In the world of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging, counting solid units (tablets, capsules, softgels, candies, or dragees) is a crucial step to ensure accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance.
How the Bottle Counting and Filling Process Works
The bottle counting production cycle can be summarized in six main steps:
- Product feeding – Tablets or capsules are conveyed from hoppers or vibratory feeders to the counting channels.
- Distribution – The product is aligned on vibrating channels or multi-lane tracks to ensure a uniform flow.
- Counting – Optical or machine vision technology records each individual unit.
- Bottle filling – Once the preset count is reached, the units are directed into the bottle in a controlled manner.
- Quality control – Sensors and vision systems verify that each bottle contains the correct number of units.
- Line integration – The bottle then proceeds to capping, labeling, and final packaging, maintaining full traceability.
Main Counting Technologies
Optical Counting
This is the most widely used technology. Tablets pass through infrared light beams, and each interruption is recorded as a unit.
Advantages: high speed, simplicity, and reliability.
Disadvantages: sensitive to dust and vibrations, requires regular calibration.
Machine Vision and AI
High-resolution cameras “see” the units in real time, while AI algorithms count them and detect defects or overlaps.
Advantages: integrated quality control and flexibility for multiple formats.
Disadvantages: higher cost and need for training.
Mechanical Counting and Weighing
Complementary methods based on vibrating channels or total batch weight.
Useful for medium-small production or lines dedicated to very uniform products.
Leading Counting Machine Manufacturers
The international market features top-tier manufacturers specializing in bottle counting machines:
- Marchesini Group – Compact and modular lines for tablet and capsule counting and filling.
- IMA / IMA Swiftpack / IMA Uniline – High-performance integrated solutions, suitable for fully automatic lines.
- COUNTEC – Renowned for precision and reliability; COUNTEC DMC counters are widely used in the second-hand market.
- King – Historic manufacturer with popular models like the King TB4.
- Romaco Bosspak – High-capacity rotary counting machines for pharmaceutical applications.
- L.B. Bohle – Advanced systems with high automation and integration levels.
Why Choose a Used Counting Machine
Purchasing a used counting machine can be a strategic choice, especially for those looking to expand their packaging line without the costs of a new system.
Main advantages include:
- Lower capital investment
- Shorter delivery times
- Possibility of customization and retrofitting
- Environmental sustainability through reuse of still-efficient machines
Discover Used Counting Machines on Makinate
If you are looking for used bottle counting machines, visit the dedicated section on Makinate’s website:
👉 Used Counting Machines
In the Makinate catalog, you will find models from COUNTEC, King, IMA, Romaco, Marchesini and many more, carefully selected, refurbished, and ready for installation. You can compare technical features, year of manufacture, and operational conditions, or request personalized assistance from the Makinate team to find the best solution for your production line.
Summary
Bottle counting is a crucial step to ensure quality, accuracy, and traceability in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical packaging. Choosing a used counting machine from Makinate provides high performance, cost savings, and reliability with the confidence of working with industry experts.