Your Guide to Choosing the Best Capsule Filling Machine in 2025

If you're asking what the most essential pharmaceutical equipment is, many industry experts will tell you it's definitely the capsule filling machine. But finding the right piece isn't straightforward. That's why we created this guide. Inside, you'll discover all you need to know about choosing the best capsule filling machine, including fundamental information, buying advice, and models that offer great value for money.

Types of Capsule Filling Machines

Capsule filling machines have many types available. When choosing the best capsule filling machine, one of the challenges is to figure out what type of machine works for you. Here, we will focus on five different types of capsule filling machines that are widely used in the industry.

• BASED ON THE AUTOMATION LEVEL

This is the most basic standard for classifying mechanical machinery. According to the degree of automation, there are three types of capsule filling machines:

1. Manual Capsule Filling Machine

These are the simplest encapsulation machinery. They are typically applied to handle separated empty capsules. These machines require operators to complete the filling process. The operators manually fill empty capsules and close the capsule bodies and caps with a simple mechanism.

The production volume of manual capsule fillers is low. So, they are suitable for home use, small-scale production, or laboratory settings.

2. Semi-automatic Capsule Filling Machine

Semi-automatic models can partially automate the capsule filling process. For instance, they automate the capsule feeding, separation, filling, closing, and ejection steps. However, the operation between each step still needs to be done by a human operator.

These capsule filling machines are ideal for small to medium-scale production. They can somewhat reduce manual labor costs while managing capsule filling in a more precise manner.

3. Fully Automatic Capsule Filling Machine

Fully automatic machines do their job at high speeds. They automate the entire process, including empty capsule orientation, feeding, opening, filling, closing, and finally ejecting the filled capsules. These machines are powered by advanced technologies to handle high production demands.

Automatic capsule filling machines are best for large-scale manufacturing where high efficiency and productivity are required.

• BASED ON THE CAPSULE TYPE

Capsules themselves can be classified into different types. Hard gelatin capsules and soft gelatin capsules (softgels) are the two main types. There are machines specially designed to fill these capsules.

1. Hard Gelatin Capsule Filling Machine

These are the most common type. Whether manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic, they can fill hard-shell gelatin capsules with powders, liquids, or combinations.

In these capsule filling machines, the process involves feeding empty capsules into the machine, separating the capsule bodies and caps, filling the bodies with the formulation, and then re-capping the bodies.

2. Softgel Encapsulation Machine

Unlike hard gelatin capsules consisting of a body and a cape, softgels are one-piece capsules. Due to the design, soft gelatin capsules are hard to handle manually. That's why softgel encapsulation machines are highly automated.

These machines usually encapsulate liquid or semi-solid formulations. Aside from the filling step, these machines are designed to form the soft gelatin capsule shell themselves.

Why You Need a Capsule Filling Machine

Now that you know the common types, let's take a look at which one is your best capsule filling machine and why you should choose it.

# Manual Capsule Filling Machines

Pros:

- Affordable and great for pharmacies, labs, or small businesses

- Super easy to use and maintain, even for beginners

- Lightweight and easy to move around

Cons:

- Require manual work and can be time-consuming

- Low output, not ideal for large batches

- A higher chance of filling error

# Semi-Automatic Capsule Filling Machines

Pros:

- Faster than manual ones with a larger production volume

- Offer more consistent fill weights

- Handle different capsule sizes

Cons:

- More expensive than manual machines

- Need regular maintenance

- Require trained operators to do the work

# Fully Automatic Capsule Filling Machines

Pros:

- High-speed filling capabilities with minimal human error

- Perfect for large-scale production

- Integrated advanced features

Cons:

- Require a significant initial investment

- Need skilled operators and regular maintenance

- Take up more space compared to manual and semi-automatic machines

# Hard Gelatin Capsule Filling Machines

Pros:

- Handle powder, granule, pellet, and even liquid formulations

- Many machine types to choose from

- Highly efficient, especially the automatic models

Cons:

- Capsules may be dented or cracked if not handled carefully

- Varying prices depending on different models

# Softgel Encapsulation Machines

Pros:

- Ideal for oils, gels, and other liquid formulations

- Fast manufacturing process with no need for human involvement

- Encapsulate sensitive ingredients and protect against tampering

Cons:

- More complex process compared to hard capsules

- Have higher production and material costs

The Best Capsule Filling Machine of 2025

The best capsule filling machine should cater to your specific production needs. It must be durable, easy to operate, and simple to maintain. On top of that, the machine should be efficient across various production scales. Also, it should align with your budget.

Here are our picks for the best capsule filling machine in each category.

