7 Questions to Answer Before Buying a Capsule Filling Machine

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 capsule filling 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 capsule filling 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	±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	1096	800	720	624	544	384	288	216	160	104
1.0g/ml	1370	1000	900	780	680	480	360	270	200	130
1.2g/ml	1644	1200	1080	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.