4 Advice to Choose a Capsule Filling Machine

Understand the working principle and types of capsule filling machines

How does the capsule filling machine work?

The capsule filling machine is mainly composed of multiple stations such as sowing, sorting, filling, rejecting, locking, and discharging. When in operation, it will first separate the capsule body from the capsule cap, then accurately fill the prescribed dose of powder or granules into the capsule body, and then re-lock the capsule cap and the capsule body. Despite the differences, all types of capsule filling machines operate on the same basic principle.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

Types of Capsule Filling Machines

Capsule filling machines are mainly divided into two types: semi-automatic capsule filling machines and fully automatic capsule filling machines.

Semi-Automatic Capsule Filling Machines:

Semi-automatic capsule filling machine requires manual movement of the capsule tray from the capsule sowing station to the filling station. After filling, the capsule tray is manually moved to the capsule locking station and the capsule locking switch is pressed to lock and unload the capsule.

Features: easy to operate, can handle a larger production volume than manual machines, improve production efficiency, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Fully Automatic Capsule Filling Machines:

By automating the entire process of capsule placement, filling, rejection, and latching of the capsule shell, the fully automatic capsule filling machine can save labor expenses and quickly complete precise and efficient filling.

Features: Suitable for large-scale production and enterprises with high production efficiency and quality requirements.

Clarify production requirements and scale

Matching production volume:

If your daily production is less than 50,000 capsules, a semi-automatic filling machine may be sufficient. For production volumes of more than 100,000 capsules per day, a fully automatic capsule filling machine is recommended for maximum efficiency.

Specification compatibility:

It is very important to choose a machine that is compatible with various capsule sizes, usually from 00# to 4#. Capsule filling machines with good compatibility can adapt to different types and specifications of capsule shells and materials with different characteristics, improving the utilization rate of the equipment. For example, semi-automatic capsule machines or fully automatic capsule machines can be compatible with capsule shells of different sizes by replacing molds, and can adapt to 000#-5# hollow capsules.

Pay attention to the quality and performance of capsule filling machines

When selecting a capsule filling machine, you should consider the machine's quality and performance because these factors have a direct impact on the product's quality and production efficiency. By learning about the capsule filling machine's brand, reputation, after-sales service, etc., you can gauge its quality and performance.

In addition, you can also ask the supplier to provide relevant information and certification documents of the capsule filling machine, such as product quality certification, production license, etc. At the same time, you can visit the supplier's production site to understand the production process and quality control of the capsule filling machine.

Consider the price and cost performance of the capsule filling machine

The prices of capsule filling machines of different brands and models may vary, so it is necessary to choose a suitable capsule filling machine based on the company's budget.

SED PHARMA Capsule Filling Machines

The capsule filling machines produced by SED Pharma are designed for filling powders, granules, or liquids into empty capsules. They use precision mechanical and pneumatic systems, accurate sensors, and easy-to-use controls to deliver optimal results.

SED-BJ Semi-Automatic Capsule Filling Machine

Features：

• Economical and practical: Compared with fully automatic equipment, it has a lower cost and is suitable for use by small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Easy to operate: No complex training is required for operation.
• High flexibility: The filling volume and speed can be adjusted according to production needs.
• Easy maintenance: The structure is relatively simple, which is convenient for daily maintenance and cleaning.
• Wide range of application: Suitable for various types of capsule filling.

Application areas:

• Pharmaceutical industry: used for the production of capsule drugs.
• Health care products industry: used for filling vitamins, minerals and other health supplements.
• Research institutions: used for laboratory sample preparation.

SED-J Fully Automatic Capsule Filling Machine

Features:

• Compact structure, small size, low noise, and precise filling dose.
• Complete functionality and stable operation.
• Capable of completing operations such as capsule loading, separation, filling, waste rejection, locking, finished product discharge, and module cleaning.
• The most ideal hard capsule filling equipment for pharmaceutical, health product, and other manufacturing industries.

