How Tablet Counting Machines Work

Read on to learn more about how different types of tablet counting machines work.

What Is a Tablet Counting Machine?

A tablet counting machine is a piece of equipment used in pharmaceutical and related industries to count and package tablets or capsules accurately and efficiently. Pharmacy tablet counting machines are designed to handle large volumes of tablets and ensure precise counting to meet quality and regulatory standards.

Tablet Counting Machine Types

Tablet counting machines are typically categorized into three levels of automation:

Manual
Semi-automatic
Automatic

Let’s break down how each type of counting machine works.

How Does a Manual Tablet Counting Machine Work?

Manual tablet counters require careful attention and dexterity from the operator to ensure accurate counting. While they may be slower than automated counters, manual counters are still widely used in small-scale operations or in situations where automation is not feasible or cost-effective.

Here’s how a manual tablet counter with holes typically works:

1 .Tablet Loading Onto Flat Tray

The first step in the operation of a manual tablet counting machine is loading the tablets onto a flat tray. The operator manually pours a bulk quantity of tablets onto the flat tray or platform of the tablet counting machine. The tray typically has a smooth, flat surface that provides a visible area for the tablets to be spread out evenly.

2. Shaking to Fill Holes

After loading the tablets onto the flat tray, the operator uses a shaking motion to encourage the tablets to settle into the small holes or openings on the tray.

3. Continuous Shaking to Remove Excess Tablets

After the tablets settle into the holes, the operator continues shaking the tray to remove any excess tablets on the surface.

4. Releasing Tablets Into the Chute

Once the tablets settle into the holes on the tray and excess tablets are removed, the operator releases the tablets from the holes and guides them into a chute.

5. Dispensing Into a Bottle

In the final step of operating a manual tablet counting machine, the operator completes the counting process by dispensing the tablets into a waiting bottle. Tilting the tray allows the tablets to slide down the chute and into the waiting bottle, completing the manual tablet counting process.

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How Does a Semi-Automatic Tablet Counting Machine Work?

For a semi-automatic tablet counting machine, the process combines manual and automated elements to optimize accuracy and efficiency.

Here’s a breakdown of how a semi-automatic tablet counting machine typically works:

1. Manual Tablet Loading Into the Feeding Hopper

In the first step of operating a semi-automatic tablet counting machine, tablets are manually loaded into a specially designed feeding hopper.

2. Tablet Transfer Onto the Turntable

Tablets from the feeding hopper are directed onto a turntable. This is a rotating platform that efficiently carries the tablets through the counting process. The turntable is equipped with a photoelectric sensor that detects each tablet as it passes by for precise tracking.

3. Tablet Transfer to Discharge Funnels

In the third step of operating a semi-automatic tablet counting machine, tablets from the turntable are transferred to individual discharge funnels positioned around the turntable. By transferring tablets to individual discharge funnels and using sensors for precise detection, a semi-automatic tablet counting machine ensures accurate tablet counting and efficient movement towards packaging stations.

4. Accurate Counting and Bottling

Lastly, tablets gathered in the discharge funnels are counted before being bottled. By accurately counting tablets and bottling them into waiting containers, this step in operating a semi-automatic tablet counting machine ensures precise tablet counts and efficient packaging for distribution or further processing.

How Does an Automatic Tablet Counting Machine Work?

Automatic tablet counting machines are sophisticated devices that handle large-scale production with minimal human intervention while ensuring high levels of efficiency and accuracy in tablet packaging.

Here’s how automatic tablet counting machines work:

1. Loading Tablets Into the Feeding Hopper

Tablets are loaded into the feeding hopper with a vibrating mechanism for efficient feeding, and the automatic tablet counting machine ensures a steady supply of tablets for accurate counting.

2. Tablets Transition to Multiple-Channel Vibratory Plates

Tablets are transitioned from the feeding hopper to multiple-channel vibratory plates with rhythmic vibrations for separation and alignment. The automatic tablet counting machine prepares tablets for precise counting in subsequent stages of the process.

3. Guiding Tablets to the Discharge Chute

In the third step of operating an automatic tablet counting machine, tablets separated and aligned on the multiple-channel vibratory plates are guided towards the discharge chute for further processing.

4. Counting and Dispensing Tablets With Sensor Heads

With sensor heads that accurately count tablets as they cascade down the discharge chute, the automatic tablet counting machine ensures precise counting and dispensing into packaging containers for distribution or further processing.

5. Bottling and Conveyor Transfer

Tablets are released into bottles that are then transferred via a conveyor system. This final step of operating an automatic tablet counting machine ensures precise tablet filling and contributes to a seamless workflow.

Key Takeaways

Overall, tablet counting machines are better in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and consistency compared to manual counting methods.

Ascend Packaging provides a variety of packaging equipment, including automatic and semi-automatic solutions. Our customers can choose the type of equipment that best fits their production requirements, level of automation, and budget. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of tablet counting machines.

How Tablet Counting Machines Work

What Is a Tablet Counting Machine?

Tablet Counting Machine Types

How Does a Manual Tablet Counting Machine Work?

1 .Tablet Loading Onto Flat Tray

2. Shaking to Fill Holes

3. Continuous Shaking to Remove Excess Tablets

4. Releasing Tablets Into the Chute

5. Dispensing Into a Bottle

How Does a Semi-Automatic Tablet Counting Machine Work?

1. Manual Tablet Loading Into the Feeding Hopper

2. Tablet Transfer Onto the Turntable

3. Tablet Transfer to Discharge Funnels

4. Accurate Counting and Bottling

How Does an Automatic Tablet Counting Machine Work?

1. Loading Tablets Into the Feeding Hopper

2. Tablets Transition to Multiple-Channel Vibratory Plates

3. Guiding Tablets to the Discharge Chute

4. Counting and Dispensing Tablets With Sensor Heads

5. Bottling and Conveyor Transfer

Key Takeaways

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