What Are the Benefits of Automatic Capsule Filling Machines?

Capsule filling machines are a game-changer for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. And automatic capsule filling machines provide a productive and economical method for filling capsules.

Research shows that, in the post-pandemic era, the demand for medications and supplements continues to grow. We bet no business wants to get left behind as the market revives. If you're still hesitant, we're here to help.

This blog post will highlight the major advantages of automatic capsule filling machines. We hope the information will help you make the right decision.

Advantages of Automatic Encapsulation Machines

Automatic capsule filling machines are designed to fill capsules with various formulations. These go-to machines offer a lot of advantages over manual and semi-automatic filling methods. Let's take a look!

1. High Filling Accuracy

The right dosage matters when it comes to the efficacy and safety of the medications. So, achieving a high filling accuracy is essential. Automatic encapsulation machines are more advanced than manual and semi-automatic equipment. This allows them to fill capsules accurately and consistently at high speed.

• How accurately can a capsule filling machine perform its work?

Manual capsule fillers are hand-operated equipment. This can result in variation in the weight of the filled capsules. Generally, the filling accuracy of a manual capsule filler can vary from ±5% to ±10% of the target weight. Semi-automatic capsule filling machines fill more accurately than manual ones. Yet, these machines still require manual intervention. So, their filling accuracy is typically around ±2-3%.

Undoubtedly, automatic capsule filling machines can offer the highest filling accuracy. For example, the iPharMachine SKF Series Automatic Capsule Filling Machines feature a filling accuracy of ±1% of the target weight. This ensures the consistency and uniformity of the final product. For applications requiring dosing precision, they can improve efficiency while reducing waste.

2. High Production Output

If you intend to scale up your business, production capacity matters. And automatic encapsulation machines won't let you down.

Manual capsule filling is a time-consuming process. It can take several hours to fill the required number of capsules. Semi-automatic machines can fill as many capsules as some automated ones. Yet, the need for manual intervention limits the production output.

Automatic capsule filling machines can produce much more capsules in a shorter time. Advanced technologies and automation help improve productivity while reducing labor costs.

The video above shows one of the state-of-the-art automatic encapsulation machines available at iPharMachine - the SFK-3000. This model is capable of producing 176400 capsules per hour. It's ideal for large-scale production and can greatly increase profitability.

3. Consistent Quality

Consistent quality is crucial to the safety of oral dosage forms. Automatic capsule filling machines can ensure that each capsule is filled with the same amount of active ingredients.

Manual and semi-automatic capsule filling processes are exposed to the air. Automatic filling operations take place in a relatively enclosed environment. For example, the iPharMachine SFK-703. This is a fully automatic encapsulation machine designed with a WIP anti-contamination concept. The cutting-edge design enables the machine to work in a controlled and hygienic environment. This effectively prevents cross-contamination and ensures the purity of the final product.

Further, automatic capsule filling machines are equipped with sensors to inspect the capsules. The defective capsules will be rejected during production. This ensures that each capsule meets the quality standards.

The design of automatic encapsulation machines also meets regulatory requirements—for example, the GMP, cGMP, CE, or FDA guidelines. So, the products are consistent, high quality, safe, and effective.

4. Easy Operation

Automatic capsule filling machines are easy to operate. This means you can train staff quickly and get them up to speed with the machine's operation.

To operate a manual or semi-automatic capsule filling machine, you need specialized training. It's sort of cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors.

Automatic encapsulation machines can simplify the production process. They are engineered with user-friendly interfaces. Most interfaces come in PLC-based touchscreens, providing clear instructions and feedback. This allows operators to use the machine in a simpler way.

Automated machines also feature sensors and control systems. The devices can monitor and adjust the filling process, reducing manual intervention. Moreover, they are designed with quick and easy access to critical components. This reduces the downtime required for maintenance and repairs.

5. Time Saving

Automatic encapsulation machines are designed to handle the entire production process. Automation reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby saving time on production.

The manual or semi-automatic filling process involves several manual steps. For example, capsules and powders must be loaded and inspected manually. This is time-consuming. Automated machines can speed up the process and increase production output.

Automatic capsule filling machines provide easy access to the parts and components. This enables operators to perform cleaning, maintenance, and repairs more easily and quickly.

6. Improved Safety

Automatic encapsulation machines have come a long way in terms of safety. Compared to manual and semi-automatic equipment, these automated machines have an enclosed design. This minimizes the operator's exposure to the filling process.

In the meantime, most parts and components of the machine are enclosed in a sealed chamber. This helps prevent dust from escaping into the working stations.

Most machines are made with automatic cleaning systems. They use compressed air, vacuum, or other methods to clean the internal components. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

7. Versatility

As for the applications of automatic capsule fillers, they are widely used in many industries. The versatile machinery can handle a wide range of capsule sizes, fill weights, material types, and production speeds.

These automated machines are designed to fill capsules sizing from #000 to #5. This means you can use a single machine to fill capsules of different sizes rather than buying a new one.

Moreover, automatic encapsulation machines can handle different amounts of material. All you need to do is to tweak the dosing system. This system precisely controls the fill weight for each capsule.

These machines can fill capsules with powders, granules, pellets, liquids, microtablets, and combinations. Meanwhile, they are suitable for hard gelatin, soft gelatin, and vegetable capsules.

Further, these machines are your best bet if you want to increase production output. They feature variable speed controls. This enables the manufacture to range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of capsules per hour.

8. Upgradability

Automatic capsule filling machines are highly upgradable compared to manual and semi-automatic machinery. This allows your business to adapt to changing market demands while staying ahead of the industry competition.

You can upgrade the existing equipment to make your production line more accurate, efficient, and reliable.

For example, an upgraded control system can provide better data collection and analysis capability. Upgrading the sensors can improve quality control. You can upgrade production capacity by adding more filling stations. And upgrading the machine to meet regulatory compliance can ensure your products are of the highest quality all the time.

Final Word

Automatic encapsulation machines offer numerous benefits for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies. They are a reliable and cost-effective option in the long run. If you're looking to streamline your production process and enhance product quality, these machines are worth the investment.

For further information about importing automatic capsule filling machines, you may want to read the following guides:

Capsule Filling Machine Manufacturers (Reviews & Guide)

How to Import Capsule Filling Machine from China