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Softgel capsules

Softgel capsules fast-track the delivery of medication to the bloodstream. Unlike solid pills, they do not need to be broken down by the body before the drugs can be absorbed. Moreover, they are optimal vehicles for oils and fat-soluble formulations that cannot be compressed into tablets.

Which softgel capsules technology do you need?

Softgel capsules polisher

Softgel capsules polisher

The final stage in high quality softgel (or soft gelatin) capsule production is the capsule polish.…

Automatic soft gelatin capsule machines

Automatic soft gelatin capsule machines

Soft gelatin (or softgel) capsules have become a popular mode of oral liquid dosing …

Softgel drying tunnel

Softgel drying tunnel

Softgel capsules require a controlled secondary drying to reduce water content in the capsule to levels …

Continuous in-line softgel drying system

Continuous in-line softgel drying system

High output softgel (or soft gelatin) capsule encapsulating machines can operate be…

Softgel tumble dryer

Softgel tumble dryer

Softgel (or soft gelatin) capsules are a very popular means of delivering oral doses in the pharmaceutica…

Serialization and aggregation inspection system

Serialization and aggregation inspection system

Including serialization and aggregation inspection systems to packaging lin…

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High speed bottle filler with inspection

High speed bottle filler with inspection

Medicines in tablet, capsule, or soft gel forms undergo various processes before re…

High Speed Visual Inspection System for Tablets

High Speed Visual Inspection System for Tablets

In order to ensure quality and standard specifications of tablets, capsules…

Lifter and De-duster for Tablets

Lifter and De-duster for Tablets

The use of several different tools for lifting, de-dusting, and polishing in the pharmaceuti…

Dessicant inserting machine

Dessicant inserting machine

Desiccant canisters play an important role in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Th…

Pharmaceutical bottle unscrambler

Pharmaceutical bottle unscrambler

Pharmaceutical packaging industry requires the ability to quickly manage the process yet a…

Metal detector for bottles

Metal detector for bottles

For metal contamination detection in finished products that are bottled, traditional solutions req…

Metal detector for tablets and capsules

Metal detector for tablets and capsules

Identification of metallic contaminants is a vital part of pharmaceutical quality co…

Semi-automatic case packer

Semi-automatic case packer

Pharmaceutical products require complete traceability throughout the production cycle. For smaller…

Horizontal cartoner for pharmaceutical applications

Horizontal cartoner for pharmaceutical applications

Automatic cartoning for cosmetic or pharmaceutical products is a requi…

Laboratory scale soft gelatin capsule machine

Laboratory scale soft gelatin capsule machine

Softgel (or soft gelatin) capsules are a very popular method for providing or…

Gelatin melters and tanks

Gelatin melters and tanks

When producing high quality softgels its important that the gelatin base is processed and stored co…

Automatic blister packaging machine

Automatic blister packaging machine

Automated blister packaging is a popular choice for pharmaceutical production thanks to …

Stand-alone aggregation station

Stand-alone aggregation station

The aggregation of pharmaceutical products for tracking purposes is already compulsory in man…

Serialization coding and labeling equipment

Serialization coding and labeling equipment

In the pharmaceutical industry, product serialization is the cornerstone of all…

Plate sealing blister machine

Plate sealing blister machine

Blister packaging is the preferred choice for most large-scale pharmaceutical lines, and a plat…

Industrial blister packaging machine

Industrial blister packaging machine

High-volume, fully-automated blister packaging is the perfect choice for large scale ph…

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Entry-level blister packaging machine

Entry-level blister packaging machine

Blister packaging is a popular packing method in the pharmaceutical industry thanks to…

Waste minimization weight sorter for tablets & capsules

Waste minimization weight sorter for tablets & capsules

For medium scale production, you can improve line efficiency and r…

Capsule checkweigher

Capsule checkweigher

The production of pharmaceutical capsules requires that individual doses are checked for accuracy. In a p…

Scale up capsule filler

Scale up capsule filler

For higher production volumes of pharmaceutical capsules, speed, accuracy and reliability of productio…

Industrial capsule checkweigher

Industrial capsule checkweigher

Pharmaceutical manufacturing demands the highest quality standards and completely consistent …

Checkweigher for capsules

Checkweigher for capsules

The new interactive indicator unit allows for even easier use. High-rigidity weighcells have been p…

Checkweigher

Checkweigher

A check weigher that is equipped with high speed/high accuracy force balance load cell. It meets stringent accurac…

High-sensitivity metal detection system

High-sensitivity metal detection system

Highly efficient metal detector with enhanced quality control and reporting capabili…

R&D electronic counter for capsules and tablets

R&D electronic counter for capsules and tablets

This machine has been designed to offer an ever-precise and reliable count …

Compact blister machine

Compact blister machine

A compact blister machine ideal for packing tablets, capsules, ampoules and syringes and other applica…

Stories about Softgel capsules

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Primary ingredients to manufacture a softgel capsule


The essential ingredients of a softgel capsule are gelatin, water, and a plasticizer such as glycerin or sorbitol. The presence of water means that the API formula must not be hydrophilic because it would deteriorate the shell over time.


The capsule is typically transparent, so adding opacifiers protects your fill matrix from sunlight. Preservatives, meanwhile, ensure that your capsules remain free from bacteria. Finally, you may also incorporate colorants and flavorings to make the final product more palatable.


Preparing the gelatin base for softgels

The propensity of gelatin to melt in warm environments and form a gel while it is cooling down makes it an ideal substance for the administration of medication in a liquid or semisolid state.

Gelatin is an effective combining agent that holds the structure of the capsule together. Granulated gelatin is added to a blend of water and plasticizing substance, and the mixture is heated to around 60 °C until the particles are fully dissolved.

Inspect the capsules for air bubbles

Air pockets pose a risk to the production of softgel capsules. Bubbles weaken the structure of the shell and may lead to leakage of the drug.

This manufacturing defect typically occurs when your blending process is not conducted at the right temperature or for a suitable duration. The air inside the base components naturally rises to the surface and escapes the mixture, but inadequate heating leads to trapped bubbles.

Using vegan materials for softgels


You can substitute the gelatin to produce a vegetable-based softgel capsule. Derived from animal bone or connective tissue, gelatin makes traditional formulations incompatible with vegan requirements.


Hypromellose (HMPC) and Tapioca starch present viable alternatives made from vegetable cellulose. Besides using non-animal materials, vegan softgel capsules offer a higher bioavailability rate compared with gelatin options. Their low-moisture content also makes them less brittle in reduced humidity.


Processing steps involved in softgel-capsules making

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