Tablet Coating Equipment: Sugar vs. Film Coating

Tablet coating is an essential aspect of pharmaceuticals. It improves taste, prevents tablets from deteriorating, and controls when it disintegrates in the body. There are two forms of coating: sugar and film. Both have pros and cons. Here, we will cover their differences and the important considerations when selecting appropriate equipment. Tianfeng manufacture world-class tablet coating machines, and we are here to guide your selection decisions

The right selection of tablet coating equipment relies upon a number of key parameters relating to specific requirements

Firstly, evaluate the tablet itself; are you working with large or small tablets and what coating thickness would you require. Secondly, consider the coating material; if a sugar coat is needed, then a sugar coater is required whereas a film coater is designed for film-coating. Sugar coating are typically larger and time-consuming due to a greater number of syrup applications. Film coating are more efficient with a relatively smaller machine. Furthermore, ease of operation and cleaning are critical; complicated machines and cleaning will invariably reduce production and increase labor time. Tianfeng offer a range of machines for all purposes enabling the company to cater for a broad production spectrum

The two distinct methods for tablet coating, namely sugar and film coating will now be discussed

Sugar coating is a traditional process involving applying numerous syrup layers around a tablet nucleus, thus providing a sweet and protective coating. This technique offers sweet taste thus masking bitterness often presented with medications. Unfortunately, sugar coating takes a considerable amount of time and increases tablet weight, which may not always be advantageous. Additionally, this method uses significant amounts of sugar, which can be undesirable from a health perspective. In contrast, film coating employs a very thin layer of polymer, or a similar substance to cover a tablet. The product resulting from film coating offers the advantages of reduced weight and the controlled release of its medication in the human stomach, not to mention ease of cleaning and handling and a more visually appealing finish to the tablet. However, some prefer the sweet taste afforded by sugar coated tablets. Both types have ideal applications depending on product and customer demand

In conclusion, whether or not the application requires sugar or film coating, Tianfeng have robust equipment to suit your needs

When a company produces tablets, they will have the choice of producing them with a sugar coating or a film coating. There are several significant advantages that a film coating can provide over a sugar coating. Firstly, a film coating will be much thinner than a sugar coating and thus the protection will be provided without the tablet being made to much thicker. Due to the thinner coating, film coated tablets will be much easier to swallow and this is important if working with children or old people who are reluctant to swallow larger pills. In addition, film coatings can be developed in a variety of colors and these bright colors can make the tablet eye-catching, encouraging people to take their medication, and ensuring they don't miss a dose. As with the benefits above, film coatings will also shield tablets from both air and moisture, increasing shelf-life. Unlike sugar coatings which are sticky and provide less effective protection, and although they do use more sugar and therefore calories than a film coating, film coating offers an alternative that is often more favorable to people worried about their diet. Advanced film coating equipment is offered by Tianfeng to facilitate product production. These machines are highly efficient, and capable of coating various tablet types with high quality products

Finding suitable suppliers for tablet coating machinery can be a challenging, yet vital, process for businesses determined to achieve high quality products

Attend exhibitions and conferences in the pharmaceutical sector; these opportunities allow the entrepreneur to interact directly with suppliers and to see the machines in operation, and may also be a good source of new technologies. Online searching is an important resource to gauge customer feedback, for example in the case of Tianfeng, we have built up an enviable reputation with suppliers who are reliable and produce the necessary equipment. When evaluating a supplier, it is essential to investigate their experience in the sector and the quality of their product. A company with a strong trading history can often be more reliable than a newcomer. A company should be encouraged to provide references from their previous clients to demonstrate performance with various tablet formulations. Costs and after-sale services need also to be compared; an inferior price may seem appealing but if problems arise, the correct supplier is likely to offer the best ongoing service and may resolve any issues in a relatively short space of time. Online forums may be of assistance when looking for recommended suppliers

 Troubleshooting in the production of tablets is essential to an efficient operation, reducing wastage of time and materials when things go wrong

Uneven coating is a frequent issue and is caused by the improper setup of the equipment, or a poor solution. Check settings on the machine and ensure the solution is well agitated and homogeneous before applying. Poor adhesion between the coat and the tablet can also be a common problem, due to a lack of moisture on the tablet nucleus and a highly viscous solution. Humidity and temperature may be varied to optimum levels; the tablet surfaces should also be made slightly moist before application of a sugar or film coat. Disparities in color occur if the color is not equally mixed; this should be avoided by proper agitation. Slow drying may also be a result of a lack of adequate ventilation. Tianfeng can provide specific guidance on fixing these issues to achieve optimum product quality