Ideal for Heavy Product Flows
The MPI METAL SHARK® BD Controller is a compact, high-performance control unit designed specifically for metal detection of packaged products on conveyor systems. Optimized for food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, this controller delivers fast, accurate detection of ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants in boxes, pouches, trays, and other packaging types.
Built on the advanced technology platform of the METAL SHARK® series, the BD controller features a multi-frequency digital signal processor, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and configurable reject and alarm outputs. Its rugged stainless-steel enclosure and hygienic design make it ideal for washdown environments. At the same time, its auto-learn and product memory functions simplify operation and ensure consistent sensitivity across multiple SKUs. The BD Controller seamlessly integrates with MPI’s conveyor systems and can be paired with SharkNet® software for enhanced traceability, validation, and remote monitoring.
Benefits of the Metal Shark 3 Controller From Magnetic Products, Inc
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Optimized for Conveyor Applications
Specifically tuned for packaged goods traveling on conveyor belts—ideal for food, pharma, and CPG lines requiring high-speed, inline inspection.
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Multi-Frequency Detection with Auto-Tuning
Automatically selects and adjusts frequency to detect all common metals (FE, NFE, SS), ensuring accuracy even with high-moisture or metallic packaging.
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Compact Stainless Steel Enclosure
Space-saving design with IP65-rated stainless steel housing, ideal for sanitary environments and easy integration into conveyor frames.
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Fast Product Changeover
Stores up to 120 product profiles with auto-learn setup, enabling rapid, repeatable changeovers with minimal recalibration.
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Advanced Signal Processing & Stability
Equipped with digital balance control, noise filtering, and adaptive sensitivity algorithms to reduce false rejects and ensure reliable performance.
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Flexible I/O Configuration
Includes multiple configurable inputs and outputs for reject devices, alarms, belt stops, and system integration with PLCs or machine control logic.
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User-Friendly Touchscreen Interface
Features a color display, multilingual menus, real-time status feedback, and password-protected settings for simple and secure use.
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SharkNet®-Ready for Compliance & Monitoring
Compatible with MPI's SharkNet® software for centralized QA reporting, validation tracking, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance in regulated environments.
Metal Shark 3 Controller Product Details
The METAL SHARK® BD Controller is designed to manage the operation of tunnel-style metal detectors installed over or around conveyor belts. As packaged products move through the metal detector aperture, the controller maintains a balanced electromagnetic field across the detection zone.
When a ferrous, non-ferrous, or stainless steel contaminant is present in a package, it disturbs the electromagnetic field. The controller instantly captures and analyzes this signal using its multi-frequency digital processor. If the signal exceeds the set threshold, the controller classifies it as a contaminant and triggers a programmed output response.
This response can activate a reject mechanism (e.g., pusher, air blast, drop gate), stop the belt, sound an alarm, or log the event for QA tracking. The BD Controller continuously adapts to line conditions—compensating for temperature, humidity, or product effect—ensuring stable and reliable detection without interrupting product flow. Operators can view live status, change product settings, or run validation tests from the intuitive touchscreen interface.
Metal Shark 3 Controller Specification Table
US Customary Units
| METAL SHARK CONTROLLER FEATURE | METAL SHARK BD 3 SOFTWARE CAPABILITY |
|---|---|
| Electronics | digital signal processor, noise filter, digital balance control, digital frequency control, PowerDrive circuit |
| Inputs | 8 freely configurable 24 V DC signals, e.g. for reject confirmation or conveyor belt control |
| Outputs | 2 potential-free: "Error" and "Metal" 8 freely configurable 24 V DC signals, e.g. for optic/acoustic alarm or start conveyor belt |
| Display | 5.4" color screen |
| Inspection Method | Inductive, multi-channel operation, balanced receiver coils |
| Metal Detection | NFerrous, non-ferrous (e.g. aluminum or copper) und stainless steel |
| Product Compensation | 250 storage spaces, compensation performed automatically, with Teach-Assistant |
| Protection Type | IP65, optional IP66 or IP67 |
| Ambience | Standard: -10°C to +40°C, rel. humidity 30% up to 80% (non condensing) Optional: -40°C or +55°C |
| Product Temperature | Standard: -30°C to +40°C Optional: -40°C to +60°C |
| Power Supply | One phase 110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, typ. consumption 20 W (max. 60 W) |
| Interface | RS232, LAN (optional, for SHARKNET®), USB (optional) |
| Temperature | Standard: temp. -10°C to +40°C, rel. humidity 30 to 85% not condensing; Options: -40°C or +55°C |
| Power Supply | 85-264 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 1P, self selecting |
| Interface | RS232, Ethernet and optional WLAN |
| Maintenance | Maintenance-free, self calibrating sensors |
| Dianostics | Integrated diagnostic software, automatic self-test |
| Conformity | CE |
Metal Shark 3 Controller Installations & Variations
METAL SHARK® BD Specified for Its Cyclical Function Monitoring with Performance Validation System (PVS)
Optional METAL SHARK® BD UltraSens for Hypersensitivity with Twinhead Model to Overcome Orientation Effects
METAL SHARK® BD Maintenance-Free Design with Automatic and Continuous Calibration of Detector Coils