Mechanical Softgel Encapsulation Machine | High-Capacity Rotary Die Soft Gel Capsule Manufacturer
Overview
The Vitol Mechanical Softgel Encapsulation Machine is a full-production rolling-mode softgel encapsulation machine engineered for medium-to-large batch manufacturing of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical soft gelatin capsules. Built on proven rotary die encapsulation technology, this high-capacity softgel filling machine delivers consistent output of up to 120,960 capsules per hour while maintaining pharmaceutical-grade fill accuracy of ±1.5% at 1.5 mL dosage volumes.
Designed as the workhorse solution for small and medium-sized pharmaceutical manufacturers, contract packaging organizations, and nutraceutical producers, the VIT10 soft gelatin capsule machine supports both conventional animal-based gelatin formulations and plant-based starch softgel production without requiring mechanical reconfiguration. Its versatile platform accommodates a wide range of fill materials including fish oil concentrates, vitamin formulations, herbal extracts, lipid-based APIs, and traditional Chinese medicine active compounds.
The Mechanical Softgel Encapsulation Machine balances production throughput with operational practicality, featuring a compact footprint, modular construction for simplified sanitation, and an intuitive touchscreen HMI that reduces operator training requirements. For pharmaceutical companies in the United States, European Union, and Southeast Asian markets scaling from R&D to commercial production, the Mechanical Softgel Encapsulation Machine represents a cost-effective entry into full-scale softgel manufacturing while maintaining the process control expected under cGMP regulations.

Key Technical Specifications
|
Specification |
Technical Parameter |
|
Mold |
VIT10 |
|
Die Roll Rotational Speed |
1 – 5 rpm (continuously variable) |
|
Die Roll Dimensions |
Φ150 mm × 250 mm working width |
|
Fill Weight Accuracy |
±1.5% at 1.5 mL nominal fill volume |
|
Theoretical Output – 8# Oval |
120,960 capsules/hour @ 4 rpm operating speed |
|
Theoretical Output – 20# Oblong |
55,440 capsules/hour @ 4 rpm operating speed |
|
Main Spindle Configuration |
Precision bearing-supported drive assembly |
|
Gelatin Roller Cooling System |
External closed-loop recirculating chiller |
|
Roller Lubrication System |
Four independent micro-metering lubrication pumps |
|
Fill Pump Lubrication |
Independent magnetic drive pump with external circulation |
|
Gelatin Roller Construction |
Chrome-plated pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel |
|
Control Interface |
Touchscreen HMI with PLC process control |
|
Shell Material Compatibility |
Gelatin and starch-based formulations (no changeover parts) |
Core Technology & Engineering Features
Digital Micro-Lubrication System
The VIT10 softgel manufacturing machine incorporates an advanced four-channel micro-lubrication system with digital online control capability. Each of the four independent lubrication pumps delivers precisely metered lubricant volumes to the gelatin roller surfaces, with parameter memory and recipe storage functionality enabling operators to recall optimal lubrication settings for specific formulations. This digitally controlled micro-oil adjustment eliminates over-lubrication, reduces lubricant carryover onto finished softgels, and minimizes the need for post-encapsulation cleaning of finished capsules-a significant quality advantage for pharmaceutical-grade products.
01
High-Precision Die Roll Control
Enhanced die roll synchronization and tension control mechanisms ensure precise registration between the two rotary die sets throughout the production cycle. The improved mold control methodology directly translates to higher capsule quality characteristics including uniform wall thickness, consistent seam width, and reduced leakage rates. The precision die alignment system maintains registration accuracy even at the maximum 5 rpm operating speed, preserving dosage uniformity across extended production runs.
02
Automated Gelatin Level Management
The integrated gelatin supply system features automatic level sensing and flow regulation, maintaining consistent gelatin ribbon thickness across the full production shift. Closed-loop gelatin level control reduces operator intervention requirements, minimizes ribbon thickness variation, and contributes to the overall capsule weight uniformity critical for pharmaceutical dosage form compliance. The automated gel management system also supports longer uninterrupted production batches, improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
03
Modular Sanitary Design
Engineered with cGMP manufacturing requirements in mind, the VIT10 soft capsule filling machine employs a user-friendly modular design architecture that simplifies disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance procedures. All product-contact components are designed for rapid removal without specialized tools, reducing changeover time between formulations and supporting effective cleaning validation protocols. The compact, lightweight machine frame provides excellent access to all production zones for thorough sanitation inspection.
04
Intuitive HMI Control Platform
The touchscreen human-machine interface provides operators with a straightforward, intuitive control environment for all production parameters. The simplified graphical interface displays real-time operating data including die speed, gelatin temperatures, lubrication rates, and production counters, while supporting parameter adjustment and recipe management. The ergonomic HMI design reduces the learning curve for new operators and minimizes the risk of human error during production runs.
