In the pharmaceutical industry, precision is everything—and that’s where a vision counting packing machine becomes an essential part of modern production lines. Whether you’re packaging tablets, capsules, soft gels, or even gummies, choosing the right counting solution can dramatically improve your efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with global standards.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a vision counting packing machine is, why it’s important, and how to choose the best machine for your specific pharmaceutical needs.
What Is a Vision Counting Packing Machine?
A vision counting packing machine is a type of automatic equipment that uses high-resolution cameras and AI algorithms to count pharmaceutical products—such as pills, capsules, or gummies—with exceptional precision. Unlike traditional mechanical or weight-based counters, these machines can identify irregular shapes, detect broken pieces, and reject defective units automatically.
How It Works
Bulk feeding: Products (capsules, tablets, etc.) are evenly distributed via vibratory trays or feeding belts.
High-speed camera scanning: As items pass through the camera zone, advanced vision sensors capture each item in real-time.
AI-powered image analysis: The system identifies, counts, and validates objects based on shape, size, integrity, and color.
Automatic rejection: Broken, empty, or foreign items are detected and separated without interrupting the workflow.
Final delivery: Verified products are funneled into bottles, sachets, or boxes as per the line configuration.
Key Advantages Over Traditional Systems:
✅ No mechanical contact = less risk of cross-contamination
✅ Multi-shape recognition = ideal for irregular softgels or gummies
✅ AI self-learning = the system gets more accurate over time
✅ Meets global GMP standards = essential for pharmaceutical compliance
This technology is transforming pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food packaging lines—especially for companies that prioritize traceability, speed, and precision.
Why You Need a Vision Counting Packing Machine
Accuracy That Meets Global Standards
- Vision-based counters often achieve ≥99.9% accuracy, which meets the strict standards of FDA, EU GMP, and WHO pharmaceutical packaging regulations.
Faster Line Speed
Compared to traditional counters, vision counting machines offer faster packaging without sacrificing precision—ideal for high-output factories needing 60–120 bottles/min speeds.
Auto-Rejection Reduces Contamination Risk
- Built-in photoelectric sensors and visual AI can detect:
Fractured tablets
Foreign objects
Empty capsules
…and reject them without stopping the line
Flexibility Across Formats
These machines are compatible with a wide range of products and shapes:
Hard capsules
Soft gels
Vitamin gummies
Mini tablets
Top 7 Vision Counting Packing Machines for Pharmaceutical Use
Choosing the right vision counting machine isn’t just about hardware—it’s about ensuring your brand meets global quality standards, minimizes errors, and enhances patient safety. Below are 7 top models, with an emphasis on how they serve pharmaceutical clients like you:
1. BURGEN BGZ-12 Smart Gummy & Capsule Vision Line
✅ Perfect for nutraceuticals, vitamins & dietary supplement brands
The BGZ-12 is designed by BurgenMachine, a trusted Chinese manufacturer with 22 years of pharmaceutical packaging expertise. Built for high-speed bottle packaging (up to 100 bottles/min), it combines:
AI-powered 3D vision detection
Automatic rejection of broken/empty pieces
Precision accuracy of ±0.1 count variance
Integration with bottle unscramblers, cappers, and labelers
Clients in the USA, Germany, and Brazil love this model for its fast changeover times, ability to recognize multiple shapes, and compliance with FDA & EU GMP standards.
2. BURGEN BGZ-8 Compact Capsule Counter
✅ Ideal for small to medium-scale pharmaceutical companies
The BGZ-8 is a compact yet robust version, engineered for high-value capsules or soft gels. With a footprint under 1.5m², it fits perfectly in cleanrooms or limited-space workshops. Highlights include:
Servo-driven camera inspection
304 stainless steel structure
Plug & play with bottle filling lines
Optional nitrogen flushing module
Best suited for startups or CMOs in Southeast Asia, Europe, and LATAM, looking for a GMP-compliant solution at an affordable cost.
