Key Technology has introduced its new belt-fed COMPASS optical sorter, expanding its family of advanced sorting solutions. Designed for handling wet, sticky, or fragile products, the new system delivers high-performance defect and foreign material removal, while offering enhanced ease of use, sanitation, and maintenance.

Unveiled at Pack Expo Las Vegas, the belt-fed COMPASS builds on the success of the original chute-fed version launched in 2023. Unlike chute-fed systems that require vertical installation, the belt-fed design installs horizontally—minimising facility modifications and making it suitable for a wider range of food processors, including those handling produce and snack foods.

The sorter uses Key’s NEXT sort engine and supports up to eight channels of multispectral sensor data to detect and remove plastics, glass, paper, wood, and product defects based on colour, size, shape, and texture. The system’s camera technology achieves high precision without the need for additional laser or hyperspectral sensors.

User-friendly operation is a standout feature. A smartphone-like interface allows staff to learn operation in under 30 minutes, while recipe creation and changeovers can be completed in minutes. Intelligent belt tracking, minimal manual adjustments, and open, hygienic design further reduce downtime and labour requirements.

Equipped with Key Discovery, the COMPASS sorter also functions as an IIoT-enabled data hub, offering processors real-time insights into product quality and line performance.

Available in multiple sizes and configurations, the belt-fed COMPASS can be integrated across various points in the processing line, helping producers achieve consistent quality, improved yield, and operational efficiency.

More information is available at www.key.net.

COMPASS belt-fed optical sorter from Key Technology