Tablet Coating Equipment: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

Does your business involve manufacturing of different types of tablets? Do you apply coating on your tablets and use tablet coating process in manufacturing of tablets? Does your business use a tablet coating equipment or are you interested in buying a tablet coating equipment? If your answer is yes then you are on the right platform.

Here you will get all information related to a tablet coating that will help you in selecting the right type of equipment for your process. Go through the complete guide and get your queries solved.

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1. What Is A Tablet Coating Equipment?

Tablet Coating Equipment

A tablet coating equipment is a highly flexible machine used to apply coating on various types of tablets. This applied coating protects degradation of active ingredients and supports tablets to have both color and taste. Other than this the tablets are also prevented from environmental factors like moisture and oxygen.

2.What Are The Industrial Applications Of A Tablet Coating Equipment?

Some of the industrial applications of a tablet coating equipment are

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical Tablet Film Coating – Picture Courtesy: PharmaCentral

Various types of film and enteric coating medicines that are produced in pharmaceutical industries undergo coating process in a tablet coating equipment. This equipment is highly capable of applying coating on all types and sizes of tablets to make the patient feel ease while taking it.

Food Industry

Milk Chocolate Coated

Tablet like chocolates, chewing gums, beans, candies, toffee and other attractive products produced in food and confectionary industry are coated using a tablet coating equipment. This equipment preserves the flavor and essence of the product for a longer period and attracts people of all ages.

Nutraceutical Industry

Nutraceutical Tablet Coating – Picture Courtesy: Univar Colour

For protection and safety of nutraceutical tablets, a tablet coating equipment is highly recommended in this regard. Tablet coating supports in handling the nutraceutical tablets under controlled environment so that its delicacy remains preserved for much longer time.

Chemical Industry

Agroblen Tablets – Picture Courtesy: ICL Growing Solutions

Various types of chemical fertilizers and special tablets are coated using a tablet coating equipment. It improves the internal properties of these tablets and enhances their efficacy. Also, when these chemical tablets are used, the coating controls their releasing process with both heat and moisture resistance.

Cosmetics Industry

Strawberries & Cream Waxing Dots Hair Removal Wax Beads – Picture Courtesy: Ultra Beauty

Cosmetics tablets also involve variety of chemical agents in their manufacturing. These tablets are directly applied on human body this is why it requires a greater secure and effected coating on their outer shell to maintain their purity. Cosmetic products like serums, wax beans and other pedicure related products undergo tablet coating process in a tablet coating equipment.

3.What Are The Benefits We Can Get From A Tablet Coating Equipment?

While opting for a tablet coating equipment, you should know its wide range of advantages that it offers. Out of several advantages some are

Quality Tablets

High Quality Film Coated Tablets

The most important benefit of a tablet coating equipment is that it applies highly quality coating with precise and consistent spray rate. Complete batches are produced without any chipping or defect.

Uniform Coating

Uniform Sugar-Coated Tablets – Picture Courtesy: Glehill Condos

Each of the tablet that undergoes coating in a tablet coating equipment has uniform and authentic coating. All of the edges are coated in a way that the profile of each tablets appears to be similar in shape, size and appearance.

Preventing Material Wastage

Film Coating – Picture Courtesy: Merck KGaA

During the application of coating spray, the solution of polymer or pigment is directly applied on tablets in a tablet coating equipment. This prevents the spray material from wastage and do not allow it to fumigate in air.

Preventing Tablet Damage

Preventing Tablets Damaged

Like spray material, the tablet coating also prevents the tablet from damaging when handled or traveled globally. This coating provides an extra layer to the tablet and acts as a shell on it. As a result, no wastage of powder occurs even if it is kept for a longer period.

Tamper Resistance

Tamper-Resistant Coated Tablets – Picture Courtesy: UNSW Sydney

Both the shape and size of tablets remains preserved and tamper evident when they are coated using a tablet coating equipment.

4.What Are The Materials Used To Apply Tablet Coating?

Varieties of tablets are found with coating on their surface. Some of the materials used for applying tablet coating are

Acrylic Polymer Coating

Tablet Coating Process– Picture Courtesy: LFA Tablets

Most of the immediate and extended release tablets are coated using acrylic polymers like polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinyl alcohol. These materials are highly intense that they protect tablets from moisture and also increase their internal strength. Also, these acrylic polymers are used for binding tablet powders together.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

HPMCP Enteric Coating– Picture Courtesy: SE Tylose

Cellulose like materials that are moisture and humid free are ideally used for applying film coating on various tablets. These materials include hydroxypropyl and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose that hold the property to coat tablets in an efficient way.

Polymethacrylates

Polymethacrylates Film Coating – Picture Courtesy: Bio Grund

Polymethacrylates are the materials that have high permeability and water solubility properties. Tablets coated with Polymethacrylates are intense that they dissolve in a slow pace when get in contact with water and also prevents any type of acid and drug reaction in the stomach.

Wax

Wax

Sugar Wax Coated Tablets – Picture Courtesy: IK Pharma Machinery

Some wax like materials that are generated from carnauba leaves are also suitable for applying coating of different types of tablets. It is mostly used to give a waxy or glossy appearance to tablets that appeals the consumers and also protects the entrance of any environmental microbe.

5.What Is The Working Principle Of A Tablet Coating Equipment?

Tablet Coating Machine Process

A tablet coating equipment has a simple yet important working principle to be considered with following standards. Some of the steps involved in it are

Step 1: Material Preparation

The very first process involves preparing the coating material according to the tablet powder. This step is the most crucial one as it needs to be handled with great expertise and efforts. The coating material is filled into the equipment as per the required formulation in this step.

Step 2: Feeding Tablets

Once the coating material is filled, the tablets are placed in to the rolling drum where the material will be applied on them.

Step 3: Spraying

The most important step is of spraying. As the drum starts rotating, the tablets experience a spray from the spray nozzle gun that are present in it the spraying process remains completely automated and is applied in a way that each of the tablet experiences uniform and equal amount of coating material.

Step 4: Drying

In the fourth step, along with the spraying of material, a hot air is introduced into the drum of tablet coating equipment to dry the applied coating material. This process also helps in dispersion of solvents from the solution and leaves the solid tablets back. These tablets get completely coated during the exposure of controlled hot air and become uniform in total.

Step 5: Discharging

Once the process gets completely, these coated tablets are removed from the tablet coating equipment via discharging ports and further moved for packaging and curing processes.

6.What Are The Types Of Tablet Coating Equipment Available Globally?

Tablet coating equipment is classified on the basis of their working and pressure handling capability. Some of the types of tablet coating equipment are

Standard Coating Equipment

Allpack Standard Coating Equipment

The most common type of tablet coating equipment is a standard coating one. It has a rotating pan with continuous spraying at 45 degrees to apply coating on each tablet precisely. It is further classified into three types

Pellegrini Tablet Coating Equipment

For a uniform supply of both hot and warm air, a pellegrini baggled diffuser is installed in this type of standard tablet coating equipment. It gives evenly prepared tablet results throughout the process.

Immersion Sword Tablet Coating Equipment

A long sword in associated in this type of standard tablet coating equipment for spraying hot air in the pan. An immersion sword standard tablet coating equipment gives high speed results in small fraction of time.

Immersion Tube Tablet Coating Equipment

As the name suggests, a double header immersion tube is installed in the drum of a standard tablet coating equipment that syncs both material and hot air supply in the pan. Heated air one making the system dry leaves the pan in upward direction.

Perforated Coating Equipment

Perforated Tablet Coating Machine

Perforated coating equipment has a partially perforated drum with a moving horizontal drum pan. It has a top atomizer spray along with an airflow gun that is responsible for coating of tablets. It also has two sub classes according to their structures.

Dria Coater Pan

A dria coater pan follows an opposite operation that an accelacota system pan where the exhausted air moves upward and flows continuously within the system to apply coating on each tablet precisely.

AccelaCota System

The hot air in an accelacota system enters the coating pan from upward direction and moves the exhausted air in the opposite direction. It gives effective and highly précised coating results due to its systemized process.

