Choosing an automatic tablet counting machine starts with understanding what you're counting and what your production line needs to accomplish. This guide explains the major factors to consider.
A manufacturer packaging vitamins may have very different requirements from a pharmaceutical operation or a nutraceutical manufacturer. The right equipment depends on the product, bottle, count, production output, and overall packaging process. Natronics offers 16-channel, 24-channel, and 32-channel automatic counting machines.
Start with the product. Automatic counters can be used for tablets, hard gelatin capsules, softgels, and round pills. The physical characteristics of the product matter because the product needs to move consistently through the feeding and counting system.
Determine product type, diameter, dimensions, capsule size (if applicable), and product characteristics — then compare those requirements with the specifications of the equipment.
Product dimensions are an important equipment-selection factor. The UAC-16 and UAC-32 are listed for tablet diameters of 5–22 mm and capsule sizes #00–#5. The UAC-24 is listed for tablet diameters of 5–25 mm and capsule sizes #00–#5.
If you produce multiple SKUs, provide the dimensions of the products that will be run on the machine.
The required count per bottle is another important consideration. The current UAC-16 and UAC-32 specifications list a single-bottle count range of 15–10,000 pieces.
The required count should be evaluated together with product type, product size, bottle size, production speed, and overall packaging requirements.
Production output is one of the biggest differences between the Natronics counter configurations. The UAC-16 is listed up to 80 bottles/min, the UAC-24 up to 110 bottles/min, and the UAC-32 up to 120 bottles/min.
These are listed machine capacities. Actual production output depends on the application and operating conditions — the listed maximum should not be treated as a guaranteed production rate.
Channel count is one of the defining characteristics of an automatic tablet counter. The UAC-16 uses 16 counting channels, the UAC-24 uses 24, and the UAC-32 uses 32. More channels allow more simultaneous product streams to be counted.
However, the correct channel configuration depends on the required production output and application, not channel count alone. See our 16 vs 24 vs 32 channel comparison guide for more detail.
Counting accuracy depends on more than the sensors. The bottles also need to be positioned correctly beneath the filling system. The Natronics UAC machines use air-cylinder indexing to position bottles before filling.
The machines also use diving nozzles that lower into the bottle opening during the filling process, which helps keep the bottle positioned during product discharge.
The product needs to move consistently from the hopper into the counting channels. The UAC machines use multi-stage vibratory feeding, with adjustable vibration frequency to help control product movement through the feed system.
Product feeding is an important part of the overall counting process because the product must enter the counting channels consistently.
Tablet and capsule production can generate product dust. The Natronics UAC-16, UAC-24, and UAC-32 pages describe dust compensation and a built-in spike controller designed to adjust sensor sensitivity as dust accumulates on sensor windows.
This feature is relevant to manufacturers operating the equipment over extended production periods. The actual application should still be evaluated based on the product being counted.
Manufacturers running multiple SKUs should consider how the equipment will be used across different products. The Natronics product pages describe the UAC machines as handling different tablet and capsule sizes and shapes without changing parts.
Before purchasing equipment for multiple SKUs, manufacturers should provide their actual product range and discuss the application with the equipment provider.
The tablet counter is usually one part of a larger bottling process. A complete vitamin or supplement packaging operation may include bottle unscrambling, tablet/capsule counting, bottle filling, capping, induction sealing, labeling, conveying, and product accumulation. When evaluating an automatic tablet counter, consider where it will fit into the complete production process.
| Feature | UAC-16 | UAC-24 | UAC-32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels | 16 | 24 | 32 |
| Listed Output | Up to 80 bottles/min | Up to 110 bottles/min | Up to 120 bottles/min |
| Tablet Diameter | 5–22 mm | 5–25 mm | 5–22 mm |
| Capsule Size | #00–#5 | #00–#5 | #00–#5 |
| Power | 220V, 60Hz, 3-phase | 220V, 60Hz, 3-phase, 10A | 220V, 60Hz, 3-phase |
The final selection should be based on the complete application rather than channel count or speed alone.
UAC-16: May be worth evaluating when production requirements fit its listed capacity of up to 80 bottles per minute and the product falls within its specified dimensions.
UAC-24: May be worth evaluating when additional counting channels and a listed production output of up to 110 bottles per minute are appropriate.
UAC-32: May be worth evaluating for applications requiring the highest listed bottle throughput in the current Natronics lineup, at up to 120 bottles per minute.
The final selection should be based on the complete application rather than channel count or speed alone.
To evaluate an automatic tablet counter, provide:
Product: Tablet, capsule, or softgel; product dimensions; capsule size; product characteristics.
Bottle: Bottle dimensions, bottle type, bottle count.
Production: Required bottles per minute, count per bottle, number of SKUs, expected production growth.
Equipment: Desired automation level, available floor space, available electrical power, existing packaging equipment.
The more complete the information, the easier it is to evaluate the appropriate machine.
Start with the required production output and product requirements. The UAC-16 is listed at up to 80 bottles/min, the UAC-24 at up to 110 bottles/min, and the UAC-32 at up to 120 bottles/min.
No. A higher channel count provides more counting lanes, but the correct configuration depends on the actual production requirements.
Yes. Natronics automatic counting machines are designed for tablets, hard gelatin capsules, and softgels.
The UAC-16 and UAC-32 are listed for 5–22 mm tablet diameters. The UAC-24 is listed for 5–25 mm tablet diameters.
The UAC-16 and UAC-32 are listed with a single-bottle count range of 15–10,000 pieces. The required production configuration should be evaluated against the specific application.
The current Natronics specifications list up to 80, 110, and 120 bottles per minute for the UAC-16, UAC-24, and UAC-32 respectively.
Yes. The Natronics product pages identify vitamins and supplements among the intended application areas.
No. These are industrial automatic counting machines intended for production and packaging environments.
Tell us about your product, bottle, required count, and production output. Natronics Equipment can help you evaluate the appropriate automatic counting equipment for your application.
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