How to Use the Machine to Make Capsules? A Step-by-Step Startup Guide

Introduction

Navigating the world of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production can be complex, but with the right equipment and a clear guide, the process becomes significantly more manageable. The semi-automatic capsule filling machine is a cornerstone of efficient production, offering a perfect balance of automation and control. If you've ever wondered how to use a capsule filling machine, you're in the right place.

This guide, using the robust Grandpackmachine semi-automatic capsule filler as our example, will walk you through the essential startup procedures. In Part 1, we will focus on the foundational setup—from connecting the power to loading your first batch of empty capsules. Following this GRAND semi-automatic capsule machine user guide will ensure you start your production run safely and effectively.

Phase 1: Secure Connections for Safe Operation

Before you can even think about production, you must ensure the machine is properly and safely connected. These initial steps are critical for the machine’s performance and your safety.

Step 1: Connect the Main Power Supply

First, locate the machine's main power cord. As shown in the image, you need to insert the industrial-grade plug firmly into the corresponding electrical outlet on the machine's body.

Once the plug is inserted, you must secure it. Flip the metal safety latch over the plug and press it down until it clicks into place. This prevents the heavy cord from accidentally disconnecting during operation, which could otherwise lead to power surges or sudden stops that might damage the equipment.

Step 2~3: Connect the Vacuum Pump

The vacuum pump is an essential component, responsible for separating the capsule bodies from the caps. It requires its own power connection to the main unit. Identify the dedicated plug for the vacuum pump.

Insert this plug into the designated "vacuum pump power connector" outlet on the machine. Just like with the main power, secure the safety latch to ensure a stable and uninterrupted connection.

Step 4: Connect the Compressed Air and Vacuum Hoses

Modern capsule fillers use pneumatics for smooth and precise movements. Connect the blue compressed air hose to the air inlet. A firm push is all that's needed to lock it into the quick-connect fitting. This airflow powers various mechanical actions within the machine.

Next, connect the large, transparent hose from the vacuum pump to the primary vacuum connector on the machine. This connection is vital; without a strong vacuum, the capsules will not separate correctly, halting your entire production process.

Phase 2: The Power-Up Sequence

With all physical connections secured, you are now ready to bring the machine to life. Following the correct capsule filling machine startup steps is crucial.

Step 5.1: Turn the Main Power Switch On

Locate the main rotary power switch on the side of the machine. Turn the dial from the 'OFF' to the 'ON' position. This sends electricity to the machine's primary systems, preparing it for operation.

Step 5.2: Release the Emergency Stop Button

For safety, the machine will likely be in an emergency stop state. You must disengage this before proceeding. The large, red emergency stop button is typically located on the main control panel. To release it, twist the button clockwise as indicated by the arrows. You will feel it pop outward, signifying that the machine is no longer in an emergency halt state.

Phase 3: Initial Operation and Loading

Now that the machine is powered on and safe to operate, you can interact with the control interface and prepare your materials. These final semi-automatic capsule filling machine instructions will get you ready for a trial run.

Step 6: Navigate the Control Panel

The machine is equipped with a user-friendly Siemens Smart Line touch screen, or HMI (Human-Machine Interface). Upon startup, the main control screen will appear. Here, you can monitor and set various parameters like filling and inserting rates.

For this initial startup, press the "Vacuum ON" button on the screen. This will activate the vacuum pump, allowing you to confirm that the system is functioning correctly before introducing any product. This is a critical step in performing a trial run.

Step 7~9: Load the Capsules into the Hopper

The final step in our initial setup is to load the empty capsules. Pour your capsules into the stainless steel hopper. A small window on the hopper allows you to monitor the capsule level, ensuring you don't run out midway through a batch. The machine is designed to handle this loading process efficiently, feeding the capsules into the system for separation and filling.

Phase 4: Preparing for the Production Cycle

With the machine on and empty capsules in its hopper, the next steps involve preparing the formulation and the capsule sorting mechanism.

Step 10: Load the Powder into the Hopper

Carefully pour your pre-weighed powder formulation into the dedicated powder hopper. This stainless steel hopper is designed for easy loading and cleaning. Use a scoop or funnel to minimize dust and ensure the entire batch makes it into the hopper. This step is critical for maintaining a clean workspace and ensuring the purity of your product.

Step 11: Prepare the Capsule Ring Set

The capsule ring set is a precision-engineered tool for holding the capsules during separation and filling. Take the complete ring assembly and place it onto the flattened ring holder located on the machine's turntable. This provides a stable base for the initial capsule loading process.

Step 12~13: Release the Capsule Blocking Plates

To allow capsules to travel from the hopper into the sorting channels, you must release the blocking plates. First, release the back blocking plate, followed by the front blocking plate. These plates act as gates; opening them allows the capsules to flow freely into the orientation mechanism when you begin the operation.

Phase 5: Seeding and Separating the Capsules

This phase uses the machine’s clever mechanics and vacuum system to orient the capsules and separate them for filling.

Step 14~15: Initiate Capsule Feeding

On the control panel, press the "Jog" button. This action activates the feeding mechanism, which vibrates the channels, encouraging the capsules you loaded in Part 1 to move from the main hopper down into the individual sorting tracks.

Step 16~17: Manually Orient and Seat the Capsules

Next, simultaneously press the horizontal switches located on both sides of the sorting mechanism. This action helps to properly orient the capsules within their tracks, ensuring they are all aligned in the same direction (typically body-down) before being dispensed.

Now, place the prepared capsule ring onto the main disc beneath the sorting tracks. Start the operation via the control panel. The machine will then drop the oriented empty capsules neatly into each hole in the capsule tray.

Step 18~19: Separate Capsule Caps from Bodies

Once the ring is full, remove it from the seeding station. This is where the vacuum function is critical. The vacuum, applied from below, holds the capsule bodies in the lower part of the ring assembly.

You can now easily lift the top section of the ring off, which contains all the capsule caps. You are left with the lower ring, where all the empty capsule bodies are perfectly arranged and open for filling. Place this body-holding ring onto the filling disc of the powder station.

Phase 6: The Filling and Finishing Process

You've reached the final and most rewarding phase: filling, locking, and ejecting your finished capsules.

Step 20~21: Execute the Powder Fill

Place the dust-proof cover over the powder filling station to ensure a clean process. From the main control screen, press the button to begin the filling cycle. The machine will automatically rotate the filling disc, and the dosing mechanism will deposit a precise and consistent amount of powder into each capsule body.

Step 22: Lock and Eject the Final Capsules

After the filling is complete, take the ring containing the capsule caps that you set aside earlier and place it over the ring of filled capsule bodies. Move the re-joined assembly to the final station and engage the locking mechanism. Press the buttons to start the locking and ejection process. The machine will apply firm, even pressure to securely join the caps and bodies, sealing the powder inside. Immediately after, the ejection pins will push the finished capsules up, ready for collection.

Conclusion: A Complete Production Cycle

From initial setup to final ejection, you now have the complete knowledge of how to use a GRAND capsule filling machine. By following the detailed instructions in Part 1 and Part 2, you can see how the Grand Machinery semi-automatic filler streamlines every stage of production. Its combination of manual control and automated precision gives you the power to create high-quality, uniform capsules with confidence and efficiency.

Ready to take your production to the next level? Contact Grandpackmachine today to learn more about how our advanced capsule filling solutions can benefit your business.