Softgel machines are highly specialized equipment designed to produce softgel capsules. These capsules are widely used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries as they provide an effective delivery system for a range of active ingredients. The softgel machine is a complex piece of equipment that requires a thorough understanding of its various components and operations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of the softgel machine and provide an overview of its key features.
Softgel capsules consist of two halves that are sealed together around a liquid or semi-solid center. The softgel machine is used to manufacture these capsules in large quantities. The process involves several stages, including the preparation of the gelatin solution, filling the capsules, and sealing the two halves together. The softgel machine is responsible for automating these stages, resulting in a high volume of consistently sized and shaped softgel capsules.
The key components of a softgel machine include the gelatin melting tank, the encapsulation machine, and the drying tunnel. The gelatin melting tank is used to melt the gelatin solution, which is then pumped into the encapsulation machine. The encapsulation machine consists of two parts: the dosing section and the sealing section. The dosing section is responsible for filling the two halves of the softgel capsule with the liquid or semi-solid center. The sealing section then seals the two halves of the capsule together. The drying tunnel is used to dry the softgel capsules after they have been sealed.
The gelatin melting tank is a critical component of the softgel machine. It is responsible for melting the gelatin solution and maintaining it at a consistent temperature. The gelatin solution is heated to a temperature of between 55°C and 60°C, and the tank is equipped with a stirrer to ensure that the gelatin solution is well-mixed.
The encapsulation machine is the heart of the softgel machine. It consists of two parts, the dosing section and the sealing section. The dosing section is responsible for filling the two halves of the softgel capsule with the liquid or semi-solid center. The sealing section then seals the two halves of the capsule together. The dosing section is further divided into two sub-sections, the spreader box and the dosing wedge. The spreader box ensures that the gelatin solution is spread evenly over the dosing wedge, which is responsible for filling the two halves of the capsule. The sealing section consists of two parts, the pre-heating plate, and the sealing plate. The pre-heating plate is used to preheat the two halves of the capsule, while the sealing plate is used to seal the two halves of the capsule together.
The drying tunnel is used to dry the softgel capsules after they have been sealed. The drying process involves passing the softgel capsules through a controlled temperature and humidity environment for a specified period. The drying tunnel is equipped with a series of fans and heaters that ensure that the softgel capsules are dried evenly.
