Knowledge article
How to Compare Capsule Filling Machines
Use formulation, capsule size, dosing method, sustained output, cleaning, and changeover requirements—not speed alone.
Define one comparison basis
Begin by defining the result that will be accepted, not by sorting a table of maximum speeds. Record the capsule size and shell type, target fill mass and tolerance, formulation, acceptable visual defects, reject categories, planned shift pattern, and downstream process. Two machines cannot be compared fairly when one capacity is quoted with an easy-flowing placebo and the other must run a cohesive production blend. Keep every assumption beside the value it affects so the shortlist remains auditable.
Build a formulation profile
Build a formulation profile before choosing the dosing arrangement. Useful inputs include bulk and tapped density, particle-size distribution, flow behaviour, cohesion, dustiness, electrostatic tendency, moisture sensitivity, segregation risk, lubricant level, and any granules or pellets. For very low doses, multi-component fills, or products that change during handling, provide enough representative material for a feasibility trial. A confidential composition is not always necessary, but the machine supplier needs the physical behaviour that controls feeding and metering.
Review the dosing method
Ask how the proposed machine creates and adjusts the dose. Tamping-pin, dosator, pellet, tablet, or liquid stations solve different filling tasks and require different tooling and controls. Review adjustment range, sample access, weight-control method, product recirculation, hopper level management, and how startup material is handled. If more than one fill type is required, define the sequence and allowable cross-contact rather than assuming an extra station can be added without changing output or cleaning effort.
Treat shells and tooling as inputs
Treat the capsule shell as a machine component. Gelatin and HPMC shells can respond differently to storage humidity, vacuum separation, closing force, and high-speed handling. Confirm sizes, locking geometry, colour, print, supplier tolerances, and expected storage before the trial. Then list every change part needed for the planned size range, the tools required, the target changeover time, and the checks that show the new format is correctly set. Tooling price and changeover labour belong in the comparison, not in a later surprise.
Convert speed into sustained output
Translate catalogue capacity into a sustained-output test. Define the production-intent formulation, capsule size, target dose, speed range, run duration, sampling interval, fill-mass method, qualified rate, and treatment of stops or replenishment. Record capsule separation failures, empty or underfilled units, unlocked capsules, damage, dust, and operator interventions. The useful result is an operating window with repeatable quality, not a brief peak that the downstream polisher, inspection system, or packaging line cannot absorb.
Compare cleaning and containment
Compare cleaning and containment against the product risk. Review dismantling, access to dosing parts, product traps, extraction points, seals, cleaning tools, verification access, and the route for dirty parts. Potent, sensitizing, coloured, or allergenic products may require a different enclosure, dust-control strategy, or dedicated parts. Ask which claims apply to the quoted configuration and which cleaning or containment decisions remain the user's responsibility. A generic statement such as 'GMP design' does not replace a documented inspection of surfaces and procedures.
Check utilities and line interfaces
Check the installation as a connected system. List electrical supply, compressed air, vacuum, extraction, room temperature and humidity, floor loading, machine access, and discharge height. Define interfaces to empty-capsule feeding, capsule polishing, metal detection, inspection, collection, or packaging, including control signals and buffer capacity. Also review recipes, user access, alarm history, batch data, language, and backup expectations. A machine that fits the output but not the room, utilities, data practice, or downstream line is not the better selection.
Use a scored trial and quotation review
Finish with a scored comparison and a material trial. Send the same requirement pack to each supplier and mark every response as compliant, optional, assumed, excluded, or requiring a test. The trial protocol should name the shell and formulation, sample quantity, tooling, run conditions, measurements, defect definitions, acceptance limits, documents, and unresolved actions. Commercial comparison should use the configured machine, change parts, utilities, testing, documentation, spares, delivery boundary, and service scope—not the lowest base-machine price.
Turn the requirement into an equipment shortlist.
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Related equipment
Automatic Capsule Filling Machine
YOKO-J-H is a model family for automatic filling of hard capsules with powder or granules. Nine reference configurations span 12,000 to 228,000 capsules per hour and support capsule sizes 00 through 4. Model selection should be based on formulation behaviour, target dose, capsule shell, sustained output, cleaning approach, and the required upstream and downstream interfaces rather than nominal speed alone.
- Reference range
- Model-dependent; see technical specifications
Standard Automatic Capsule Filling Machine
The YOKO-J-I standard automatic capsule filling machine is intended for hard-capsule production and pharmaceutical products. Selection is reviewed against powder and granules, target output, utilities, and line interfaces. Final configuration is defined in the quotation and technical agreement.
- Reference range
- Model-dependent; see technical specifications
Vertical Capsule Polishing Machine
The YOKO-JPG-3A-R vertical capsule polishing machine is intended for capsule finishing and downstream capsule handling. Selection is reviewed against filled hard capsules and capsules with removable surface powder, target output, utilities, and line interfaces. Final configuration is defined in the quotation and technical agreement.
- Reference range
- 450,000 / 600,000 capsules/hr
Hard Capsule Polishing Machine
The YOKO-JPG-2 hard capsule polishing machine is intended for capsule finishing and downstream capsule handling. Selection is reviewed against filled hard capsules and capsules with removable surface powder, target output, utilities, and line interfaces. Final configuration is defined in the quotation and technical agreement.
- Reference range
- 200,000 / 300,000 capsules/hr
Automatic Visual Capsule Inspection Machine
The YOKO-JSJT-B automatic visual capsule inspection machine is intended for capsule quality inspection and pre-packaging inspection. Selection is reviewed against filled hard capsules and soft capsules where specified, target output, utilities, and line interfaces. Final configuration is defined in the quotation and technical agreement.
- Reference range
- Confirmed for the selected product and format
Tablet and Capsule Vision Inspection Machine
The YOKO-YSJT-F tablet and capsule vision inspection machine is intended for capsule quality inspection and pre-packaging inspection. Selection is reviewed against filled hard capsules and soft capsules where specified, target output, utilities, and line interfaces. Final configuration is defined in the quotation and technical agreement.
- Reference range
- Confirmed for the selected product and format