Tablet Capsule Counting Machine for Multi-Product Bottling

A tablet capsule counting machine electronically counts suitable tablets, hard capsules, softgels, and other compatible solid products and dispenses a preset quantity into bottles.

For manufacturers producing multiple products, an important question is:

Can the same counting machine handle both tablets and capsules?

Potentially, yes. However, different products can require different feeding settings, counting parameters, bottle adjustments, and operating conditions.

The machine should therefore be selected according to the complete intended product range.

How Does a Tablet Capsule Counting Machine Work?

The basic electronic counting process is:

Product Feeding → Separation → Electronic Detection → Counting → Discharge

The same basic process can be used for suitable tablets and capsules, but product behavior can differ.

Can One Machine Count Both Tablets and Capsules?

Suitable electronic counters can potentially process both.

Before machine selection, provide information for every major product that will use the equipment.

This should include:

• Product type
• Dimensions
• Shape
• Photos
• Count per bottle
• Required capacity
• Actual samples when available

Selecting the machine around only one product may create unnecessary limitations when other SKUs are introduced.

Counting Tablets

Tablets can differ in:

• Diameter
• Thickness
• Shape
• Coating
• Fragility
• Dust generation

These characteristics can influence feeding and separation.

Round tablets, oblong tablets, and irregular products may not behave identically.

Counting Hard Capsules

Hard capsules are another common application for electronic counting equipment.

Important factors include:

• Capsule size
• Surface characteristics
• Product flow
• Count per bottle
• Required bottles per minute

Different capsule sizes can require changes to operating settings.

Counting Softgel Capsules

Suitable softgels can potentially be counted using the same type of electronic counting equipment.

However, softgels may differ from hard capsules in:

• Shape
• Surface
• Product flow
• Separation behavior

Actual samples can help confirm compatibility.

Why Does Product Changeover Matter?

If the same machine handles several SKUs, operators need to switch from one product to another.

Depending on the products and machine configuration, changeover can involve:

• Product removal
• Cleaning
• Feeding adjustment
• Vibration adjustment
• Counting settings
• Bottle adjustment
• Trial operation

Factories producing many SKUs should consider changeover requirements before purchasing.

Does the Machine Need a Different Mold for Every Product?

This depends on the specific equipment and application.

Do not assume that every product change requires the same mechanical changes.

Instead, provide the complete intended product range so the required adjustments can be confirmed before ordering.

Why Are Product Dimensions Important?

Product dimensions affect how tablets and capsules:

Feed → Separate → Pass the Detection Area → Discharge

A machine suitable for one product size should not automatically be assumed suitable for every possible solid product.

What About Irregular Tablets?

Irregular tablets can potentially be counted when they are compatible with the feeding and detection process.

However, unusual shapes should be evaluated using actual samples when possible.

Photos alone may not show how the product behaves during feeding.

What About Dusty Tablets?

Some tablets generate more dust than capsules.

Dust can accumulate around feeding and detection areas and may require additional cleaning attention.

This is one reason operating conditions may need to change when switching between tablets and capsules.

Does Count per Bottle Affect Production?

Yes.

For example:

30 capsules per bottle

and

120 tablets per bottle

create very different counting cycles.

Capacity should therefore be evaluated using:

Product + Pieces per Bottle + Required Bottles per Minute

rather than one generic pieces-per-minute figure.

How Do Counting Channels Affect Selection?

Electronic counters are available in different channel configurations.

Higher channel count can support higher production requirements, but channel number alone does not determine the correct machine.

Consider:

Product Range + Count per Bottle + Required Capacity + Bottle + Complete Line

For additional information about electronic counters and different configurations, explore Ruiyi Machinery’s counting machine resources.

Can Gummies Be Added to the Same Product Range?

Potentially, but gummies require separate evaluation.

Sticky gummies may adhere to each other, which can affect feeding and separation.

If tablets, capsules, and gummies will all use the same machine, provide actual gummy samples before final configuration.

What Bottles Will Be Used?

Multi-product factories often also use several bottle formats.

Provide:

• Bottle height
• Bottle diameter or width
• Bottle opening diameter
• Bottle material
• Bottle photos

If several bottles will be used, provide the complete range.

Tablet and Capsule Counting in an Automatic Line

A suitable automatic system can include:

Bottle Unscrambler → Tablet Capsule Counting Machine → Desiccant Inserter → Capping Machine → Induction Sealing Machine → Labeling Machine → Collection Turntable

If several products and bottles use the same line, changeover requirements should be evaluated for the complete system.

Does One Machine Guarantee the Same Performance for Every Product?

No.

Different products can have different feeding and separation characteristics.

Actual performance can depend on:

• Product dimensions
• Shape
• Surface
• Dust
• Fragility
• Product overlap
• Count per bottle
• Machine settings
• Operating conditions

Each major product should be evaluated individually.

Why Is Sample Testing Useful for Multi-Product Projects?

Sample testing allows different products to be compared under actual operating conditions.

For each product, the process can be observed through:

Feeding → Separation → Detection → Counting → Discharge

This helps determine whether one machine configuration is suitable for the complete product range.

What Information Should You Send?

For a multi-product project, prepare a table containing:

Product

• Product name or type
• Tablet/capsule/softgel
• Dimensions
• Shape
• Photo

Counting

• Pieces per bottle
• Required bottles per minute

Bottle

• Dimensions
• Opening diameter
• Photo

Production

• Number of SKUs
• Changeover frequency
• Working hours

Actual product and bottle samples can also be supplied for testing.

Tablet Capsule Counting Machine FAQ

Can one counting machine count both tablets and capsules?

Potentially, yes. Suitable electronic counters can process different tablets and capsules after appropriate settings and changeover.

Can the same machine count hard capsules and softgels?

Suitable hard capsules and softgels can potentially use the same counter, but their dimensions and feeding characteristics should be evaluated.

Do I need a separate machine for every tablet size?

Not necessarily. The intended product range should be evaluated to determine whether one machine configuration can handle the required formats.

Does changing from tablets to capsules require adjustment?

It can. Feeding, vibration, counting settings, bottle setup, and cleaning requirements may differ between products.

Can one machine count tablets, capsules and gummies?

Potentially, but gummy stickiness creates additional feeding and separation considerations. Actual gummy samples should be tested.

What should I provide if I have many SKUs?

Provide information for all major products and bottles, including dimensions, photos, count per bottle, required capacity, and changeover requirements.