SED-YJ Fully Automatic Capsule Liquid Filling Machine

Features:

• Adopts stepless frequency conversion speed regulation, and has the functions of accurate metering, fiber detection, automatic rejection, etc.
• Can fill solutions, suspensions, and microemulsions into hard capsules.
• The latest filling equipment for the development of high-end products in the pharmaceutical, health care and other industries.

Capacity

15,600-36,000 capsules/hr

Suitable capsule size

Capsule00#~5#,safety capsuleA~E

Price Range:

The price depends on the model and level of equipment. For more specific price information, it is best to contact SED Pharma directly.

Harro Höfliger

• F 300 Capsule Filling Machine: Equipped with advanced automated control system, used for filling powders, granules and small pellets, 10,000 to 30,000 capsules/hour, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. Price is about $100,000 - $150,000.

• F 500 Capsule Filling Machine: With intelligent control system, it can provide detailed production data and traceability, support various types of capsules, and can fill up to 100,000 capsules per hour. It is suitable for large-scale production, especially for pharmaceutical companies that require high output and continuous operation. The price is about $350,000 - $450,000.

• F 800 Capsule Filling Machine: With built-in advanced quality control and inspection systems, it can produce more than 120,000 capsules per hour. It is suitable for large pharmaceutical factories and enterprises that require extremely high output and flexible configuration. The price is about $500,000 or more.

IMA Pharma

• IMA C70 Capsule Filling Machine: Equipped with advanced operating system, suitable for filling powders, granules, and mixtures of granules and powders. The capacity is about 30,000-70,000 capsules per hour, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. The price is about US$100,000-200,000.

• IMA NC100 Capsule Filling Machine:Equipped with multiple safety mechanisms, used to fill various types of drugs, including powders, granules, etc., 70,000-100,000 capsules/hour, suitable for medium-sized pharmaceutical companies. The price is about US$150,000-300,000.

• IMA C300 Capsule Filling Machine: Equipped with automatic cleaning system, it can handle different types of capsule sizes, up to 100,000-300,000 capsules/hour, suitable for large-scale production. The price is about US$250,000-450,000.

ACG Worldwide

• ACG PF 100 Capsule Filling Machine: Suitable for most common hard capsules, up to 40,000 - 60,000 capsules/hour. Price is approximately $75,000 - $150,000, depending on the configuration and features selected.

• ACG Capsule Filling Machine: Suitable for various capsule sizes and types (such as hard capsules, vegetable capsules, etc.), 50,000 - 70,000 capsules/hour, suitable for medium and large enterprises. The price is about $120,000 - $180,000.

• ACG Capsule Filling Machine: Efficient, precise, and suitable for large-scale production needs, with advanced automation technology, it can fill about 100,000 capsules per hour. The price is about $150,000 - $250,000.

Capsugel

• GKF Capsule Filling Machine: Fills up to 92,000 capsules per hour and is suitable for the production of conventional capsule sizes. Pricing is based on model, configuration and production capacity.

• GKF Capsule Filling Machine: Suitable for pharmaceutical, nutritional, viscous and fine powder production. It can produce up to 176,000 capsules per hour to meet large-scale production needs. Pricing is based on model, configuration and production capacity.

• GKF Capsule Filling Machine: With an output of up to 360,000 capsules per hour, it can meet the needs of large-scale production. Pricing is based on model, configuration and production capacity.

Conclusion

It is well known that choosing the right capsule filling machine is a key factor in achieving business success. The right equipment can not only improve production efficiency and reduce costs, but also ensure the stability and consistency of product quality. In the pharmaceutical industry, high-performance and precise capsule filling machines help optimize production processes, comply with strict regulatory requirements, and build customer trust in your products. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact SED Pharma's sales manager, we will be happy to serve you.

- Friday, November 3,

Are you interested in purchasing a capsule making machine? Have you ever wondered what kind of capsule filling machine would be perfect for your production? Are there questions about a capsule filling machine you have not been able to find suitable answers to?

Check out these primary questions you need to be answered before you order a capsule filling machine.