05

Capsule Format Range
The VIT10 rotary die softgel encapsulator accommodates the full range of standard pharmaceutical softgel shapes and sizes, with custom tooling available for specialized product requirements.
Oval (OV) Soft Capsules
The oval softgel format remains the industry standard for oral delivery systems across pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. Available in sizes from miniature 2 Oval through large 30 Oval capacities, oval softgels optimize swallowability while providing efficient fill volume-to-surface area ratios. The VIT10 achieves its maximum throughput of 120,960 capsules per hour with size 8 Oval tooling, making it ideal for high-volume vitamin and fish oil production.
Oblong (OB) Soft Capsules
Oblong soft capsules, offered in sizes ranging from 3 Oblong to 24 Oblong, are preferred for higher-dosage formulations and for products requiring distinctive brand differentiation. The elongated capsule shape also provides expanded surface area for product identification printing and branding applications.
Specialty & Custom Formats
Beyond standard oval and oblong configurations, the VIT10 production softgel machine supports custom-shaped tooling for pediatric formulations, veterinary pharmaceutical products, and branded consumer health applications. Custom die tooling enables product differentiation and supports intellectual property protection for proprietary dosage forms.

Pharmaceutical Compliance & Validation Support
The VIT10 softgel encapsulation machine is designed to support compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) across regulated pharmaceutical markets including FDA-regulated facilities in the United States, EMA-governed production sites in the European Union, and ASEAN GMP manufacturing facilities throughout Southeast Asia.
Sanitary Construction Standards
All product-contact surfaces are fabricated from pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel with chrome-plated roller surfaces for durability and cleanability. Smooth, crevice-free finishes throughout the product path support effective cleaning and disinfection protocols required for multi-product manufacturing facilities. The modular design architecture enables complete disassembly of product-contact components for thorough cleaning validation.
Process Control & Data Management
The PLC-based control system with touchscreen HMI enables comprehensive parameter management including speed setpoints, temperature profiles, and lubrication rates. Electronic parameter recording supports batch documentation requirements and aligns with pharmaceutical data integrity expectations including ALCOA+ principles. The system's recipe storage capability ensures reproducible process parameters across production batches, supporting consistent product quality.
Qualification Documentation
Comprehensive equipment documentation packages are available to support Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) validation activities required for pharmaceutical facility commissioning. The VIT10's consistent performance and reproducible output make it suitable for commercial-scale production of regulated pharmaceutical softgel products as well as nutraceutical and health supplement manufacturing.
Industry Applications
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The VIT10 soft gelatin capsule machine supports pharmaceutical production of lipid-based drug formulations, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), and poorly water-soluble API encapsulation. The machine's consistent fill accuracy and process repeatability support commercial batch production for prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products requiring regulatory compliance.
Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplement Production
For health supplement manufacturers, the VIT10 delivers high-volume production capability for omega-3 fish oil softgels, vitamin E capsules, multivitamin formulations, probiotic softgels, and herbal extract products. The dual gelatin/starch compatibility enables manufacturers to serve both traditional gelatin capsule markets and the fast-growing vegetarian softgel segment with a single equipment platform.
Cosmeceutical & Personal Care
The encapsulation platform also supports cosmetic and personal care applications including single-dose serum capsules, essential oil softgels, and topical treatment delivery systems where hermetic sealing preserves ingredient stability and extends product shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the actual production capacity of the VIT10 softgel encapsulation machine?
The VIT10 delivers a theoretical maximum output of 120,960 capsules per hour when running size 8 Oval tooling at 4 rpm. For size 20 Oblong capsules, theoretical capacity is 55,440 capsules per hour at the same operating speed. Actual production output will vary based on formulation characteristics, capsule size, operator efficiency, and planned downtime for changeovers.
2. Can this machine produce both gelatin and vegetarian starch softgels?
Yes, the VIT10 soft gelatin capsule machine supports both traditional animal-based gelatin formulations and plant-based starch softgel production without requiring any mechanical component changes or die reconfiguration. This dual-material capability allows manufacturers to develop and produce both conventional and vegetarian softgel product lines on a single production platform, reducing capital equipment requirements and maximizing production flexibility.
3. What fill materials are compatible with this softgel filling machine?
The VIT10 is compatible with a broad range of liquid and semi-solid fill formulations including pure oils, oil suspensions, lipid-based drug formulations, self-emulsifying systems, vitamin concentrates, herbal extracts, fish oil, and traditional Chinese medicine active compounds. The system handles fill materials with viscosities appropriate for rotary die encapsulation processes. We recommend formulation compatibility testing for novel or high-viscosity fill materials to confirm optimal machine settings.