Fluidized Bed Coating Equipment

Fluidized Tablet Coating Machine

A fluidized bed coating equipment follows the principle of fluidization where an internal vacuum is created and the tablets are allows moving freely with the help of applied inlet air. This helps in proper coating of each of the tablet present in the vertically supported fluidized bed. The up and down movement of tablets support in uniform coating of each tablet.

Pressure Based Coating Equipment

Tablet coating equipment is also classified according to the applied pressure into the system. These types are

High Pressure Tablet Coating Equipment

High Pressure Based Tablet Coating Machine

For large scale industries where, bulk numbers of tablets are produced, high pressure tablet coating equipment are highly applicable due to their greater rate of atomization. This coating equipment experiences pressure ranging from 200 to 400 psi which in return gives high rate of spray.

Low Pressure Tablet Coating Equipment

Low Pressure Based Tablet Coating Machine – Picture Courtesy: Aipak

For low and modulated production setups, low pressure tablet coating equipment is highly applicable in small scale industries. A low pressure of 50 to 100 psi is observed in this equipment that makes the process highly suitable for low operating processes.

7.What Are The Main Components Of A Tablet Coating Equipment?

Tablet Coating Equipment

Some of the main components of a tablet coating equipment are

Stainless Steel Vent Pipe

The pressure and air inlet are maintained by this stainless-steel vent pipe in a tablet coating equipment. It also takes the solvent out of the system to give efficient results and works as an exhaust system. Stainless steel ensure that the vent pipe is used for a longer period without any contamination.

Coating Pot

A coating pot is the most important part of a tablet coating equipment. It is the place where the tablet coating material gets prepared and the spraying process takes place. It is also made up of stainless steel to prevent corrosion and contamination.

Exhaust Blower

The humidity, moisture, microbes and air content is removed from a tablet coating equipment through an exhaust blower while performing coating process.

Control Panel

A control panel in a tablet coating equipment is the component from where all the operational parameters are controlled including spraying speed, rotating speed, pressure and etc. This is the place from where the operator directly monitors the process and controls it.

Cooling Zone

Once the spraying and drying process gets complete, the tablets undergo cooling process via cooling zone. It helps in solidification of coating material and allows the tablets not to clump in lusters. It is used to separate each one of it to make the process efficient.

Mixing Baffle

Inside the coating pan there is a mixing baffle that is responsible even mix the tablets with solvents and provide them uniform tablet coating material.

Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic Pump – Picture Courtesy: LEWA

Controlled pressure is necessary to be ensured within the pan of a tablet coating equipment. This pressure is maintained through these peristaltic pumps that support smooth spraying throughout the process.

8.What Type Of Solvents Are Involved In Performing A Tablet Coating Process Using A Tablet Coating Equipment?

Different coating materials use different types of solvents to complete a tablet coating process. Some of the widely used solvents are

Alcohols

Isopropyl Alcohol – Picture Courtesy: Agar Cleaning Systems

Some of the alcohols like isopropyl alcohol, ethyl and methyl alcohol with their derivatives are highly preferred for tablet coating due to their effective dissolving properties and high volatility. Uniform coating is ensured by their even dispersion and good aqueous formation.

Ketones

Ketones

Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Simple acetone and methyl ethyl ketones are used to prepare organic solvents for tablet coating process. These ketones can efficiently dissolve various polymers and their copolymers and have faster rate of evaporation as compare to other solvents.

Esters

Esters

n-Butyl Acetate – Picture Courtesy: RCI Labscan

Some of the esters like butyl acetate and ethyl acetate are ideally used as solvents when forming coating on tablets. Controlled rate of evaporation can be achieved when esters solvents are used as tablet coating material.

Chlorinated Hydrocarbons

Chlorinated Solvent Coating – Picture Courtesy: ECSA

Like other solvents chloroform and dichloromethane solvents were traditionally used as tablet coating material due to their greater solvency rate. These solves are effective on variety of polymers and have greater benefits.

Water

Water

Water As Universal Solvent

Most commonly used solvent globally that gives efficient coating results is water. As it is abundantly found on earth, it directly reduces both the operational and manufacturing cost of any tablet coating process. This solvent is friendly to any sort of environment and can easily get dissolved. Most of the immediately released tablets prefer water solvents due to its solubility and good appearance results.

9.What Factors Effect The Efficiency Of A Tablet Coating Equipment?

The efficiency of tablet coating equipment highly depends upon various factors. Some of the factors that directly or indirectly effect the coating process efficiency are:

Coating Material

Tablet Coating Powder

The properties of coating material selected affects the efficiency the most as it plays an important role. The properties like viscosity and solubility should be maintained in a way that each of the tablet gets uniform spray throughout the batch. In case of any improper mixing of material, greater material wastage can occur.

Coating Spray Design

Tablet Coating Spray Gun – Picture Courtesy: Spray Nozzles

The design including size and shape of a coating spray nozzle has a significant role in maintaining the efficiency of a tablet coating equipment. It is important to ensure that the material from the spray nozzle is distributed evenly in all directions and the design should be according to it.

Air Flow Capacity

Tablet Coating Air Flow – Picture Courtesy: Science Direct

Air is responsible for the removal and evaporation of solvent during the tablet coating process. It is important to maintain the internal air flow so that the tablet drying process can be carried out in a proper manner. If the flow is not controlled properly, wet tablets will be discharged from the tablet coating equipment.

Spraying Speed

Tablet Coating Parameters – Picture Courtesy: Eutherm

Even and uniform spray speed ensures that each of the tablet gets its proper coating time. The velocity and rate of distribution when maintained according to the standards will give highly efficient tablet coating results.

10.How To Maintain A Tablet Coating Equipment For Its Smooth Operation?

A tablet coating equipment requires several critical methods to maintain its operation and work without any troubleshooting. These methods improve the life of a tablet coating equipment and support in its smooth operation

Lubrication

Lubrication Of Gears

It is always important to timely lubricate all the moveable parts and joints of a tablet coating equipment to reduce friction between these parts. This will ensure their proper working and also will support all the parts to live for a longer period.

Cleaning

Cleaning Of Tablet Coating Equipment

Cleaning is also another important thing to consider while maintaining a tablet coating equipment. After production of each batch, it is necessary to clean all the parts including pot and rotating pan. These days CIP (clean in place) and WIP (wash in place) systems are highly suitable for cleaning tablet coating equipment as it allows cleaning without any disassembling of equipment and is done in a shorter period of time.

Spray Gun Servicing

Spray Nozzle Maintenance Tablet Coating Parameters – Picture Courtesy: Coating Systems International

There should be a maintained plan for servicing if spray gun with water and high pressure. This will ensure that no residual of coating material is left inside it and the new material can comfortably be entered into it.

Calibration

Calibrating Measuring Instrument

For maintaining uniformity and even coating application, calibration of parts like temperature gauge, flow meters, pressure gauges and other sensors is much important. This will help in proper functioning of these parts and will not cause any deformation in coating application.

Schedule Maintenance

Tablet Coating Equipment Maintenance – Picture Courtesy: Thomas Processing

Lastly, a schedule maintenance including both preventive and predictive should be made so that each of the component can be checked according to it. This data will also support for a longer period and indicate which component needs to be changed or modified for better working of a tablet coating equipment.

Conclusion

Variety of coatings are applied on tablets using a tablet coating equipment. This equipment not only support in application of different coating but also gives them a better and pleasant look. If you are interested in buying a tablet coating material, it is always important to get complete knowledge regarding its process and application. For this Allpack, is one of the most reliable sources to get complete guidance and information regarding a tablet coating equipment. If you have any sort of query and looking for guidance, feel free to contact our customer representatives that are available 24/7 for your assistance.

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Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry-1

Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

Tablet Coater

Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

Every pharmaceutical industry needs a solution to coat solid dosage formulation. Do you know the reason?

This is an important process step ensuring that tablet or capsule is meeting patient compliance in the term of masking taste and enhancing colors and other in-taking high demands.

With our vast experience on dealing coating machine in pharmaceutical industry; we have designed a combined effort and expertise to create the guide on ‘Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry’.

Please read on to explore about this significant equipment.