3. CREMER CFS-622
✅ Proven Dutch engineering, popular across the EU pharma sector
CREMER’s system offers high-speed counting for tablets and capsules, with modular flexibility to scale from small to industrial volumes. However, it lacks the AI adaptability of BURGEN’s latest models.
4. Countec VMC-200 Vision System
✅ Leading Korean brand for capsule inspection
Features dual-line vision detection and real-time defect tracking. Often used in combination with blistering machines. Reliable, but less cost-effective than BURGEN machines for emerging markets.
5. BURGEN BGZ-PRO High-Speed Multi-Lane Vision Counter
✅ Built for global CDMOs & high-throughput pharmaceutical brands
The BGZ-PRO is BURGEN’s flagship solution, capable of:
12–16 lane counting
Intelligent auto-learning for new SKUs
Connecting with MES/ERP systems for traceability
This machine is specifically tailored for international clients handling over 20+ SKUs per week. It reduces labor costs by 40%, offers <15-min changeover, and supports remote diagnostics—ensuring stable long-term performance.
6. Multifeeder Vision Count Pro
✅ Ideal for food & confectionery industry, including pill-shaped snacks
While not a pharma-specific machine, it’s often used in nutraceutical packaging in the US. Lacks GMP certifications for regulated pharma use.
7. King SC-20 Entry-Level System
✅ Affordable, basic counting solution for manual bottling lines
A mechanical vibration-based system—not vision-based—but often used by clinics and small labs. Better suited as a backup or semi-auto solution.
✅ Why Choose BURGEN for Pharmaceutical Vision Counting?
BurgenMachine’s full line of vision-based counting and packing machines is designed to help clients achieve:
Regulatory Compliance (FDA/GMP/CE)
Speed & Scalability (30–120 bottles/min)
Real-time Error Elimination
Minimal Downtime, 24/7 Support
Customized layouts for bottle, sachet, or carton output
From single-head startup machines to turnkey pharmaceutical lines, Burgen delivers global packaging solutions with local support. Discover why brands in USA, Poland, Korea, and UAE trust BURGEN to power their production.
👉 Learn more: burgenmachine.com
How to Choose the Right Machine
1. Based on Product Type
Capsules/Tablets: Choose with precise edge detection tech.
Gummies: Look for 3D vision recognition & sticky material compatibility.
2. Counting Speed
Standard: 30–60 bottles/min
High-Speed: 80–120 bottles/min
3. Packaging Format
Bottle filling
Sachet counting
Strip/bag packaging
4. Hygiene & Compliance
Ensure machines are:
Stainless steel 304/316
GMP certified
Easy to sanitize
How to Use a Vision Counting Packing Machine
Step-by-step operation:
Pour bulk product into the hopper
AI vision detects shape, size, count
Defects rejected into separate bin
Counted product flows into bottles or bags
Line continues seamlessly
Tips:
Calibrate the vision system for each product SKU
Perform regular lens and sensor cleaning
Train staff with demo batches
Comparison: Vision vs Traditional Counting
|
Feature
|
Vision Counting
|
Traditional (Vibration/Weight)
|
|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy
|
99.9%+
|
~95%
|
|
Broken item detection
|
||
|
Multi-shape detection
|
||
|
Cost
|
||
|
Speed
|
Higher in optimized systems
|
FAQs
- Q1: What’s the best vision counting packing machine for gummies?
A: BURGEN BGZ-12 and Countec VMC-200 are both optimized for soft, irregular gummies. - Q2: Are these machines suitable for food-grade items?
A: Yes, many support cross-industry use—see best food particle counting packing machine models. - Q3: Can I count multiple shapes in one batch?
A: Yes, if the vision AI is trained properly. Always check with the manufacturer. - Q4: How often do I need to calibrate the camera system?
A: Typically once per SKU or batch switch. Auto-calibration options are available.
If you’re looking for accuracy, speed, and full automation, investing in a vision counting packing machine is the smartest step for pharmaceutical packaging lines in 2025 and beyond.
👉 Need a solution tailored to your product?
Explore our custom vision counters for capsules, gummies, or powders here:
External resource: FDA Guidelines for Solid Oral Dosage Packaging
