Tablet coating machines are important in making medicines. Coatings improve the appearance of tablets and hide the bad taste. It also protects the medicine from moisture, light, and air. In addition, coatings can control how the medicine is released in the body, making it work better. So you must choose a high-quality coating machine to achieve good coatings. If the wrong machine is chosen, it can lead to uneven coatings, and slower production.
Thus, before buying a tablet coater, you’d better ask several questions to ensure you get the right machine. Common questions include
- What batch size do you need?
- Does the machine support future production expansion?
- Can the tablet coating machine handle multiple specifications?
- Does the machine support the required coating types?
- Is it easy to operate?
- Is the machine easy to clean?
- Does the machine comply with GMP and FDA requirements?
- Can a supplier provide customization?
- What is the warranty coverage?
- How about the lead time?
- What is the shipping method and how long is the shipping time?
- What are the payment terms?
What batch size do you need?
It is important to know what batch size the tablet coater can process. Some machines are designed for small-scale production like around 5 kg, while others can handle up to 300 kg or more in a single run. If you are a startup or run a small business, you can choose equipment with small size processing. Because it is always cheaper than the other one though the efficiency is lower. You can buy the machine for larger batch sizes when you get more profits.
Does the machine support future production expansion?
Your production capacity today might double or triple in the future. So it is wise to choose a machine that can accommodate future scaling. Some machines come with modular designs or optional upgrades, such as additional coating pans, to increase their throughput.
Suppose your current output requirement is 500 kg per day, but you expect it to increase to 1,000 kg within two years. A machine that allows for upgrades, like adding more nozzles for faster coating, can save you from buying a new one. In contrast, machines with fixed capacity could force you to invest in new equipment sooner than planned. Then you'll cost more, even delay the production.
Can the tablet coating machine handle multiple specifications?
Versatility is important if you manufacture multiple products. Machines should allow quick adjustments for tablet size, shape, or coating type during processing. It helps reduce downtime and enhance productivity. For example, you produce both round 8 mm tablets and oval 12 mm tablets. One requires film coating and the other needs sugar coating. A machine that supports easy changeovers between these specifications can conduct smooth production. In this case, the equipment should always be equipped with interchangeable coating pans or adjustable spraying systems. They can reduce the time needed for reconfiguration.
Does the machine support the required coating types?
When choosing a tablet coating machine, it is important to assess how well it handles different coating types. The machine should be able to deal with the specific coating types based on your needs. Some machines are used for film coating, while others can handle sugar or enteric coatings. If your tablets require both film coating for protection and sugar coating for a pleasant taste, the machine must support both processes. This ensures you can meet various product needs without changing equipment.
Is it easy to operate?
Whether for newbies or experienced operators, an easy-to-use machine is much better. If the control system requires only basic knowledge of the machine's functions, operators can start working immediately. It saves much time and energy for production. If you use complex interfaces or buttons, it may lead to errors or slow down production. In this case, you’d better get training before the operation. You can ask your supplier to check if he supports it. This is also a consideration when you select a reliable machine manufacturer.
Is the machine easy to clean?
You need to see if the machine is easy to clean after each batch. The machine should be designed to be cleaned quickly and effectively. It prevents any cross-contamination between batches. Some equipment is equipped with removable parts like nozzles or pans. Many people prefer this type because these parts can be washed separately, and get thorough cleaning. Please note that easy cleaning is super important when you deal with different types of tablets or coatings.
Does the machine comply with GMP and FDA requirements?
GMP and FDA are mandatory for any machine in the US, especially in the pharma industry. It guarantees that the production process is both legal and safe. When contacting a supplier, you should confirm that the coating machine is certified to meet these standards. Also, you can ask him to offer you the related documentation to validate it. In addition, if you sell tablet coating machines in the EU, CE is a must. It shows that the equipment meets EU standards for health, safety, and environmental protection.
Can a supplier provide customization?
If you need to customize parts for your machine, it is better to choose a supplier with related experience. He may have handled similar cases before, so more efficient solutions may be offered. Also, you should tell him your requirements in detail, so your supplier can completely finish your task.
Or you can directly us. Huada Pharma is experienced in making different types of tablet coating machines. We have helped 30,000 clients to get their satisfied products. If you need customization, we have a professional technical team to help. Suppose your production line needs to handle tablets of different sizes, we can adjust the spray system or modify other parts as needed. We also provide detailed technical documents, user manuals, and training for operation. This can help your team get started quickly.
What is the warranty coverage?
A good warranty can protect your machine in case problems occur. The manufacturer should provide clear terms on what is covered under warranty, such as parts, labor, or repairs. You should ask it clearly before purchasing, such as warranty duration, parts included, etc. If the machine breaks down within the warranty period, repairs or replacements are covered at no extra cost.
How about the lead time?
Lead time or delivery time includes manufacturing, quality testing, shipping, installation, and commissioning. You can request a detailed project timeline from the supplier. Actual time helps improve efficiency. You should also confirm whether the supplier has plans for unforeseen delays, such as equipment failures. These factors need to be considered for the smooth production. Then it won’t delay to make you loss.
What is the shipping method and how long is the shipping time?
Shipping time is a big consideration. It highly relates to the shipping method and the location of the seller and the buyer. Air shipping is the fastest, but it costs very high. Sea shipping is another common way for machine transporting. It takes longer but it is much cheaper than air shipping. Take shipping from China to the US for example. In sea freight, it takes 14-42 days when port to port. If in air, it just needs 1-5 days. So air shipping is suitable for emergency situations. You can connect a freight forwarder to help you smooth shipping if you find it bothering.
In addition, customs clearance can be struggling. If you are experienced, you can handle it yourself. If you don’t have time, let your forwarder do it. You can also contact a customs broker for help.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms are agreed upon by buyers and sellers after negotiation. They define the amount, due dates, payment methods, and other conditions like discounts or late fees. These terms are typically listed in the contract. For example, the supplier may require 30% of the total amount to be paid in advance as a deposit. And he asks to pay it through LC. This information should be recorded in the contract. When setting payment terms, they should be clear and precise for fair and successful transactions.