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1.What Is Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry- Picture Courtesy: Aipak

The coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is used to coat a dosage form i.e., granules, tablets, capsule with coating material which is either sugar or film solution over the outer surface to achieve certain required actions.

The machine is designed with simple to complex form, small to large in structure to bring an even distribution of coating material over coating bed. The machine is specifically used in pharmaceutical industry as to achieve desirable results upon reaction of drugs at a specific target site.

A coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is a simple to use machine with certain limitations that everyone must consider (discussed later part of the blog).

2.When Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry Developed?

Concept of Coating Initiated in the Early 1800s

Initially, the concept of coating began with Rhazes using psyllium seeds to hinder its bitter taste. It was later reported by Avicenna.

In 1838, Garot used gelatin to coat pills. The poisonous tablets were specially coated to prevent unintentional consumption. In 1842, sugar coating was introduced, and in 1950, the sugar coating technique was considerably used with coating machine in pharmaceutical industry.

The same technique was employed in food industries to coat candies. Today sugar coating and film coating processes using coating machine in pharmaceutical industry are the most prevalent techniques across the globe.

3.Why Do You Need Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

The pharmaceutical solid dosage formulations are susceptible to degradation by external environment factors. Therefore, you always need to coat them for extra protection. Besides this, the emergence of coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is always in demand due to the following reasons:

Improving Shelf Life

Coating machine in pharmaceutical industry extends drugs shelf life

Coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is used to extend and stabilize the shelf life of solid dosage form by forming a protecting layer against its interaction with external physical parameters like light, moisture, air, etc.,

Masking Bad Taste

No bitter taste with coating machine in pharmaceutical industry

Previously, it was a problem when taking solid dosage forms. In fact, for many patients, ingesting a tablet or capsule was intolerable due to its taste. A coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is high in demand due to masking the bad or bitter taste of medicines.

Masking Bad Odor

No bad odor

Many solid medicines are presented with bad odor, coating machine in pharmaceutical industry masks unbearable odor by firm coating over dosage form.

Smooth & Polished Appearance

Glossy appearance

You can enjoy the smooth shape and shiny/ glossy appearance of pharmaceutical solid dosage form with the dexterity of coating machine in pharmaceutical industry.

Dosage Identification

Better dose identification

By different coating color, marking, identification code helps in identifying the right dosage.

Patient Compliance

High Patient Compliance

The attractive appearance of medication directly encourages patients to accept medication of the prescribed regimen.

Control Release of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Controlled release medications- Picture Courtesy: Kanjivaram

The coating machine in the pharmaceutical industry is used to manufacture dosage formulations based on various different sites of release, time of release, or target site release.

Protecting the Gastric Mucosal Layer

Safe Medication for patients- Picture Courtesy: The medicine Maker

Dosage form without coating can directly interfere with internal gastric mucosal and damage the inner lining causing pain and bleeding if medication is used for a longer time. That’s why coating machine in the pharmaceutical industry is used to minimize this flaw in dosage form.

4.What Is The Scope Of Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

Apart from pharmaceuticals, a coating machine has a broad scope of applications in various other industries. Some of them are discussed below:

Industry	Description	Picture
Foods	The machine is frequently used in food industry for coating products such as chocolate, coffee beans, candies, nuts, and gummies. This is done to enhance appearance, texture and taste.
Automotive	To enhance protective coating of tools and parts of automotive components. A coating machine is utilized for improve corrosive resistant layer and extends the shelf life and durability of the parts of vehicles.
Fabric	Coating and coloring of dyes on textiles and material relevant to fabrics are done by coating machine.
Electronic	Electronic components, tools, switches, connectors, and other materials are coated using coating machine for enhancing appearance and make them more durable.
Chemical	Various chemical granules and tablets are coated by using coating machine.
Agriculture	The shiny glossy appearance of fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, seeds, and relevant products is done by a coating machine.
Nutraceuticals	Multivitamins, capsules or tablet supplements, trace elements, minerals, proteins, enzymes, and probiotics in the form of solid dosage forms are usually presented with smooth textured and flavored coat. A coating machine is the robust machine that has widely applications in nutraceuticals.
Homeopathic & Herbal	Various granules, tablets, capsules are manufactured in this field are suggested to be coat to increase patient compliance and improved marketability. You can’t ignore coating machine while they are manufacturing.

5.What Are The Types Of Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

There are many types of coating machine in pharmaceutical industry.
For example,

Standard Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry

You can also call it a conventional or traditional coating pan which was commonly used in pharmaceutical industries for the coating of dosage forms.

This machine is designed in a manner where a rotary circular pan which is also known as a drum is responsible for coating of dosage form.

An ideal diameter of a coating drum is about 6–80 inches which is commonly titled at the angle of 45 degrees.

An electric motor which is fitted horizontally inside the drum causing tumbling of coating bed.

The standard coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is further classified into the following:

Pellegrini/ Baffled Diffuser Pan

Pellegrini Coating Machine- Picture Courtesy: Aron

A standard pan with added Pellegrini baffled diffuser to improve drying and tumbling of coating by even distribution of warm and hot air.

The tablet bed was successfully achieved with an even distribution of material by drying air over entire material.

Immersion Sword

Allpack Immersion Sword Coating Machine

As the name indicates, a long sword like spray nozzle is subjected to deliver a hot air over the tablet bed.

This process is ideal for getting high drying from apparatus. This coating is relatively offering high speed coating due to the circulation of airflow in the middle of the coating bed because a sword is embedded in the coating material.

Immersion Tube System

Immersion Tube System- Picture Courtesy: ipharm

This type is accompanied by another additional tube in the coating bed with provides coating solution and dry hot air simultaneously.

The design of the machine is done in such as manner where heated air leaves the solution an upward direction. The drying and efficiency of machine is more enhanced than conventional pan simply by inclusion of an immersion tube.

Perforated Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry

Perforated coating machine in pharmaceutical industry- Picture Courtesy: Freund Vector

This technique is widely accepted by pharmaceuticals industries which is composed of full, partial perforated coating drum. Likewise, standard coating pan, this machine is also composed of rotating drum with horizontal axis and is equipped with an atomizer spray with an airflow inlet at the top of the pan.

Due to high air flow pockets, and high capability to deal tablets for coating, this machine is more promising than other coating machines.

There are three designs of perforated coating pans in pharmaceutical industry:

AccelaCota System

AccelaCota System

This is a fully perforated pan where the hot blowing of air is passed from upward direction which goes downward over coating bed and the exhausted air leaves the unit from bottom by plenum. The baffle in the rotary drum is responsible for complete tumbling of dosage form to ensure free mixing of coating and effective drying.

Dria Coater Pan

Dria Coater Pan

The coating pan is accompanied by perforated ribs featured on the inner periphery of the drum. In this machine, the basic working is like accelacota , but hot air flow from downward to upward direction. The exhausted air is flowed at the back of the machine and eventually leave the unit.

Fluidized Bed Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry

Fluidized Bed Coating Machine- Picture Courtesy: Abbot mitre

This machine is responsible for the fluidization of coating particles. It follows the fluidization working principle with an increased air concentration that enters the column and raises the tablets or capsule or any material in the air to carrying out coating procedure.

The machine has a vertical cylinder where dosage form is suspended and spray nozzles that sprays the coating material. The materials are dried via an upthrust of hot air. The fluidization phenomenon occur which causes dosage form to move upward and downward.

Coating machine in pharmaceutical industry Based on Pressure

On the basis of pressure system, the coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is categorized into two types:

High-Pressure Airless System

High-Pressure Airless System

This machine pump out coating solution without need of air, means the coating solution is sprayed out using a very high pressure which is up to 250,300 psig. The machine is featured with small nozzle about 0.0090 to 02 inches.

The size of the orifice and fluid pressure is regulating the rate of atomization and spray.

Low-Pressure Air-Atomized System

Low-Pressure Air-Atomized System

This unit utilizes a low pressure of 550 psig via a 0.020-inch larger orifice. The fluid cap orifice, air pressure, and air cap are responsible for modulating spray rate and atomization.

6.What are the Major Parts of Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry?

