Rich Packing Resolves Plant-Based Capsule Filling Challenges for Malaysian Client

On December 12, Rich Packing, a global leader in pharmaceutical machinery manufacturing, welcomed a key client from Malaysia—a renowned producer of plant-based capsules specializing in natural, eco-friendly health products. The purpose of their visit was to seek solutions to problems encountered during the successful filling of their plant-based capsules.

The Malaysian Client's Pain Points

Senior Technical Engineer Victor Yang hosted the client, who detailed three critical challenges encountered with semi-automatic capsule filling machine:

Frequent capsule shell breakage during feeding

Capsule body rupture while filling materials

Easy cracking at both ends during locking

These issues not only severely hampered production efficiency but also led to a high capsule loss rate of 16.3%, compromising product quality.

The client brought samples of their self-produced plant-based capsules. Using thickness gauges and tensile strength testers, Engineer Yang conducted comprehensive tests. Based on the test results and his practical experience, he accurately identified the root cause: unlike gelatin capsules, plant-based variants are more sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, with lower toughness and a brittle structure—making them prone to breakage under conventional production conditions. "The structure of plant-based capsules dictates their environmental sensitivity," explained Victor Yang. "When temperature or humidity shifts, the shells quickly absorb or release moisture, reducing structural strength and causing breakage."

Rich Packing's Tailored Solutions

Targeting the client's specific issues, Victor Yang's team proposed a systematic solution, optimizing everything from production environment to equipment parameters:

Temperature and humidity control: Advised maintaining a stable working environment of 20-25℃ and 45%-55% relative humidity—optimal conditions for plant-based capsule filling that prevent moisture absorption or loss.

Semi-automatic capsule filling machine parameter adjustment: Reduced the standard operating frequency from 50Hz to 40-45Hz to slow down capsule feeding. "Excessive speed subjects capsules to excessive mechanical stress during feeding," Yang noted. "Lowering frequency avoids collision-induced damage."

Mold design improvement: Widened the aperture of the feeding station and capsule tray mold by 0.1-0.2mm compared to gelatin capsule tracks, preventing jamming and minimizing breakage from material blockages.

Capsule locking station adjustment: Reduced the locking speed from 5cm/s to 3-4cm/s to extend buffer time. "This avoids instantaneous rigid impact on capsule structures," Yang added. "The extended buffer allows gentler locking at both ends."

CGNT-209 Capsule Machine On-Site Validation

To validate the effectiveness of these adjustments under real production conditions, Victor Yang conducted on-site tests using Rich Packing's new CGNT-209 semi-automatic capsule filler. After implementing the above adjustments, the capsule breakage rate plummeted from 15% to just 1.2%, production efficiency increased by 37%, and product qualification rate rose from under 85% to 98.8%. The Malaysian client expressed high satisfaction, documenting the entire process via video. In the footage, a client representative commented: "Rich Packing's technical team not only accurately diagnosed the root causes but also delivered practical solutions. Their professionalism and deep understanding of plant-based capsule properties have shown us immense potential for future cooperation."

Expert in Pharmaceutical Machinery Solutions

With over 32 years of industry experience, Rich Packing—a leading global brand in pharmaceutical machinery—focuses on providing customized equipment solutions. Its R&D center features advanced material laboratories and material testing platforms, enabling comprehensive analysis and testing of various capsule materials. The CGNT-209 semi-automatic capsule filling machine, a flagship product, is specifically designed for plant-based capsule production, adapting to diverse material properties to ensure stable operations.

This successful case underscores Rich Packing's technical prowess in pharmaceutical machinery and validates its "customer-centric" service philosophy. Prioritizing client needs, the company delivers professional technical consulting and tailored solutions to address real-world production challenges.

To date, Rich Packing has established long-term partnerships with numerous internationally renowned pharmaceutical enterprises, with products sold in over 80 countries and regions worldwide. Beyond high-quality equipment, the company offers comprehensive technical support and training to ensure clients fully leverage equipment performance.

"We are delighted to help clients solve practical problems," summarized Victor Yang. "Rich Packing's technical team will continue to serve global clients with professionalism and innovation."