How to manufacture soft gelatin capsules

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide on how to manufacture soft gelatin capsules, then this blog post is for you. In this post, we will cover everything from the raw materials used in manufacturing to the different steps involved in the process. We will also provide some tips on troubleshooting and quality control. By the end of this post, you will have a good understanding of how to Manufacture Soft Gelatin capsules.

Raw Materials Used in Manufacturing Soft Gelatin Capsules 

• Gelatin: This is the main ingredient in soft gelatin capsules. Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen. It is available in various grades and bloom strengths. The type of gelatin used will depend on the application and desired properties of the finished product. 

• Lubricants: Lubricants are added to the gelatin mix to prevent sticking and to aid in the filling process. The most common lubricants used are fatty acids, mineral oils, and polyethene glycols. 

• Plasticizers: Plasticizers are added to the gelatin mix to increase flexibility and prevent brittleness. The most common plasticizers used are glycerin and sorbitol. 

• Fillers: Fillers are added to the gelatin mix to increase volume and reduce costs. The most common fillers used are sugars, starches, and microcrystalline cellulose. 

• Colours: Colors are added to the gelatin mix to improve aesthetics. The most common colours used are titanium dioxide and FD&C dyes. 

• Flavours: Flavors are added to the gelatin mix to improve the taste. The most common flavours used are mint, cherry, and orange. 

• Preservatives: Preservatives are added to the gelatin mix to extend shelf life. The most common preservatives used are benzoic acid and sorbic acid. 

The Manufacturing Process 
The manufacturing process of soft gelatin capsules can be divided into four main steps: mixing, moulding, filling, and sealing. 

• Mixing: The first step in manufacturing is mixing all of the ingredients together. This is typically done in a large mixer with paddles or blades that rotate at slow speeds. The goal of mixing is to achieve a homogeneous mixture with uniform consistency.  

The raw materials used in manufacturing soft gelatin capsules include: 

• Molding: Once the ingredients have been mixed, they are fed into a moulding machine where they are formed into capsule shells. There are two types of moulding machines that can be used for this purpose: rotary die machines and reciprocating plunger machines. Rotary die machines are more commonly used because they can produce large quantities of capsules in a short amount of time with minimal operator intervention.  
• Filling: After the capsule shells have been moulded, they are filled with either powder or liquid fill material using a filling machine. There are two types of filling machines that can be used for this purpose: rotary disc machines and peristaltic pump machines. Rotary disc machines are more commonly used because they can fill large quantities of capsules with minimal operator intervention.  
• Sealing: After the capsule shells have been filled, they need to be sealed shut so that the contents do not leak out during storage or handling. This is typically done using a heat sealer or an ultrasonic sealer. Heat sealers work by applying heat and pressure to the capsule shell until it melts and seals shut. Ultrasonic sealers work by vibrating an ultrasonic horn against the capsule shell until it melts and seals shut.  
• Quality Control: After the soft gelatin capsules have been manufactured, they need to be inspected for defects such as cracks, holes, or incomplete seals. They also need to be tested for functionality such as burst strength and disintegration time.   

Conclusion:  

Soft gelatin capsules offer many advantages over other dosage forms such as tablets and liquids."They are easy to swallow, have good bioavailability, and can be formulated to mask unpleasant tastes." They also offer flexibility in terms of size "and shape" and can be made into multiple colours "and flavours."If you are considering adding soft gelatin capsules "to your product line," you should partner with a reputable manufacturer who has experience in this area." At ABC Company," we have over 20 years of experience in manufacturing soft gelatin capsules." We would be happy "to help you formulate "a product that meets your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services!