Allpack Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry

Exhaust Blower

The exhaust blower is responsible for eliminating humidity or moisture content generated during coating process.

Coating Pan

The coating pan is used to adjust the coating bed and rotating continuously for even coating of solution over coating bed.

Inside Mixing Baffle

This is presented inside the coating drum or coating pan for uniform mixing and even blowing of air for equal distribution of coating solution.

Solution Tank

The coating solution is stored in a solution tank which is sprayed over the coating bed using spray nozzle. This tank is responsible for maintaining the complete and uninterrupted flow of solution.

Control Panel

The operating keys, and protocol parameters, for example, rate of rotation, rate of spray, temperature modulation, and other variables are controlled by a control panel.

Cooling Unit

This unit allows a controlled flow of air to cool down the inside temperature required for coated material.

7.What are the major Process steps of Coating Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry?

The working steps of coating machine in pharmaceutical industry are described below:

STEP 1: Preparation

Preparation

The preparation involved with the formulation of coating and identification of the batch. This is an essential step where the overall result is based, it will assure consistency in throughput.

STEP 2: Loading

Loading of Dosage formulation inside coating machine

Loading of subjected dosage formulation is loaded into the coating machine by the help of manual handling or machine hopper. This is a subtle process where smooth loading of dosage form takes place to avoid damage to surfaces.

STEP 3: Heating

Heating

Heating

Application

Temperature

°C

°F

122

Heating

This step is carried out to minimize the moisture inside the drum and make the coating bed warm up to the required temperatures. Now your product is ready to coat.

STEP 4: Spraying

Coating Spraying- Picture Courtesy: Spraying System

Application	Temperature
Application	°C	°F
Tablet Coating	70 – 90	158 – 194

After warming, atomization is carried out by the help of a spray gun over the coating bed. The solution is sprayed using a peristaltic pump set inside the spray gun offering a finest layer of coating solution with uniform distribution of spray particles over each part of the object.

STEP 5: Drying

Drying

Drying- Picture Courtesy: Syntegon

Application	Temperature
Application	°C	°F
Drying	40 – 60	158 – 194

Heat drying is carried out to evaporate solvent molecules presented in the coated solution and dries the surface. In a result, you can get a smooth coating.

STEP 6: Repetition

Repetition- Picture Courtesy: Fluid Handling Pro

Now, once again spraying and drying procedure is repeated to get the optimum thickness of coating bed.

STEP 7: Cooling

Cooling

Cooling

Application	Temperature
Cooling	Typically Room Temperature

Once you achieved the desirable coating, stop the process and allow the coating bed to cool down via continuous rotation of coating drum. This is done to prevent clumping between coating particles.

STEP 8: Discharging

Discharging- Picture Courtesy: TabletCapsule

After the procedure, the coated dosage formulation is discharged from the coating machine manually or by conveyor unit.

8.How Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry Impacts On Release Of Dosage?

A coating machine in pharmaceutical industry has a great impact on releasing action of different solid dosage form by affecting profile, bioavailability, target site of action. There are certain specialized and commonly used solid dosage forms with variant delivery times and sites.

Sustained Release (SR)

Sustained Release (SR)- Picture Courtesy:Unguent

The name tells everything, it releases drugs in an extended time and coating is applied to design formulation that can maintain the action of active ingredients in the bloodstream. The coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is used to make drug with modified release kinetics and offering a steady and sustain releasing with time.

Enteric Coatings

Enteric Coated Tablet- Picture Courtesy: Formasup

Enteric word is commonly used for intestine. There are many drugs that can destroyed by the action of stomach enzymes. Therefore, coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is used to prevent the degradation of drugs by forming a coat which resists gastric enzymes and release drug safely in the intestine as it dissolves in an alkaline pH.

Immediate Release (IR) Formulations

IR formulation- Picture Courtesy: Pharma Excipient

A coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is beneficial to manufacture drug that offers an immediate releasing action once it reaches to target site and protects its from environmental factors like light, moisture, etc.,

Targeted Drug Delivery

Targeted Release Tablet- Picture Courtesy: Forbes

To achieve target drug delivery, a coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is used to engineer specialized coating in order to get a targeted drug delivery at a specified site of action. For example, inflamed cells, brain cells, cancerous cells etc., This is required as the minimum drug can specifically reaches and offering maximum efficacy.

Extended Release

Extended-Release Medicines- Picture Courtesy: Novant Health

To release a longer duration of action and high effectivity, an extended-release drugs are formulated. For that, coating machine in pharmaceutical industry use various specific polymer matrices that are designed to diffused with drugs and ensure extended releases.

9.What Polymers Used For Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

Polymeric Formulation Used In Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry

For coating of drugs, different combinations of polymers are used to alter the drug delivery and modify the action time and specific sites. The polymers with purposes are mentioned below:

Polymer	Purpose
Ethyl Cellulose	Offering Sustained release
Eudragit RS 30 D (alone and in combination with ammonia methacrylate)	Offering Sustained release
Kollicoat SR 30 D	Offering Sustained release
HPMC acetate succinate	Offering Enteric coating
Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP)	Offering Enteric coating
Eudragit L 30 D 55	Offering Enteric coating
Eudragit FS 30 D	Offering Enteric coating
Chitosan	Offering Coating
EC, Shellac, Cellulose Acetate Trimellate	Used for Film Coating

Classification Courtesy: National Library of Medicine

10.What Factors Affect the Quality Of Products Using Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

There are certain factors that can affect the overall quality of a drug, therefore when using a coating machine in pharmaceutical industry you must avoid those parameters. For example:

Coating machine in pharmaceutical industry- Picture Courtesy: L.B Bohle

Drying Procedure	This is pretty sure that efficacy and effectivity of coated drug can be affected if its coating is not dried sufficiently. Because an inadequate and uneven coating surfaces can progress the defects and batch failure.
Viscosity of liquid	Every liquid used in coating has various concentrations of viscosity. It affects the coalescence of the droplet during coating process. Knowing and managing the viscosities of coating liquid is helpful in obtaining an even coating when using a coating machine in pharmaceutical industry.
Uniform distribution of coating Particles	It is essential to maintain a consistent quality by considering surface tensions, wetting properties, and spreading action of coating to achieve an even thickness of coating.
Process Parameters	The distance between coating bed and nozzle, rate of coating spray, temperature, drying time, flow of air, have high impact on coating of drug. Therefore, it is essential to not ignore for desirable characteristic of drug.
Coating Material Quality	The composition of coating is very important which includes rheological properties, particle sizes, molecular bonding, that cumulatively impacts on coating of drug.
Equipment Features	The features of coating pan, spraying properties, and its maintenance can overall impacts on the coating properties of drug. The regular cleaning and calibration of the machine ensures a promising outcome of substrate.

11.What Is the Commonly Used Coat Of Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

There are various types of coating solutions that are coated over oral solid dosage forms offer significantly improved properties to medicines and patient compliance.

When it comes to patient compliance and demand, there are various coating compositions that are used in coating machine in the pharmaceutical industry. They include:

Sugar Coating

Sugar coating

Do you love ingesting medicines from a pharmacy that tastes sweet? No doubt, after few minutes, you possibly feel some bitterness.

This is the reason; a sugar coating is done for easy gulping of medicines to enhance sweetness and mask bitterness of solid dosage form. This coating formulation needs skilled manipulation which mostly requires 3 to 5 days and involves application of sugar molecules such as glucose, sucrose, based solution within coating machine in the pharmaceutical industry.

This includes sub -sealing, sub-coating, smoothing, coloring, polishing, and final printing.

Film Coating

Film coating

A film coating is a procedure where a thin polymeric layer is coated over drugs which ranges from 20 and 100 µm to oral solid dosage form to alter its releasing properties that we already discussed above. This is a one-step coating process with a fast application as compared to sugar coating with a lesser margin in weight increase.

The components used in film coating are polymers, plasticizers, opacifiers, and vehicles.

Compression Coating

Compressed coating- picture Courtesy : pharma specialist

This is similar to sugar and film coating where core or already coated tablets are compressed with excipients to protect drug against environmental conditions.

