A Capsule Metal Detector (also known as a pharmaceutical metal detector for capsules and tablets) is a specialized high-precision inspection device used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry to detect and automatically reject any metal contaminants present in capsules, tablets, softgels, pills, or similar solid dosage forms.
These detectors ensure product safety, purity, and compliance with strict regulatory standards (such as FDA, GMP, and 21 CFR Part 11), preventing harmful metal particles from reaching consumers and protecting brand reputation.
Capsule Metal Detector Video
Key Purpose and Applications
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Detects minute metal impurities (ferrous, non-ferrous, stainless steel, etc.) that may enter during manufacturing from broken machinery parts, raw material contamination, or processing equipment.
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Typically installed inline after capsule filling machines, tablet compression presses, or polishing units for 100% online inspection.
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Handles high-speed production, often processing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of capsules per hour.
Working Principle
Capsule metal detectors operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction:
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The device generates a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field using transmitting and receiving coils around a small aperture or chute.
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Capsules or tablets fall freely (gravity-fed chute) or pass through the detection zone.
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When a clean product passes, the field remains stable.
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Any metal particle (even tiny fragments) disturbs the field by inducing eddy currents, causing changes in amplitude and phase of the received signal.
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Advanced signal processing detects this disturbance, identifies the contaminant (sometimes distinguishing magnetic vs. non-magnetic), and triggers an automatic reject mechanism (e.g., servo-driven flap, air reject, or diverter gate) to separate contaminated products into a reject bin without stopping production.
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Modern systems resist interference from static electricity, vibration, inverter noise, or product effects (e.g., iron content in ingredients).
Main Features
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Ultra-high sensitivity — Detects particles as small as 0.15–0.4 mm in diameter (e.g., ferrous: ~0.2 mm, stainless steel: ~0.3–0.4 mm), depending on model and aperture size.
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High throughput — Up to 30,000+ capsules/min or 1,800,000+/hr in advanced models.
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Sanitary design — Made from stainless steel (SUS304/SUS316L), tool-free disassembly, easy cleaning, IP65 protection, FDA-compliant materials, and electro-polished contact surfaces.
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User-friendly interface — Touchscreen (e.g., 7-inch TFT LCD), preset memory for 100–200 products, minimal setup (often auto-learn with one product pass).
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Integrated rejection — Reliable reject systems with position sensors and failsafe mechanisms.
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Compliance & data — Supports regulatory requirements, USB/Ethernet data output, low noise (<70 dB).
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Compact & adjustable — Adjustable height/angle to fit tablet presses or capsule machines; small apertures for better sensitivity.
* Power voltage can be adjusted as per customer’s domestic power voltage requirements.
* Rights of technical improvements & modification reserved.
* Illustrations & dimensions are shown for information purpose only.
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