipment will perform in your application. (You may even discover that the food X-ray inspection system may be better suited to your needs.)
We’re here when you’re ready for a free demo or product test – or just have questions for our application experts. See how we can help you find the right solution to protect consumers and your brand.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
| SENTINEL 5000 | SENTINEL 3000 | SENTINEL 1000 | APEX 300 | APEX 100 | APEX Rx | |
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Typical install application | ||||||
| Conveyor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Combo with checkweigher | External infeed | Integral to | External infeed | Integral to Checkweigher | External infeed | |
| Drop through/ gravity |
| 300D and |
| Tablet/ | ||
| Pipeline | ✓ | |||||
| Package/product type | ||||||
| Cartons/ boxes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Pouches/ bags | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Bulk flow products | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Plastic bottles & jars (no metal lids) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Tablets and capsules | ✓ | |||||
| Design | ||||||
| Construction | Stainless steel, epoxy aperture | Stainless steel, epoxy aperture | Stainless steel, epoxy aperture | Stainless steel, epoxy aperture | Stainless steel, epoxy aperture | Stainless steel, epoxy aperture |
| User interface | Graphical, color touchscreen | Graphical, color touchscreen | Graphical, color touchscreen | ABS plastic control panel, display and keypad | ABS plastic control panel, display and keypad | ABS plastic control panel, display and keypad |
| USB port | Standard | Standard | Standard | |||
| Built-in line filter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Enhanced statistics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Frequency range | ||||||
| Up to five frequencies in real time, adjustable with software in the field (50–1000kHz) | Up to five frequencies in real time, adjustable with software in the field (50–1000kHz) | A fully-flexible frequency optimized per application, adjustable with software in the field (50 - 1000kHz) | Dual frequencies set in factory (50–460 kHz) | Dual frequencies set in factory (50–460 kHz) | Dual frequencies set in factory (700–900 kHz) | |
| Typical sensitivity | ||||||
| Best, up to 70% smaller volume metal than previous technology | Best, up to 30% smaller volume metal than previous technology | Better, up to 25% smaller volume metal than previous technology | Good | Good | Best | |
| Temperature | ||||||
| Operating temperature | –10° to +40°C (+14° to +104°F) | –10° to +40°C (+14° to +104°F) | –10° to +40°C (+14° to +104°F) | –10° to +40°C (+14° to +104°F) | –10° to +40°C (+14° to +104°F) | –10° to +40°C (+14° to +104°F) |
| Product temperature maximum | –10° to 55°C (14° to 131°F) | –10° to 55°C (14° to 131°F) | –10° to 55°C (14° to 131°F) | –10° to 55°C (14° to 131°F) | –10° to 55°C (14° to 131°F) | –10° to 55°C (14° to 131°F) |
| High temperture option (–10° to 120°C (14° to 248°F) | Kynar plastic with metal flange/gasket | Not available | Not available | Kynar plastic with metal flange/gasket | ||
| Belt speed range | ||||||
| 0.5–1000m/ min | 0.5–1000m/ min | 0.5–1000m/ min | 0.5–1000m/ min | 0.5–1000m/ min | 0.5–100m/ min | |
| Apertures | ||||||
| Wide range | Limited to those used with combos | Wide range | Narrow range | Wide range | Small only | |
| Specific aperture sizes | ||||||
| Width: 75 to 2000 mm, Height: 75 to 600 mm. Increments of 25 mm up to 200 mm and 50 mm above 200mm | Width: 100 to 450 mm, Height: 75 to 250 mm. Increments of 25 mm up to 200 mm and 50 mm above 200mm | Width: 75 to 2000 mm, Height: 75 to 600 mm. Increments of 25 mm up to 200 mm and 50 mm above 200mm | Width: 75 to 550 mm, Height: 50 to 550 mm. Increments of 25 mm up to 200 mm and 50 mm above 200mm | Width: 50 to 1750 mm, Height: 50 to 600 mm. Increments of 25 mm up to 200 mm and 50 mm above 200mm | Width: 100 mm, Height: 25, 35 & 50 mm | |
| Ratings | ||||||
| IP69K, HD option includes thermal shock protection | IP69K | IP69K | IP69K, Type 3 enclosure, ATEX zone 22, hazardous location Class II Division 2 Groups F&G | IP69K, Type 3 enclosure, ATEX zone 22, hazardous location Class II Division 2 Groups F&G | Type 3 enclosure, metal detector and control panel only | |
| Auditcheck | ||||||
| ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Relative price | ||||||
| $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ | |
Trade Up and Trade In
Enjoy special trade-in savings when you trade up to a new Thermo Scientific Sentinel 5000 Multiscan Metal Detector. Trade in a metal detector from any brand. Make your food safety program safer than ever with our new multiscan technology. These offers apply only to orders placed by December 31, 2021.