12.How To Clean and Maintain A Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

As coating solutions are frequently used in coating machine in the pharmaceutical industry; you will have to frequently clean and maintain the machine to extend its quality life and quality of coating process.

Conventional Method

Conventional method

As polymeric solution and sugar solutions cleans easily. Thus, it is difficult to picked or identify left over inside the coating machine initially. Therefore, one time cleaning with water is not sufficient.

The cleaning process mostly involves two-step washing with high alkaline detergent to clean polymers and acidic detergents to clear insoluble particles stick inside the pan and circulatory pipes. In the larger equipment, manual scrubbing is also done to eliminate pigments.

WIP & CIP Method

WIP and CIP Cleaning- picture Courtesy: Tabletcapsule

For equipment designs like fluidized bed coating machine, the regular cleaning after every batch is mandatory which is occurred by Wash in Place and Cleaning in Place methods. WIP method is partially automatic where you need to open some parts of the machine for cleaning, whereas CIP automatically cleanses inner parts of the machine with opening via high flow of hot water and air to ensure greater cleaning results.

13.What Are the Flaws Of Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry? How To Solve Them?

Blistering

Flaw	Definition	Possible Reason	Treatment
Blistering	When coating over the surface of solid dosage form detaches or swelled, it forms a blister.	The common reason of coating blistering is high heat, entrapment of the gases during coating, high air spray	The condition could be treated with proper designing of protocol, using machine setting that offer mild drying, modulate air temperature.

Chipping- Picture Courtesy: Colorcon

Flaw

Definition

Possible Reason

Treatment

Chipping

In this condition, the coating over the surface of the dosage formulation become dented, cracked, chipped, or broken into around the edges to form a sub-standard shape.

When a coating machine in pharmaceutical industry coats with slow speed of rotation or slow flow of fluidized air in coating pan, it results in chipping.

You must be very careful during pre-heating, regulate the coating speed, and do not let over-dry the coating bed. It is helpful to encourage minimizing chipping problems.

Picking

Picking

Picking- Picture Courtesy: Colorcon

Flaw

Definition

Possible Reason

Treatment

Picking/ Sticking/ Adhering

This is a common problem where coating on the solid dosage form are adhere and may broke or erupted.

The possible reason of picking of tablets or capsule is due to the wet coating or insufficient air drying.

When coating machine in pharmaceutical industry dealt with an optimized condition such as reduced volume of coating solution, modulated temperature, and corrected air drying time; the picking can be overcome.

Tablet to Tablet color variation- Picture Courtesy: Colorcon

Flaw	Definition	Possible Reason	Treatment
Variation in coating appearance	The coating surrounding solid dosage form are uneven appearance and showing color defects.	This is due to improper dispersion of coating solution and variation in spraying.	For this, reform the coating solution, use proper concentration of plasticizer, polymers, and associated additives. Use correct size particles and proper distance between coating bed and nozzle.

14.What Are Essential Parameters You Must Know For Coating Machine In Pharmaceutical Industry?

There are certain factors that must be considered during the usage of coating machine in pharmaceutical industry to ensure batch to batch quality and a consistent output.

Inlet Air Temperature and Relative Humidity

Temperature and Relative Humidity

This is well known that’s inlet air temperature should be enough to evaporate solvents quickly to make the coating evenly dry. Similarly, if moisture content or amount of moisture is present in the air can affect the drying process which causes the sticking of tablets or capsules. Whereas too low humidity causes cracking or peeling. Therefore, relative humidity must be optimized.

Formulation of Coating Solution

Formulation Design

The design of the coating solution is a mixture of syrups, polymers, plasticizers, etc., each component must be properly added and carefully controlled to be compatible with the tablet and coating machine.

Spray Rate

Coating spray rate

If the rate of spray is low, there’s less coating or thin coating applied over the coating bed. While too high a rate can also result in thick layer. Both are unfavorable which results in sticking or capping.

Spray Distance

Spray Distance

Determine the distance between the spray gun and the coating bed and the distance between spray guns, must be adjusted to ensure the coating solution adequately reaches without causing pooling.

Pan Speed

A coating machine in pharmaceutical industry- Picture courtesy: European pharma

If the rate of pan rotation is too high or too low can result in defects like mottling, streak formation, or uniform coating. A high pan speed causes a thin coating while low speed results in the thickness of the coating.

Conclusion

Oral solid dosage forms (OSD) activity becomes more enhanced with coating applications. That’s why coating machine in pharmaceutical industry is hooked to great value and supports countless benefits. Today, Allpack as an expert supports major industry players across the globe and shares rich expertise related to coating machines and their applications on OSD. With Allpack, you can enjoy the complete range of coating machines to scale up your production facility. Our team is ready to serve you.

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standard pill coating VS perforated pill coating

Pill Coating Machine: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

Tablet Coater

Pill Coating Machine: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

Pills are small, solid substances which are taken as medicine to either cure ones illness or improve their quality of life. It would be hard for a lot of people to take their medications on time. Thus they would be less compliant, making it hard to cure their disease and improve their lifestyles.

So is there a machine which has the capability to protect these highly vulnerable pill from getting damaged? Is there a way in which these pills can be made more aesthetically pleasing? Is there a machine which is not restricted to coating only one kind of pill or tablet but has the ability to coat pills of various shapes and sizes?

Fortunately, the answer to all these questions is yes, there is! And that is a pill coating machine, a machine which is used to coat pills with desired materials which refines them into a more desirable product.

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

1.What is pill coating machine?

Pill coating machine is an equipment which is used to coat the external surface of the pill with a thin film. This film is made of several substances such as surfactants, pigments, anti-foaming mechanisms, binders, opacifiers, anti-tacking agents etc. these substances together form a coating layer which is then applied on top of the pill to protect it from chemical degradation or from the environment.

This machine also helps to subside the unpleasant smell and taste of the pill which would make it hard for the patient to consume. Moreover, it also enhances the appearance of the pill, making it more attractive and pleasing to the eyes.

2.What are the advantages of pill coating machine?

Pill coating machine has several advantages. Its use has been increasingly growing for the past few years due to the growing demand of medicines and the huge benefits this machine offers. Let us discuss these advantages below.

Provides protection to the pills

One of the greatest advantage of using pill coating machine is that it protects the pill from harmful external environment factors such as dust, air, moisture and sunlight. Thus it helps in maintaining the potency of the pill and providing maximum therapeutic effect.

Gives an aesthetic look

Most of the pills which are manufactured are unattractive and colorless. As a result, the patient is not really excited to consume them regularly. This machine coats these pills with a layer of film which improves the aesthetic look of the pill.

Masks the unpleasant taste and odor

A lot of pills which are produced in industries have an unpleasant taste and odor which makes it really hard for people especially children to consume them. This machine solves this problem by coating the pills with materials which mask the unpleasant taste and odor.

Ability to coat pills of various shapes and size

This machine is very versatile since it has the ability to coat pills which come in different shapes and sizes. Thus, a lot of industries can install this machine who manufacture various kinds of pills in a single factory.

3.What are the applications of pill coating machine?

Due to its versatility, pill coating machine can be used in several industries such as pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, veterinary, agriculture, cosmetic etc. let us discuss each of these industries below.

Pharmaceutical industry

Pharmaceutical industry is a large scale industry which deals with the manufacture of thousands of pills in a single day. These pills need maximum protection to maintain their efficacy and potency in order to maximize their therapeutic effect. This machine helps in coating them, meeting all its requirements.

Food industry

This industry deals with the production of food tablets which need to look colorful and attractive in order to attract customers. Pill coating machine coats them with agents which give these food tablets the desired look and taste.

Nutraceutical industry

Many vitamins and food supplements are manufactured in this industry which are needed by vitamin deficient people to improve their quality of life. This machine coats them, providing protection and improved look.

Chemical industry

This industry is involved in the production of various chemicals such as paints, dyes, pigments, solvents, and plasticizers etc. These are then used in other industries to make final products. Since these chemicals are highly vulnerable to any damaging external factors, the machine coats them with layer which is capable of withstanding any external harm.