1. What are the basic things I need to know about a capsule filling machine?

A capsule filling machine is also known as an Encapsulating machine or Capsule filler. The capsule filler is used to fill the empty capsules with the required material, which could be solid, liquid, or semi-solid/liquid.

It is a popular device widely used in many industries, including the pharmaceutics, food, chemical, and packaging industry, and many other sectors. With the continuous advancement in technology, the latest capsule filling machine produces 200,000 capsules per hour with efficient automatic controls, including filling, positioning, locking, and counting.

2. What kind of materials do I require for a capsule filling machine?

There are two categories of capsules: soft capsules and hard gelatin capsules.

The soft capsules are filled with a blend of active ingredients in liquid or semi-liquid form. The soft capsule shell is usually made of gelatin, water, a plasticizer, and an opacifier, which could be glycerin or sorbitol.

Hard gelatin capsules are filled with single or combined forms of dry powder, granules, micro tables, small capsules, and coated beads. The shell consists of gelatin. Other substances, such as opacifiers, preservatives, colorants, and plasticizers are added to the hard gelatin shell to enhance capsule formation and performance.

HPMC capsules also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose capsules are also recommended due to their low moisture content compared to hard gelatin capsules. During the production/ encapsulation process, there could be brittle and breakage of the hard gelatin capsules under mechanical stress, which mainly happens due to the hygroscopic content of the hard gelatin capsules usually about 13% to 16%.

Read More:

What Capsule Dosage Forms Can be Used in Capsule Fillers?

3. What production capacity do I require for a capsule filling machine?

There are three major types of capsule filling machines which are:

• Automatic capsule filling machine
• Semi-automatic capsule filling machine
• Manual capsule filling machine

Depending on your production capacity, any of the three capsule filling machines would fit comfortably into your needs. It is also important to note that each type of capsule filling machine has its peculiar pros and cons.

Automatic capsulefilling machine

The automatic capsule filling machine is preferred for large-scale production. Its operations are completely automated, and the device is durable and designed for long-lasting operations.

The production capacity of an automatic capsule filling machine is an average of 200,000 to 400,000 capsules per hour. It is frequently used in pharmaceutical companies with multiple-line productions.

Some of the benefits of the automatic capsule filling machine include:

• It has a high production capacity
• It has enhanced accuracy in filling capsules
• It is user-friendly
• It requires low maintenance
• There is minimal downtime during productio

Semi-automatic capsulefilling machine

The semi-automatic capsule filling machine combines automated and manual operations. It is preferred for operations with varying sizes of powders, pellets, or granules. The semi-automatic capsule filling machine also has a high production capacity from 25,000 to 47,000 capsules per hour, subject to the operator’s skill set and capsule size.

Some of the benefits of the semi-automatic capsule filling machine include

• It has enhanced accuracy in filling capsules due to its automated operations.
• It is power saving
• It performs a quick and safe operation of filling and ejecting
• It is easy to upgrade
• It is easy to operate

Manual capsule filling machine

The manual capsule filling machine is completely operated by manpower. It is used in small to medium-sized productions. The device can open and fill about 300 capsules per cycle.

The parts of the basic model of the manual capsule filling machine can be changed and modified to fit your requirements.

Some of the benefits of the manual capsule filling machine include

• It is easy to operate.
• It has a simple design.
• It is cost-effective
• It has a precise filling, and it reduces powder wastage.

Also, before purchasing the capsule filling machine, it is advisable to consult with your vendor to make an efficient choice for your production capsule.

4. How do I determine my capsule size?

There are charts and graphs for the basic sizes and measurements of capsules and the required formulations and dosing units.

Capsule sizes usually range from sizes 000 to 5. The preferred sizes are 00 to 2 because they are easy to swallow.

EMPTY CAPSULE SIZE

Capsule Size

0

00E

0

0E

0

1

2

3

4

5

EMPTY CAPSULE WEIGHT

Average Weight (mg)

158

143

123

107

99

78

61

48

38

28

Tolerance

±10

±10

±7

±7

±6

±5

Additional resources:
How to Choose lamellars?
When to Use Multi Stage Hydraulic Cylinder？

For more information, please visit Jiangyin Chenyuan Machinery.

