Continuous-motion capsule fillers

Machines fill capsules with liquids, powders, and pellets.

G140

A continuous-motion capsule filler is capable of producing up to 140,000 capsules per hour with the ability to dose powders, pellets, microtablets, and one tablet. The G140 can be fully integrated into a central computer system for maximum flexibility and control and is compatible with the MG NETT weight control system, an on-board system for 100% capsule net weight measurement. The system automatically rejects any capsules with weights either over or under set production values. It handles all in-process data collection and analysis, and provides automatic weight adjustment and analysis of individual dosator performance to help ensure compliance with 21 CFR Part 11. The G140 also features touch screen control for fast changeovers and can handle powder/tablet and pellet/tablet combinations. MG America, Fairfield, NJ; 973/808-8185; www.mgamerica.com. 

Imatic Series

Continuous-movement capsule-filling machines use the same tower system as the company�s Matic 120. Machine kinetics have been designed to allow the machine to reach a very high speed while at the same time leaving more time for the most delicate phases of the filling process, such as capsule positioning and product dosing. The production area has been completely isolated from the mechanical area, and the machine can be fitted with a completely automatic clean-in-place system and complete control of net weight thanks to strain gauges for the measurement of compression force. IMA North America Inc., Bristol, PA; 215/826-8500; www.ima.it. 

F-40

A fully automated hard-capsule-filling machine is able to fill a wide range of materials, including powders, granules, pellets, beads, pastes, oils, and liquids. Powder filling can easily be accomplished by compressed-filling methods or vibration-filling methods. The F-40 features a capsule rotary rectification system that was developed by the company and patented in 10 countries. During capsule rectification, capsule defects such as deformation, scratch, and peel of imprinted characters do not occur because no external pressures are applied to the capsules. The F-40 maintains highly accurate fill weights of finished products. The machine operates at 40,000 capsules per hour and is compact in size. Shionogi Qualicaps, Whitsett, NC; 336/449-3900; www.qualicaps.com. 

Capsule Fillers

A company offers two styles of capsule fillers: index tamping pin and Macofar vacuum dosator. Both methods offer extremely high filling accuracy for difficult-to-handle products. The encapsulators can fill all types of powders, pellets, tablets, and combinations at speeds from 5000 to 150,000 cph. Index encapsulators can also fill liquids up to 40,000 cph. Integrated checkweighers with feedback control are available to monitor and maximize accuracy. A testing laboratory and showroom are located in Pompton Plains, NJ. Romaco Inc., Pompton Plains, NJ; 973/616-0440; www.romaco.com. 

GKF 1400

As the midrange model in the GKF series, the GKF 1400 capsule filler features the economical operation of the smaller machines and the operational sophistication of the larger GKF 2500. It combines the latest technology and ergonomic design with CGMP-compliant layout and easy cleaning and maintenance. Operating at 1400 capsules per minute, the GKF 1400 is suitable for intermediate production needs. Bosch Packaging Technology, Pharmaceutical Operations, Minneapolis, MN; 763/424-4700; pharmna@boschpackaging.com.  

Profill

A capsule-filling system is fully equipped for one capsule size and includes a 50-pin tamper, a powder tray with reservoir, and a video CD. Change parts for all capsule sizes snap in and require no adjustments. Patented features make the Profill fast and easy to operate. It is GMP compliant as all powder-contact parts are SS316, anodized aluminum, or poylcarbonate. The Profill is suitable for R&D, clinical trials, compounding, nutritional supplements, and over-encapsulation. The positive filling system is suitable for new or hard-to-fill formulations and natural products as lubricants and other additives are not required. Fill weights meet USP standards. Torpac, Fairfield, NJ; 973/244-1125; www.torpac.com. 

ZJT 900

The ZJT model-900 capsule filler is suitable for mid-range capsule production or to enhance current productivity. The ISO 9002�certified and UL-approved machine features productivity speeds of up to 56,000 capsules per hour (900 per minute) for capsules sizes 00 to 3. It can fill powder and pellets (additional tooling required). Purchase includes vacuum pump and dust collector, plus full installation, five days of on-site training, and a two-year limited warranty. For higher rates of production, models ZJT 1500 and ZJT 1800 fill up to 1500 and 1800 capsules per minute respectively while ZJT2 and ZJT3 fill up to 24,000 per hour for lower production requirements. Additionally, the company delivers full-time service and supervision. Technicians are available for problem solving. The company maintains a consistently full stock of parts, and any necessary part is supplied the next day for morning delivery to ensure as little downtime as possible. Tradimex Equipment and Supply Inc., West Orem, UT; 888/629-2511; info@tradimex.com.