Metal Detector Test Standards

At Fastec Services, LLC, we understand the need for high quality testing supplies. All of our metal detector test pieces are manufactured in a food grade FDA approved material, and are traceable through lot numbers. The items are engraved, not stamped, for longevity. Each test sample includes a certificate of compliance that can be looked up through our Calibration Wands COC Lookup system located here:

Electromagnetic Testing

Fastec Services supplies metal detector test standards with traceable documentation for diameter and signal verification. After manufacturing, each sample is tested to confirm the correct signal strength for the embedded metal sphere.

We have a range of metal detector test spheres in most metal types ranging from 0.3 mm to 14 mm, with special sphere sizes available upon request.

• Non-Ferrous (Brass)
• Ferrous (52100)
• Stainless Steel (Grades 316, 304, 440)

Aluminum and copper test standards are available by request. Please call us for sizing, availability, and pricing. (843-406-9745)
Our metal detector test cards are available up to 3mm in all materials. Company logos can be engraved upon request.

Tips and Advice

Are you using the correct size samples for your detector? Detector sensitivity can be affected by product characteristics such as temperature, moisture content and enrichment. Additionally, metal detector aperture size, operating frequency, and electrical noise within the plant will play a role in the overall sensitivity available to the metal detector. Please call for more information.

Test your metal detectors at regular intervals, every hour is common practice, use three test samples made from ferrous (chrome steel), non-ferrous (brass) and grade 316 stainless steel. Grade 316 stainless steel is commonly used because it is generally non-magnetic and is often one of the more difficult common stainless grades for a metal detector to detect. So the theory is, if it can find this grade then it will certainly find the others.

When testing your metal detector, place the test standard in or on the product in a location that ensures it passes as close as possible to the geometric center of the aperture. This position is the weakest detection area of the metal detector. Confirming detection through the center of the aperture helps verify that metal can be detected throughout the aperture. It is also important to test both the leading and trailing edges of the product to confirm that the reject timing is correct.

Always test with ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel samples. In some cases, a detector may still detect one metal type while losing sensitivity to another due to tuning drift, product effect, or setup issues.

Remember test standards are color coded:

Additional Resources

What is the standard turnaround time for test standards?

Standard items usually ship based on stock availability. Custom sizes, materials, and engraved logos may require additional lead time. Contact us for current availability.

How often should I replace test standards?

Replace test standards if they are cracked, damaged, heavily worn, contaminated, unreadable, or no longer produce expected results.

Will I receive a certificate with testing standard services?

Yes you will. Certificates can help support internal QA records, customer audits, and food safety documentation.