The core idea of this page: a metal detector finds metal only; an X-ray finds metal plus glass, stone and bone by density. Choose by the contaminant you must catch — and by whether your product is conductive, which defeats a basic metal detector.
Metal detection
Finds ferrous and non-ferrous metal by disturbing a balanced electromagnetic field. Cheaper and faster, but blind to non-metal and affected by conductive products (meat, cheese, brine).
X-ray inspection
Images the pack by density, catching metal plus glass, stone, bone and dense plastic, and checking fill level and completeness. Costs more and needs radiation shielding.
Decision rule
- Only metal risk → metal detector.
- Glass/stone/bone risk, or conductive product → X-ray.
Source: Anritsu Infivis
M6-h "Fe sphere 0.25 mm dia. / SUS sphere 0.6 mm dia.".
Frequently asked questions
Does a metal detector find glass?
No — only X-ray finds glass, stone and bone.
Last verified: September 10, 2026.