Agriculture industry

This industry is involved in the production of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides which are used to increase crop yield. Pill coating machine can coat them to improve their effectiveness by maximizing the crop output.

4.What are the types of pill coating machine?

There are several types of pill coating machines available in the market. Each type has its own unique features and the customer can choose whichever type would be suitable for his production line. These types are:

a)Perforated pill coating machine

This type of machine is made up of a drum which rotates on a horizontal axis. This drum is either partially perforated or fully perforated. This drum is equipped with spraying nozzles through which the coating layer is sprayed onto the pills.

One of the prominent feature of this machine is that it sprays an aqueous based coating instead of a solvent based one. This greatly reduces the chances of any explosions since solvents are volatile and vulnerable to any harmful factors.

b)Standard pill coating machine

This type is one of the popular ones and is readily available in the market. It consists of a metallic circular machine ranging from 6-80 inches. The machine is placed horizontally at angle of 45 degrees.

It is equipped with an electric motor which facilitates the rotation of the drum on horizontal axis. Coating is applied through spraying and heated air is introduced via the air inlet and exits through the ducts.

c)Fluidized bed pill coating machine

This type of pill coating machine contains a vertical cylinder. In this, a column of air moves upward from the bottom center of the cylinder. This results in the fluidization of the pills which move upward in the air flow and fall downwards and outwards and re-enter the air stream from the bottom.

The spraying nozzles are located upward and downward for the coating process. However due to this process, the pills are highly vulnerable to getting damaged during their interaction with either the chamber or with each other. Two methods are employed to achieve a uniform coating. These are:

High pressure airless system

In this, the airless spray liquid is pumped at a very high pressure ranging from 1.7 to 20 MPa. A small orifice of diameter ranging from 0.02 to 0.2 mm is employed which accounts for a fine spray of coating is used.

Low pressurized air atomized system

In this, a large orifice is used of diameter ranging from 0.05 to 2.5mm. A low pressure is employed from 25 to 350 kPa. The low pressurized air interacts with the liquid stream at the top which results in the formation of fine spray, thus ensuring a uniform coating of the pill.

5.What is the difference between standard pill coating and perforated pill coating?

Standard pill coating machine consists of a circular metallic machine whereas perforated pill coating use either partially perforated or fully perforated drum. In standard pill coating, the pill rotate horizontally in a continuous manner.

This allows for a uniform and even coating of the pills. Whereas in perforated pill coating, the pills move upwards and downwards in the drum. The drying process of perforated pill coating is better than standard pill coating. As a result the whole coating process in it is faster and more efficient than standard pill coating.

6.What is the working principle of pill coating machine?

Pill coating machine is based on the principle of centrifugal force. The pills are added into a perforated rotating drum. The temperature inside the drum is monitored closely.

The drum then sprays these pills with a thin film of layer consisting of the desired agents. The air flow provides the drum with air causing the pills to rotate so that they can be coated evenly on all sides whilst keeping the temperature constant.

The coated pills are now dried by the heated air which blows in from the air inlet. The atmosphere inside the drum is kept at negative pressure value to keep the process isolated from the outside environment.

7.What are the components of pill coating machine?

There are several parts of this machine, each playing a unique role. Let us take a look at these parts.

Electric motor: this is the main component of the body which provides the machine with electric current to run all its operation, from coating the pills to drying them.

Pill hopper:this hopper is used to hold the pill in place when it is being coated. It is customizable and comes in different shapes and sizes to accommodate the concerned pill.

Control panel:this is an automated part which controls the whole operation of the machine. It is also the site where the parameters can be adjusted accordingly.

Spraying system:this system consists of nozzles, tank and a pump which are responsible for spraying a fine coat of film onto the pill evenly.

Coating preparation tank:this is the area where the coating of the pill is prepared and stored.

Air compressor:air compressor provides a pressurized spraying of the coat so that a fine layer of film adheres to the pill.

Vacuum pump:it removes excess heat, moisture and air to ensure an even coating.

Exhaust pump:it ensures that any vapors or fumes are removed from the drum to ensure the safety of everyone working around it.

Heating system:this system ensures that the temperature is kept constant so that the pills are coated evenly.

8.How can you improve the coating efficiency of pill coating machine?

There are several ways to improve the coating efficiency of pill coating machine. This will not only minimize wastage but also increase your profit margin. Let us take a look at some of the ways below.

Installing a level sensor

Sometimes, when the pills are being coated, the coating suspension can get contaminated with foam, causing defects in pills. Installing a level sensor in your coating tank will prevent formation of foam, thus enhancing the efficiency of the machine.

Check the maintenance of the machine regularly

You should always check if your machine is working in optimum condition regularly to prevent its breakdown which will immediately halt the process. This will enhance the efficiency of the machine, making it more productive.

Install exchangeable drums

Exchangeable drums are excellent choice for installing in your production line. They can be allocated to a specific batch of drugs. Moreover, they do not have to be cleaned with every new batch since you can change it with a new drum. This not only saves time but also reduce costs.

Using continuous coating system

This system has a small diameter drum which ensures the uniform coating of the pills. It also doesn’t need a lot of changeover between each batch of pills. Thus, using this system will increase the overall output of the machine.

Training your staff

Consider training your staff about the basic skills required to maintain the machine. This will greatly reduce the possibility to call for specialized people every time there is a problem in the machine. The staff would easily be able to handle the minor problems.

9.What are different types of pharmaceutical pill coating?

Sugar coating

Sugar coating, as the name suggests, is made up of sugar solution with desired colored compounds which is then used to coat various substances such as capsules, tablets and candies. This coating provide sweet taste and vibrant color to the pills.

Film coating

Film coating uses polymer which provides strong mechanical support and protects the pills from oxidation. Moreover, it also helps in controlling the release of drug when it enters the body to target a specific tissue.

Enteric coating

Enteric coating is important in those drugs which need to pass through stomach due to its acidity. Enteric coating protects the pills from degradation due to acidic environment in the stomach. Plus, it also helps drug release only at its target cells.

10.What kinds of pills can be coated by using pill coating machine?

Several kinds of pills can be coated making this machine a highly versatile one. Let us take a look at some of the products which need coating.

Candies

Candies

Many candies require different coatings such as sugar and chocolate coating. Using pill coating machine can add sweetness to their flavor and make them more attractive.

Tablets

Tablets

Tablets are medicinal drugs manufactured in pharmaceutical industry which are used to treat diseases. These tablets too need to be coated to mask the unpleasant taste and odor to make them easy to ingest.

Paintballs

Paintballs are used in gaming where the opponents put them in paintball guns and shoot and eliminate each other. They are coated with colorful pigments to make them attractive and shiny.

Wax beads

Wax beads are produced in cosmetic industry and are used to remove unwanted body hair. Using pill coating machine to coat them is necessary to protect them from melting and to give them a nice and shiny appearance.

Textile beads

Textile beads are small circular shaped balls which are stitched on clothes to give them an aesthetic look. Since their purpose is to make dresses prettier, coating them will make them more beautiful.

11.What materialsare used to coat pills?

The materials and films used for pill coating are specific for specific requirements. Each material and film has its own unique property.

Polymer

Polymer

Polymer based material such as ethyl cellulose and methylcellulose are used to coat tablets, pills and capsules. These polymers provide strong protection and stability to these pills, making them highly resistant against harmful factors.

Plasticizers

Plasticizers are low molecular compounds which are used in coating to increase the elasticity and flexibility of the coating solution. This solution is then used in paints and dyes. Examples of plasticizers are glycerol, organic esters, coconut oil and castor oil.

Solvents

Solvents are primarily used in the drying process of the coating since it dissolves the coating layer quickly by evaporation process. Some examples are acetone and ketone.

Pigments

Pigments are insoluble materials which give color and a glossy shine to the pills and tablets. These pigments thus improve the overall appearance of the pills and make them more attractive and vibrant.

12.What are the problems and troubleshooting of pill coating machine?

