A semi-automatic capsule filling machine works by combining manual operation and full mechanical automation, which can automatically fill capsules with powders, granules, or pellets extremely efficiently. As per the model, the filling capacity of this type of machine ranges between 15,000 to 25,000 capsules/hour, whereas, a manual/ slow filling process takes more time and can lead to human errors. Angio-CKD Operator manually loads empty capsules into the loading tray that positions (align) the capsule. After alignment, the material is poured into the capsules from the hopper, which contains the powder or granule mixture.
In a semi-automatic capsule filling machine, the tamping and dosing system can be adjusted so that the capsules are filled with an accurate weight. Try adjusting the machine for each dosage — the machine could fill the capsules with 100 mg to 500 mg of powder. Such precision leads to a high level of uniformity in capsule filling, which is particularly important in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals where dosages must be precise to ensure efficacy and safety.
For example, RUIDA Packing has a semi-automatic capsule-filling machine that can fill 20,000 capsules each hour with an accuracy of more than 99%. Such a high level of automation not only boosts efficiency but also reduces the chances of contamination, which is a major issue faced by the pharmaceutical industry. The machine features an intuitive interface that a less-skilled operator can use to configure parameters such as the capsule size, filling volume, and compression force, requiring no specialized training.
The most prominent benefit of a semi-automatic capsule filling machine is decreased running costs. Depending on the functionality and manufacturer, the average price is between $2,000 and $12,000 which makes the initial purchase feasible and costs are paid within a few months of usage from higher output and lower labor. It requires less supervision than fully manual methods, but allows operators to control important steps in the process. This combination of high-level automation and low-level manual intervention has made the machine excellent for small to medium-scale production lines.
For example, these machines can be semi-automatic and are often used for early batch runs at pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson, where you would typically make smaller quantities of capsules before moving to large-scale production, which would have a fully automated machine. semi automatic capsule filling machine can also be adjusted to fit a wide range of capsule types, from hard gelatin capsules to vegetarian capsules, thus improving its versatility.
The components in these machines can be cleaned and maintained very easily, with many models having easily detachable components to facilitate a quick-change between products. Such flexibility is vital for companies producing several products in different volumes as it minimizes downtime between batches.