Continuous coating machine RD-HGBY-80

for pharmaceutical applicationsfor the food industryfor tablets

Product overview
Tablet film coating machine applies a polymer-based coating solution to tablet surfaces to produce a uniform, controlled film. Designed for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food tablet lines, it integrates with tablet presses and packaging equipment to support scalable production.

Process steps

• Spraying: Coating solution is atomized via spray guns onto moving tablets; the number and arrangement of guns depend on machine configuration.
• Mixing and tumbling: The rotating coating drum causes tablets to tumble and expose all surfaces for even coverage.
• Drying: Heated air is introduced to evaporate solvent from the coating solution; exhaust systems remove moisture-laden air.
• Coating build-up: Repeated spray-and-dry cycles build the film to the targeted thickness and finish.

Specification

• Batch capacity up to 64 kg (specific gravity 0.8)
• Hot air cabinet and exhaust cabinet for controlled drying
• Rotating perforated coating drum for uniform airflow

How is the continuous tablet coating working?
Continuous and controlled application ensures consistent film thickness and surface quality across each tablet, improving appearance, taste masking and protection against environmental stressors.

Main Features

• Taste masking: hides unpleasant flavors or odors of active ingredients.
• Protection: barrier against moisture, light, oxygen and heat.
• Controlled release: enables enteric or sustained-release functional coatings.

Main Parts

• Siemens Touch Screen
• Peristaltic pumps
• Paddle
• Temperature measurement sensors
• Spray gun system
• Feeding pot
• Output chute

Film coating vs Sugar coating – key points
Film coating uses a thin polymer film (typically 20–100 µm) applied from solution or suspension and dried with controlled hot air. It provides short processing times, accurate control, low material use and compatibility with moisture- or heat-sensitive formulations. Sugar coating applies multiple syrup layers to build a thicker, glossy shell (0.5–1 mm), offering strong taste masking and decorative finishes but requiring longer cycles and higher material consumption.

Application scenarios

• Film coating: functional coatings (enteric, sustained-release), nutraceuticals, high-throughput pharmaceutical tablets.
• Sugar coating: chewable or flavored tablets and niche products where appearance and gustatory masking are priorities.

Performance comparison (summary)
Film coating: thin film (20–100 µm), shorter processing time (1–2 h), low weight gain (2–3 %), lower material cost and high throughput. Sugar coating: thick shell (0.5–1 mm), long processing time (8–24 h), high weight gain (30–50 %), higher cost but superior gloss and taste masking.

Market trends
Film coating is increasingly standard due to efficiency, automation, environmental benefits and compliance with cGMP/FDA/EU requirements. Innovations focus on process control, sustainability and advanced functional coatings. Sugar coating remains in specific aesthetic and taste-focused niches.

Choosing the right machine
Selection depends on formulation, target release profile and production goals. Modern coaters offer flexible spray systems, optimized air circulation, intelligent temperature/humidity control and CIP features for regulatory and operational needs. The RD-HGBY-80 is engineered for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications balancing capacity, control and maintenance.

Technical specifications

• Model: RD-HGBY-80
• Capacity (SG 0.8): 64 kg/batch
• Coating drum speed: 19 r.p.m
• Supply voltage: 3P 380V 50Hz (customizable)
• External dimensions: 1,370 × 1,030 × 1,950 mm