Full Guide to 5 Types of Tablet/Capsule Counters
—Choose MCU, PLC or Vision Counting Machine
1.Introduction: Why Are Tablet/Capsule Counting & Bottle Filling Machines Indispensable for the Modern Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industries?
Currently, five main types of counting machines dominate the market:
- Semi-auto counter:suitable for low budget,low speed production
- Microcontroller Counting Machine—Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entry-level equipment applications
- PLC Tablet Capsule Counter—Suitable for many different products counting
- Vision/Camera Counting Machine —High Precision Counting Machine
- Sticky Gummy Counting Machine
These five types vary greatly in control core, counting principle, cost, stability and intelligence. This article will compare them in 7 key dimensions, offering comprehensive guidance for your equipment selection.
2.Basic Working Principles of Counting Machines
2.1 Photoelectric Counting
Most microcontroller-based and PLC counting machines use photoelectric sensors. When particles pass through the detection area, pulse signals are generated for counting.
2.2 Vision Counting Technology
Vision counting systems use high-speed industrial cameras to capture each batch of particles, which are then identified and counted by algorithms.
3.Six Key Dimensions of of Three Types of Tablet /Capsule Counters
Item | Microcontroller Counting Machine | PLC Tablet/Capsule Counting Machine | Vision/Camera Counting Machine |
1.Control System | Microcontroller (MCU) control | PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) | Industrial camera, Visual algorithm, Host computer |
2.Counting Technology | photoelectric sensors | Photoelectric sensors | Image counting by recognizing each particle via high-speed camera |
3.Accuracy Level | Medium | High | Very high |
4.Cost | low | Medium | High |
5.Stability | Moderate stability | Relatively high stability | Very high stability |
6.Applicable Products | Regular-shaped, free-flowing granules (tablets, capsules) | Tablets, capsules, softgel capsule,hardware parts,Transparent capsule | Any-shaped materials (tablets, special-shaped parts, irregular granules) |
4.How to Choose the Right Counting Machine
Choosing the right tablet and capsule counting machine is essential for improving production efficiency and counting accuracy. Consider the key factors below before making your decision
4.1Budget：
- Lower Budget：Semi auto tablet/capsule counting machine
Entry level: MCU counting machines
Mid to high level: PLC or vision counting systems
4.2Production Speed Requirements
Small batches such as 10-30bottle permins，standard photoelectric counting
Medium to high output lines such as multi-channel high-speed counters，50-100bottle per min
High-speed and high-accuracy demands: vision counting systems,such as 150-200bottle per min.
4.3Product Appearance
Transparent or semi-transparent tablets
Products prone to overlapping
Irregular shapes or special designs
👉 For complex products, a vision counting machine is recommended.
A tablet and capsule counting machine combined with a complete packaging line provides an efficient, accurate, and automated solution for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production.Normally it including the followed equipments：
Conclusion：
Selecting the Most Suitable Counting Machine for More Efficient and Precise Production. In modern pharmaceutical, health supplement, and food industries, choosing the right counting machine not only impacts production efficiency but also affects product compliance, filling accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• If you prioritize low cost and simple operation,—the Microcontroller Counter or semi auto counter is the right choice.
• If you require high stability, rapid production speed, and integration with entire production lines,—the PLC Tablet/Capsule Counter is the industry-standard solution.
• When you demand ultra-high precision, intelligent detection, and compatibility with transparent or irregular materials,—the Vision Counting Machine as an irreplaceable high-end solution.
If you want to counting and filling Tablets Capsules Softgels Gummies Pills and Hardware Parts.Tell us your bottle size, output requirement and material type — we will design the best counting solution for you.
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