±4

±3

±3

±2

EMPTY CAPSULE VOLUME CAPACITY (ml)

Capacity

1.37

1

0.9

0.78

0.68

0.48

0.36

0.27

0.2

0.13

FORMULATION DENSITY

Formulation Density

0.6g/ml

822

600

540

468

408

288

216

162

120

78

0.8g/ml

800

720

624

544

384

288

216

160

104

1.0g/ml

900

780

680

480

360

270

200

130

1.2g/ml

936

816

576

432

324

240

156

You can consult with your vendor to recommend the capsule size and capsule filling machine to fit your production needs.

5. How can I maintain a budget when purchasing a capsule filling machine?

Maintaining a production budget with top-quality materials can be very tasking. Also considering a fast line production and still staying ahead of the competition. Before maintaining a budget, it is essential to maintain top-quality production at all times.

While discussing with your vendor, he/she might suggest a capsule filling machine that is a little above your budget. You could revise your budget to get the right capsule filling machine needed for your production.

6. What is the maintenance routine for a capsule filling machine?

Every machine requires regular maintenance to guarantee its durability.

A regular maintenance routine involves

• Cleaning the machine with a nylon brush.
• Cleaning of the parts that come in contact with powders and materials after a period of production.
• There would be a need for a change of parts in cases of wear and tear.
• Wiping off the grease lines in the machine after a day of work.
• Regular opening and cleaning of the filter of the vacuum system.
• Periodic lubrication to ensure the efficient running of the machine.

Things you should avoid when cleaning the capsule filling machine are

• Do not clean the capsule filling machine with hot water or dip it in corrosive liquids (acids, alcohol, alkaline) overnight.
• Do not clean the machine with heating appliances, like an oven.

You can extend the shelf life of the capsule filling machine by 60 to 90% with proper cleaning and regular lubrication. It is advised to always clean the machine at the end of the day’s production. Do not leave powders in the machine overnight. It could dry and garden resulting in swift wear and tear of the machine.

7. What are the primary factors in choosing a capsule filling machine?

Now, there are some tips you need to consider before making the final choice for the capsule filling machine for your production. Let us look at them briefly.

• The reason for your purchase

The reason for your purchase of a capsule filling machine is very crucial. You need to consider the type of production you are after which could be

1. Hard gelatin or soft gel capsules.

2. Automatic, semi-automatic, or manual capsule filling machine.

3. Size of the capsule.

• Size of the machine

You need to consider the size of the machine you need for production. You can purchase a lighter machine for easy transportation between sites. Or you could get a larger capsule filling machine for better functionality if the production site is fixed.

• Production capacity

Automatic capsule filling machines are recommended for large-scale productions with multiple lines. For small-scale production, a manual capsule filling machine is better to help save costs.

• Features of the machine

If you want to limit human contact and contamination of the product, it is better to opt for the automatic capsule filling machine.

Also, you could consider the customization option of the machine. There are available capsule filling machines that you can modify to fit your requirements.

• Cost

As a manufacturer, you have an overview of the cost of the entire production. When making consultations about the type of machine to purchase, you should look out for a machine that is within your budget range without comprising the efficiency and quality of your products.

Conclusion

With all this information at your fingertips, the next step is to find a vendor that will guide you in picking the best capsule filling machine for your production

With 17 years of expertise, iPharMachine takes its place as one of the leaders in the pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical packaging industry. We prioritize quality equipment over quantity and are dedicated to providing the best capsule filling machine and other pharmaceutical machines you need in your production.

Following years of production of capsules and related equipment, we have patented several capsule-related technologies. The team at iPharMachine focuses on research and development and provides pharmaceutical engineering solutions that meet cGMP standards.

We also offer consultations to help guide you in picking a suitable capsule filling machine. iPharMachine provides all types of capsule filling machines (automatic, semi-automatic, and automatic), and also matching separated and joined capsules.

Order your capsule filling machine today at iPharMachine.