	Model	Price (USD)
Best Manual	CN-100CL	$128.99
Best Semi-Automatic	JTJ-V Vertical	$5,499.00
Best Fully Automatic	SFK-700	$60,900.00

 

Best Manual Capsule Filler: CN-100CL

The CN-100CL is one of the best sellers at iPharMachine. The handy hand-operated capsule filler can fill 100 empty capsules at a time. It also handles capsule sizes from #000 to #5.

This capsule filler is made from high-quality acrylic. The material is durable, ensuring a long lifespan. One hundred holes are precisely drilled, which allows each capsule body and cap to be accurately aligned. Compared to manual filling, using this machine can significantly increase your output.

Technical Specs

Capsule Size	#000	#00	#0	#1	#2	#3	#4	#5
Number of Holes	100
Material	PMMA
Output	2000 caps
Dimensions (mm)	177*167*90	177*167*90	177*167*87.8	177*167*79.3	177*167*80.5	177*167*76.6	177*167*73.2	177*167*73.2
Weight (kg)	2.395kg	2.325kg	1.83kg	1.76kg	1.73kg	57kg	1.54kg	1.54kg

 

Best Semi-Automatic Capsule Filling Machine: JTJ-V Vertical

The JTJ-V Vertical features a variable frequency drive system ensuring precise dosing. It also has a pedal-controlled capsule closing and locking mechanism. A vertical peg ring boasts a robust, high-quality stainless steel build, allowing for efficient capsule closing.

Designed with GMP compliance in mind, all contact parts meet stringent standards. The machine's surface has a non-paint finish to prevent stripping and cross-contamination. Easy to operate and maintain, the JTJ-V Vertical features minimal downtime and low noise levels.

Technical Specs

Capsule Size	#00, #0, #1, #2, #3, #4
Production Capacity	#00: 16,000 caps per hour #0: 18,000 caps per hour #1-#4: 23,000 caps per hour
Fill Material	Dry powders and pellets
Total Power	2.12 kW
Compressed Air	0.03 m3/min, 0.7MPa
Vacuum	40 m3/h
Dimensions (L*W*H)	1800 mm x 800 mm x 1750 mm
Weight	400 kg

 

Best Automatic Capsule Filling Machine: SFK-700

The SFK-700 is one of the highly recommended models from our high-end SFK Series. This automatic capsule filling machine is scalable for the needs of various pharma and supplement companies. Its craftsmanship and performance can even compete with European-built machinery.

This machine employs high-quality electrical components that are mostly from world-renowned brands. Plus, the SFK-700 features a modular design that allows for quick changeover of each part and easy access for cleaning and repair.

Technical Specs

Capsule Size	#00, #0, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5
Output	42,000 caps per hour
Segment bores	5
Oral dosage forms	Powder, granules, pellets, micro-tablets
Power supply	380/220V, 50/60Hz, 3kW
Noise level	<70dB
Dimensions	951 mm x 1551 mm x 2155 mm
Net weight	2500 kg

 

How to Pick the Best Capsule Filling Machine: 6 Questions to Ask

When searching for the best capsule filling machine, it's important to ask the right questions. Let's walk through these important considerations:

1. What's the machine's production capacity?

Why ask: You'll know how many capsules you can produce in a given time. This question applies when you want to buy a semi-automatic and fully automatic model. Choose the right one based on your demand.

2. How easy is it to operate and maintain the machine?

Why ask: Ease of use relates to efficiency. A user-friendly capsule filling machine can save you both time and money. Beginners might prefer simpler machines. Larger manufacturers might need more complex but also more efficient models.

3. What capsules and formulations can the machine handle?

Why ask: Not all capsule filling machines can handle capsule sizes from #000 to #5. Also, formulations like liquids, oils, or gels can only be filled using specifically designed machines. If you want to fill a special formulation or fill with a special size, make sure the model is capable of doing the job right.

4. How does the machine ensure compliance with industry regulations?

Why ask: Compliance is critical in the pharmaceutical industry. Whether it's manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic options, meeting all regulatory standards is necessary. This will avoid legal issues and guarantee the safety and quality of your product.

5. Is there technical support and training available from the manufacturer?

Why ask: If you're new to capsule filling, clear instructions are very critical. Even though you're using a manual capsule filler, access to technical support and training can greatly save you time in getting familiar with the machine, not to mention more complex machines.

6. Can the machine be integrated with other production line equipment?

Why ask: If you're looking to buy a new capsule filling machine to scale the business, integration with existing or future production line equipment is a must-have feature.

Wrap Up

Choosing the best capsule filling machine really depends on your specific needs and budget. No matter the type you opt for, manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic models, it's important to ensure it has the necessary features you need. A dependable machine can greatly enhance the efficiency and precision of your capsule production, whether for personal or commercial use.