Problems	Troubleshooting
Sometimes, the pills stick together due to a defect in coating process	The temperature and air control should be adjusted to prevent pills from sticking together.
The uneven coating causes bumpy effect on pills due to low spraying pressure or extremely hot air.	Increase the spraying pressure and lower the temperature.
The pills become chipped or eroded due to brittleness.	Add the desired solvents to reduce the viscosity of the coating solution.
Presence of light and dark patches called mottling appear on pills.	Reformulate the coating solution to ensure a uniform coating.
The coating of pills peel off	Lower the spray rate and drying time of the pills.
Cracks appear on edges or tips of the pills due to excessive internal strain.	Add polymers in the coating solution to increase the weight, adding tensile strength to it.

Conclusion

By discussing all the points above, we can deduce that pill coating machine is a versatile, highly efficient and a cost effective machine which is capable of coating several kinds of pills and tablets of various shapes and sizes. This machine has the ability to be used in several kinds of industries, ranging from small scale businesses to large scale industries. Thus, it is an excellent choice for any customer who is looking for a pill coating machine of a high caliber.

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Tablet Coater: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

Tablet Coater

Tablet Coater: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

If you are in the pharmaceutical or medical industry, then you understand how important it is to have a reliable and efficient production process. One way to ensure an effective production process is to use a tablet coater. Tablet coaters provide manufacturers with improved efficiency as well as increased accuracy when it comes to accurately applying coatings onto tablets or pills.

Tablet Coater

Also, coating tablets can help protect them from external factors such as moisture or oxygen which makes them last longer and helps decrease degradation of the drugs within them before reaching consumers. So if you are looking for an efficient and accurate way to coat your products, look no further than purchasing a tablet coater!

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1.What Is A Tablet Coater?

Tablet Coater-1

A tablet coater is a device used to coat tablet surfaces with a thin film of material. It is a specialized machine that uses mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes to disperse active ingredients on tablet surfaces.

Tablet coaters create coatings that are essential for protecting medications from environmental conditions such as moisture and oxygen, or to mask unpleasant tastes or smells. Tablet coatings also help to improve tablet appearance, create unique tablet designs, and add extended-release properties.

2.What Tablet Properties Can Be Modified Using A Tablet Coater?

Tablet Properties

Solubility

Tablet coatings can be used to modify the solubility of tablets, allowing them to dissolve faster or slower in certain solutions.

Stability

Tablet coatings can also be used to modify tablet stability, helping protect tablet active ingredients from degradation or oxidation.

Taste

Tablet coatings can be used to mask the taste of certain tablet ingredients, making them more palatable for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

Appearance

Tablet coatings can also be used to improve tablet appearance, helping to create a more aesthetically pleasing tablet.

Palatability

Tablet coatings can also be used to improve tablet palatability, making them easier to swallow and reducing the risk of choking.

Release Rate

Tablet coatings can also be used to control the release rate of tablet active ingredients, ensuring that the patient receives the correct dose.

3.What Are The Components Of A Tablet Coater?

Tablet Coater-1

Tablet Hopper

This component is used to hold the tablet while they’re being coated and can come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the size of tablet.

Spray Gun

This component is responsible for spraying a fine mist of coating solution onto the tablet, which helps give it an even coat.

Coating Solution Reservoir

This is where the coating solution is stored so that it can be used to coat the tablet.

Air Compressor

This component helps to provide pressure for the spray gun, which helps create a finer mist of coating solution to be applied onto the tablet.

Vacuum Pump

This part is used to remove excess moisture and air from the tablet coater, which helps ensure an even coating.

Heating System

This system helps to provide a consistent temperature for the tablet coater, which ensures that the tablet is coated evenly.

Exhaust System

This component helps to vent out any fumes or vapors from the tablet coater, which helps ensure a safe working environment.

Control Panel

This constituent is where all the controls are located on the tablet coater and can be used to adjust various settings and monitor performance. It also typically includes an alarm system to alert operators of any problems that may arise during operation.

4.What Are The Advantages Of A Tablet Coater?

Advantages Of A Tablet Coater

Reduced tablet production time

Tablet coaters are designed to coat tablets quickly and efficiently so that tablet production can be completed at a much faster rate than with manual coating methods.

Improved tablet quality

Tablet coaters reduce the amount of human contact, which in turn reduces the chances of contamination or tablet damage due to mishandling. This results in a tablet with improved consistency and overall quality.

Increased tablet uniformity

Tablet coaters are also designed to ensure tablet coating is uniform, meaning every tablet produced will have the same amount of tablet coating. This reduces tablet contamination and ensures the tablets are consistent in quality.

Enhanced tablet durability

Tablet coaters help to protect the tablet from physical damage and environmental factors, making it more durable when stored for longer periods of time. This helps to extend the shelf life of the tablet, allowing it to remain potent for longer periods.

Increased tablet solubility

Tablet coaters are also designed to improve tablet solubility, meaning they will be easier to dissolve in water or other liquids when taken orally. This improves the effectiveness and absorption of the tablet, making it more effective.

5.Are There Any Disadvantages For Tablet Coaters?

Disadvantages For Tablet Coaters

Tablet coaters can be an effective way to apply coatings and finishes to tablet surfaces, but there are several potential drawbacks.

One of the main disadvantages is that tablet coaters often require a significant upfront investment in equipment, which can be quite expensive. Additionally, tablet coaters must be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance. This extra maintenance can add to the cost and complexity of tablet coating operations.

Lastly, tablet coaters are limited by their size, meaning they may not be able to accommodate large tablet sizes or shapes. For these reasons, tablet coaters may not always be the best choice for tablet coating operations.

6.What Are The Applications Of A Tablet Coater?

Tablet coaters provide a range of applications in a variety of industries that require coating tablets for different purposes. They include:

Food Industry

Food Industry

Tablet coaters are commonly used in the food industry for coating sugar, chocolate or other flavors onto candy, snacks and cereals. This can help to improve the taste of the product as well as provide a more attractive appearance.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical Industry

Tablet coaters are also used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry for film coating tablets and capsules, which helps to improve the tablet’s stability as well as create a more pleasant taste.

Cosmetic Industry

Cosmetic Industry

Tablet coaters can also be used in the cosmetics industry for coating powders, waxes and other ingredients onto facial creams, ointments and lotions. This helps to ensure that the product’s active ingredients are evenly distributed and provides a better user experience.

Agriculture Industry

Tablet coaters can also be used in the agriculture industry for coating fertilizers, pesticides and other products onto tablet forms. This helps to improve the product’s efficiency and effectiveness when applied to crops.

Chemical Industry

Tablet coaters can be used in the chemical industry to coat materials such as catalysts, pigments and dyes onto tablets or other substrates. This helps to ensure that these active ingredients are consistently distributed and makes them easier to work with.

7.How Does A Tablet Coater Work?

Tablet Coater Work

A tablet coater operates by using centrifugal force and air pressure to evenly apply the coating material over the tablet. The tablet is placed in the machine’s hopper, which then rotates at high speeds, causing the tablet to spin in the air.

This spinning action creates a centrifugal force, which evenly spreads the tablet coating material across the tablet’s surface. After the tablet has been coated, it then passes through an air passageway that helps to dry and set the tablet coating.

8.Are There Any Specialized Tablet Coaters Available For Specific Applications?

Specific Applications

The answer is yes; tablet coaters are available for many specific applications. Tablet coaters come in different sizes and can be used to coat tablets with a variety of materials such as waxes, shellacs, resins, and powders. They also come with various features such as automatic tablet weight control and an adjustable speed setting which makes it easy to coat tablets with an even material thickness.

Tablet coaters are ideal for tablet applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, confectionery, and food industries. They are highly efficient and can be used to achieve consistent tablet coating results without the use of hazardous solvents or other chemicals.

With a specialized tablet coater, tablet production processes can be streamlined and tablet coatings can be applied more efficiently. This makes tablet coaters an ideal choice for applications that require uniform tablet coating results.