4. How does the VIT10 compare to laboratory-scale softgel machines for production planning?
Laboratory-scale softgel encapsulators are designed for formulation development, clinical trial material production, and regulatory submission batches, typically with outputs under 10,000 capsules per hour. The VIT10 production softgel machine scales output to over 120,000 capsules per hour while maintaining equivalent ±1.5% fill accuracy. For companies graduating from R&D to commercial production, the VIT10 uses the same rotary die encapsulation principle as laboratory-scale machines, simplifying technology transfer and scale-up validation.
5. Is the VIT10 suitable for cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing?
The VIT10 softgel encapsulation machine is designed with cGMP-compliant construction principles including pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel product-contact surfaces, smooth crevice-free finishes, and modular design for cleanability. The PLC control system with electronic parameter recording supports batch documentation and data integrity requirements. We provide comprehensive documentation packages to support IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities. The machine is suitable for pharmaceutical production facilities operating under FDA, EMA, or ASEAN GMP regulatory frameworks with appropriate site-specific qualification and SOP development.
6. What is the typical footprint and facility requirement for this machine?
The VIT10 features a compact design relative to its production capacity, requiring only standard production floor space. The machine requires connection to an external recirculating chiller for gelatin roller temperature control and standard electrical power. For pharmaceutical cleanroom installations, the machine's enclosed design and smooth exterior surfaces facilitate cleanroom integration. We provide detailed facility requirement specifications including utility connections, floor loading, and ceiling height requirements with each quotation.
7. How difficult is cleaning and changeover between different formulations?
The VIT10's modular design architecture is specifically engineered to simplify cleaning and product changeover procedures. All product-contact components can be disassembled without specialized tools, enabling thorough cleaning and visual inspection. Typical product changeover times range from 60-90 minutes for experienced operators, including full disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, and system re-qualification. The design supports effective cleaning validation protocols required for multi-product pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
8. What kind of training and technical support is provided?
Vitol provides comprehensive operator and maintenance training either at our factory during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) or on-site during installation commissioning. Training covers machine operation, parameter setup, routine maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and sanitation procedures. We also offer ongoing technical support including remote troubleshooting assistance, spare parts supply, and application engineering support for formulation optimization. International service support is available for customers across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
9. What is the expected power consumption of the VIT10?
The VIT10 softgel production machine is designed for energy-efficient operation. Combined power consumption for the main encapsulation unit is moderate relative to comparable production capacity machines, contributing to lower operational costs over the equipment lifecycle. The external chiller system adds additional power load proportional to cooling capacity requirements. Detailed power consumption specifications for each system component are provided in the technical data sheet.
10. How do I determine the correct capsule size and tooling for my product?
Capsule size selection depends on your required fill volume, formulation density, target dosage, and market preferences. Oval softgels are most common for general pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, while oblong formats are preferred for higher dosage volumes or brand differentiation. Our application engineering team can assist with capsule size recommendations based on your specific formulation parameters and production requirements.
Why Select the VIT10 Production Softgel Machine
For pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers scaling to commercial softgel production, the VIT10 rotary die encapsulation machine delivers production-grade capacity at an accessible investment level. Key competitive advantages include:
Industry-leading throughput
Up to 120,960 capsules per hour output supports commercial-scale production requirements for growing pharma and nutraceutical companies.
01
Pharmaceutical-grade accuracy
±1.5% fill weight precision maintained across the full speed range, ensuring dosage uniformity compliance.
02
Dual formulation capability
Gelatin and starch softgel production on a single platform without changeover part.
03
Four-channel digital lubrication
Independent micro-metering pumps with recipe memory deliver consistent lubrication and reduce capsule rejects.
04
cGMP-ready design
Modular sanitary construction with stainless steel product contact surfaces supports regulatory compliance.
05
Operator-friendly interface
Intuitive touchscreen HMI reduces training time and minimizes operational errors.
06
Proven rotary die technology
Standard encapsulation principle simplifies scale-up from laboratory development machines.
07
Global Service & Support
Vitol maintains international technical support infrastructure serving softgel manufacturers across the United States, European Union, and Southeast Asian production hubs including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Our service package includes factory acceptance testing, on-site installation and commissioning, comprehensive operator training programs, responsive spare parts logistics, and ongoing application engineering assistance.
For pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, and nutraceutical producers evaluating production-scale softgel encapsulation equipment, the VIT10 high-capacity softgel machine delivers reliable rotary die encapsulation technology engineered for consistent commercial manufacturing performance.
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