Tablet counting machines are single units of several parts that work together to ensure accurate counting and filling. Most importantly, all of these systems contribute to making sure the right things are made. Several aspects of the counter could be different from one machine to another. The following are the essential parts of tablet counting machines that provide a smooth counting and filling process:
- Vibrating feeder
- Counting system
- Bottle feeding system
- Cabinet
- Control system
Remember that each of these parts is important to the counting and filling process in its own way. You’ll also see that the positions of all these parts can change depending on the machine. Each may be adjusted to suit the demands of different tablet counting requirements.
Vibrating Feeder
A big part of the vibrating feeder is the hopper that holds the tablets you need to count. Tablets can also be temporarily stored in a container until their turn is counted. A baffle can be moved around at the back of the tablet hopper. This is a must-have if you have a lot of tablets or ones with odd shapes. All you have to do to get your tablets back is to attune them. The hopper is easy to take off and clean, making it ideal for sanitary applications.
Vibrator
The level of vibration depends on the equipment you are using. Take a three-grade vibration as an instance. The first vibrator starts with a long piece of corrugated board. Next to the hopper is a second vibrator, a short corrugated board, and a third, a flat board. You can change the parameters on the settings page to change how the first and second vibrators move. A knob next to the control box lets you adjust the intensity of vibrations from the third vibrator. You need to adjust the vibration intensity to control the rate at which pills flow.
Tablet feeding track
The feeding trucks also differ. There are specific numbers of channels for every machine. There are 2, 4, 8, 16, and other multi-channel. As the process continued, the dust would settle into a dust collector because of the vibrations. Most of the time, the collector is at the front of the track. Because of this, the collector often needs cleaning.
Dust cap system
The dust cover is made of Perspex. The dust cover keeps out any loose particles that could otherwise block your view or make it hard to watch the feeding process.
Counting System
This features track conveyors and a dropper system. A tablet guide plate, dropper, and counting heads make up this counting system.
The Guide Plate
The plate guides the tablets into the counting area. Usually, it is modified to fit the specific kind of tablets the consumer prefers.
Dropper
While some devices feature many droppers for filling, others only have one. After counting the pills, the droppers precisely fill the bottles with tablets. It’s crucial that the bottle’s opening and the dropper’s diameter match. The bottle’s mouth has a screw that allows you to move the dropper anywhere you choose.
Counting Heads
The counting heads are an important part of tablet counting machines, and their sensitive sensors are a must-have. In one smooth move, the sensors track and count the passing tablets and send the signal data to the control screen at the same time. After that, you’ll be able to run things well from the control panel.
Bottle Feeding System
The bottle-feeding system is made up of various pieces. On all machines, the bottle feeder is always under the tablet dropper. This system comprises of transmission part, the conveyor belt, the bottle hold bar, etc.
Transmission
This is the key component that supplies the machine with the necessary power to operate the entire system. The motor receives the power it needs to move from the transmission shaft.
Conveyor
The chain belt, a crucial component of this conveyor, is fastened to the tension pulley at both ends. A pulley is at either end of the conveyor to make this action easier. So what serves as the conveyor’s purpose? The conveyor ensures the bottles go into the machine at the proper rate and direction. To improve the effectiveness of the conveyor, manufacturers often place a divider panel along the center of the chain belt. The panel that divides the conveyor into several smaller conveyors allows it to simultaneously move an even number of bottles.
Bottle Hold Bar
Bottle hold bars are clips with the same diameter as the bottle’s neck. The clips should be fastened to the bottle’s mouth before the feeding process can start. The conveyor can be even more flexible by adjusting the space between the rails in line with the diameters of the bottles. The distance between the first and second bottle placements equals the container’s diameter.
A signal is sent to switch off the vibrator after the system detects all conveyor bottles filled and discharged. The inspection sensors’ design allows for such precise synchronization. These sensors are installed at the bottle rack’s highest point, where they can observe all operations and provide relevant signals in real-time.
Machine Cabinet
The cabinet is only one component that may need your attention. The cabinet always has a cabinet case, screws on pillars, adjustable pillars, and so on. It is important to place the machine at the correct height while installing the tablet counter and filler. Naturally, it should be at a height that works well with the other equipment or add-ons. You must first tighten or loosen the four screws on the pillars to change the height.
Control System
All the electronics and electrical parts that keep tablet counting machines going are part of the control system. Cabinets or control boxes often house such regulable equipment. A PLC with a matching HMI applies in fully automated and semi-automatic machinery.
Finally, the power may be changed through a knob on either side of the cabinet. In addition to these critical parts, remember that the tablet counter is compatible with a broad range of optional accessories. Here are a few of them:
- Complete validation system
- Glass machine safety cabinet
- Audit trails
Each part serves an important and distinct purpose. Moreover, these parts operate in tandem to provide the best counting and filling outcomes. Indeed, capsule or tablet counting machines and capsule filling machines are essential equipment in the pharmaceutical industry.