9.What Are The Different Types Of Tablet Coaters?

a) Automatic Tablet Coaters

Automatic Tablet Coaters

Automatic tablet coaters provide higher levels of control and accuracy. These tablet coaters are operated by a computer-controlled system and can be programmed to coat tablets with different thicknesses, colors, and textures. They also have the ability to adjust air flow and temperature in order to ensure maximum efficiency.

b) Fluid Bed Coater

Fluid Bed Coater

A fluid bed coater is a machine that uses hot air to suspend and coat tablet particles. It works by introducing tablet particles and a coating solution into a chamber, then subjecting both to hot air which causes the tablet particles to be suspended in mid-air while the coating is applied. This type of tablet coater is ideal for high efficiency coating with uniform coverage.

c) Spray Coaters

Spray Coaters

Spray tablet coaters are similar to fluid bed tablet coaters but they use a spray head to apply coating material onto tablet surfaces. This type of tablet coater is commonly used to coat tablets with wax, varnish, or other materials. It can also be used to apply a thin layer of water-based resins.

d) Hot Melt Tablet Coaters

Hot Melt Tablet Coaters

Hot melt tablet coaters are used to apply hot-melt coatings onto tablet surfaces. This type of tablet coater uses heat and pressure to melt the coating material and then spray it onto tablet surfaces.

10.How Can You Choose A Solvent For Your Tablet Coater?

Solvent For Your Tablet Coater

Choosing the right solvent for your tablet coater is essential as it helps to ensure consistent tablet coating results. When selecting a solvent for the tablet coater, it is important to consider factors such as compatibility with coating materials and release agents, performance in terms of viscosity and volatility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

Compatibility is essential for tablet coatings as it affects not only the quality of the tablet’s finish but also its durability. The solvent must be compatible with both the coating material and release agents used in the tablet coater process to ensure a uniform application of the coating.

Performance is another factor to consider when choosing a tablet coater solvent. The viscosity of the solvent should be low enough so that it can readily dissolve and spread coating materials, while also allowing for efficient tablet release from the tablet coater.Also, the volatility of the solvent should be low enough to avoid rapid evaporation and thus ensure uniform tablet coating.

The cost-effectiveness of the solvent must also be taken into consideration. Ideally, you want a tablet coater solvent that is not only effective but also cost-efficient in order to reduce production costs.

Additionally, environmental impact is also an important factor to consider when selecting a tablet coater solvent. Choose a solvent that is non-toxic and biodegradable, so as to minimize its environmental impact.

11.Which Factors Affect The Tablet Coater Efficiency?

Tablet Coater Efficiency

Temperature: The tablet coater must be operating at the right temperature, otherwise it can affect the tablet coating process. If the tablet coater is too cold, then the tablets may not coat evenly or completely. On the other hand, if it is too hot, this could cause clumping of tablet material and uneven coating of the tablet.

Spray Pattern: The tablet coater must be set up correctly in order to ensure the tablet coating process is as efficient as possible. This includes setting the tablet coater’s spray pattern to match the tablet profile, so that all areas of the tablet are evenly coated.

Rotation speed: The tablet coater must rotate at the right speed in order to coat the tablet evenly. If it is operating too slowly, then there is a risk that some tablet material may be left behind on the tablet surface. On the other hand, if it is rotating too quickly, this can cause clumping and uneven tablet coating.

Air velocity: The tablet coater must operate with the correct air velocity to ensure tablet coating efficiency is maximized. If the air velocity is too low, tablet material may not be coated evenly or completely. On the other hand, if it is too high, tablet material may be blown away from the tablet surface resulting in an uneven coating.

12.What Are The Most Common Problems Associated With Tablet Coaters?

Poor Film Integrity

Poor Film Integrity

Lack of uniformity can also lead to poor film integrity and tablet breakage. Poor film integrity can occur when tablet coating material is not properly applied and/or dried, resulting in a weak tablet coating that does not adhere to the tablet surface.

Inaccurate Coating Uniformity

Inaccurate Coating Uniformity

Tablet coaters can fail to evenly distribute the coating material, resulting in uneven tablet surfaces that may cause batch-to-batch differences or even tablet breakage during processing.

Contamination

Contamination

Tablet coaters may be prone to contamination from dust or other particles which can result in flaws on tablet surfaces or cause tablet breakage during processing.

Heat Damage

Heat Damage

Tablet coaters can also be susceptible to heat damage, which can lead to tablet breakage or poor tablet coating integrity. Overheating of tablet coatings can cause them to dry too quickly and fail to adhere properly or crack after drying.

Operational Difficulties

Tablet coaters may also require frequent adjustments and maintenance due to operational difficulties. This can lead to increased downtime and potential tablet coating defects.

Airflow Problems

Poor airflow through the tablet coater can cause tablet coatings to not properly set or dry, resulting in tablet breakage or poor tablet integrity. In addition, poor airflow can contribute to tablet coating defects such as streaks or uneven tablet surfaces.

Material Variations

Material Variations

Tablet coaters may also be subject to material variations, which can cause tablet coatings to set improperly and lead to tablet breakage or poor tablet integrity. This is especially true when tablets are coated with different materials or in batches of varying sizes.

13.What Quality Standards Should Tablet Coaters Meet?

Tablet Coaters Meet

Accurate tablet coating weight – Tablet coaters must be able to accurately apply the desired amount of coating to each tablet. This is important for ensuring that tablets contain the proper dose of active ingredients, and that batches are uniform in quality.

Uniform tablet coating thickness – Tablet coatings should be applied evenly so that there is no variation across the tablet batch. This ensures that each tablet will have consistent release characteristics and potency.

Proper tablet coating adhesion – Tablet coatings should adhere well to tablet surfaces, so that they are not easily removed or damaged during storage or handling. Coating adhesion is also important for maintaining proper tablet shelf life.

Tablet coating uniformity – Tablet coatings should be applied uniformly and consistently so that there are no variations from tablet to tablet within the same batch. This helps to ensure that each tablet will have the same release characteristics as well as potency.

Safe tablet coating ingredients – All tablet coatings must be safe for human consumption. This means tablet coaters must use only approved and tested ingredients that have been thoroughly evaluated for safety.

Compliance with GMP requirements – Tablet coaters must comply with all relevant good manufacturing practices (gmp) requirements in order to ensure tablet safety, efficacy and quality. This includes maintaining proper cleanliness, documenting processes and conducting regular inspections.

Adherence to tablet coating specifications – Tablet coatings should be applied in accordance with the tablet formulation specifications. This helps to ensure that each tablet batch has the same release characteristics and potency.

Compliance with regulatory requirements – Tablet coaters must comply with all relevant regulatory requirements, such as those mandated by FDA or other government bodies. This helps to ensure tablet safety and efficacy.

14. What Factors Should Be Taken Into Account When Choosing A Tablet Coater?

Here are some of the factors to consider before making a purchase of a tablet counter

Price

Price

Tablet coaters come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly models to high-end commercial machines. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a purchase.

Compatibility

Tablet coaters are designed to work with specific tablet sizes, shapes and materials. Ensure that the tablet coater you select is compatible with the tablet sizes and materials you plan to use.

Coating Speed

Tablet coaters vary in coating speed and should be chosen based on your specific needs. If you require higher speed production, opt for a tablet coater that can handle the workload.

Ease of Use

Ease of Use

Tablet coaters can be complex machines with multiple settings and controls. Ensure that the tablet coater you select is simple to operate and understand, this will reduce downtime and increase efficiency in tablet coating.

Warranty

Ensure that your tablet coater has a good warranty, as tablet coating can be a delicate process and problems can arise.

Brand

Tablet coaters come from many different manufacturers, so do some research into each one before making a purchase. Look into the company’s reputation and customer service record to ensure you select a tablet coater from a reliable brand.

CONCLUSION

To summarize, a tablet coater can be an excellent option for increasing the effectiveness of your medications. It is an efficient and cost-effective way to help ensure that your tablets have the desired effect. A tablet coater also helps to improve the shelf life of tablets by creating a protective film on their surface. Moreover, tablet coaters are suitable for various formulations, making them a versatile and valuable add-on to your drug development processes. If you’re interested in purchasing a high-quality tablet coater, look no further than Allpack. With competitive prices and quality products, they have everything you need to make sure your tablets are effective and properly protected. Reach out today to take the first step towards getting the right tablet coating equipment for your needs.

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