Wuxi Jangli Machinery Co., Ltd.

How to Select the Right Gelatin for Softgel Manufacturing Selecting the right gelatin is one of the most critical decisions in softgel manufacturing. The quality and characteristics of gelatin directly determine capsule integrity, stability, production efficiency, and ultimately, the bioavailability of the active ingredients. A poorly chosen gelatin can lead to leakage, brittleness, poor sealing, inconsistent dissolution, and costly production delays. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when sourcing gelatin for your softgel production. 1. Understand Gelatin Types: Type A vs. Type B Gelatin is classified into two main types based on the manufacturing process, each with distinct properties: Type A Gelatin – Produced through an acid pretreatment process, primarily from porcine skin or connective tissue. It has a lower pH and generally lower viscosity compared to Type B. Type A is commonly used in applications requiring clarity and faster setting. Type B Gelatin – Produced through an alkaline (lime) pretreatment process, mainly from bovine hides or bones. It has a higher pH, higher viscosity, and produces stronger gels with less leakage. The processing time is significantly longer—up to several weeks. Property Type A Type B Raw Material Primarily porcine skin Bovine hides or bones Extraction Method Mild acid pretreatment Alkaline (lime) pretreatment pH Low (acidic) High (alkaline) Viscosity Lower Higher Processing Time Shorter (days to a week) Longer (up to weeks) Both types are used in softgel manufacturing, and in many cases, a blend of Type A and Type B gelatin can be used to achieve the desired balance of properties. 2. Evaluate Key Specifications Bloom Strength (Gel Strength) Bloom strength measures the firmness of the gelatin gel and is a critical parameter for softgel performance. For softgel capsules, medium Bloom gelatins—typically in the range of 150–200 grams—are commonly used. Higher Bloom values result in firmer capsules, while lower values produce more flexible shells. The right Bloom strength depends on the target capsule characteristics, fill formulation, and process requirements. Viscosity Viscosity affects the flow behavior of the gel mass and its film-forming properties. Gelatin with appropriate viscosity ensures smooth ribbon formation, proper sealing, and consistent fill weight. Studies show that gelatin types with higher molecular weight and viscosity form seals less readily, increasing the risk of leakage and poorly shaped softgels. For softgel applications, selecting a gelatin with balanced viscosity—typically with viscosity below about 4.2 mPa·s for certain formulations—is essential for defect-free production. pH pH affects the stability and compatibility of the gelatin with the fill formulation. Both Type A and Type B gelatins are used in softgel manufacturing, and the choice often depends on the specific requirements of the active ingredient and fill composition. 3. Consider Source Material and Consumer Preferences Gelatin sources include bovine, porcine, and fish. Each source carries different considerations: Bovine Gelatin – Widely used, with strong and durable consistency. Requires TSE/BSE documentation verifying species and geographic origin. Porcine Gelatin – Offers excellent gelling properties and smooth texture. The preferred choice for many applications, though market considerations may apply. Fish Gelatin – Suitable for Halal, Kosher, and certain dietary preference markets. Offers a lighter, more flexible alternative with lower Bloom values (typically 160–200 Bloom) and different gel point characteristics. Vegetarian/Plant-Based Alternatives – Made from starch, carrageenan, pullulan, or pectin, these address the growing vegan and clean-label market segments, though they come with different processing requirements and performance characteristics. 4. Regulatory and Supplier Qualification Sourcing pharmaceutical-grade gelatin requires rigorous supplier qualification. A compliant gelatin supplier should provide: Certificate of Analysis (CoA) – Lot-specific values for Bloom strength, viscosity, moisture, pH, heavy metals, and microbiological quality. TSE/BSE Declaration – For bovine and porcine gelatin, confirming species, geographic origin, and compliance with relevant regulations. Country-of-Origin Certificate – Verifies raw material sourcing for traceability and regulatory submissions. Allergen Declaration – Formal statement confirming allergen status under relevant regulations. Current Certifications – Look for GMP compliance, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and relevant industry certifications. For pharmaceutical applications, suppliers should meet standards aligned with regulatory expectations. 5. Assess Functional Properties for Your Specific Formulation The ideal gelatin for one product may be unsuitable for another. Key functional properties to evaluate include: Film-Forming Capability – The gelatin must produce films with appropriate mechanical strength, elasticity, and uniformity for reliable capsule formation and sealing. Solubility and Dissolution – The gelatin shell must dissolve efficiently in the gastrointestinal tract to ensure proper release of active ingredients. Cross-Linking Resistance – Certain fill formulations containing reactive components (e.g., aldehydes, certain lipids) can cause gelatin cross-linking during storage, leading to tough, insoluble shells. Gelatin with the correct molecular weight distribution can help mitigate this risk. Foaming Control – Gelatin with reduced foaming properties increases the amount of gel mass that can be prepared efficiently and reduces deaeration time and costs. Conclusion Selecting the right gelatin for softgel manufacturing is a multi-dimensional decision that requires balancing technical specifications, regulatory compliance, source considerations, and formulation-specific performance requirements. Partnering with a reputable supplier who can provide comprehensive documentation, technical support, and consistent quality is essential for successful production. A well-chosen gelatin not only ensures defect-free capsules but also enhances production efficiency and product stability throughout the shelf life.

Softgel encapsulation machines are core equipment in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Their operational stability directly affects product quality and production efficiency. Compared with reactive repair after failure, a scientific preventive maintenance program can identify potential issues in advance, reduce unplanned downtime, and lower operating costs—making it the key to extending equipment service life. Based on the machine's structural features and actual production practices, this article outlines a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan, defining maintenance focus areas, frequencies, and standards to ensure long-term stable operation. I. Preventive Maintenance for Core Components Roll MoldsMolds are critical for capsule forming. After each production shift, wipe the mold surfaces with a cleaner to remove residual material and oil. Check clearance and parallelism weekly; adjust or replace if deviation or wear is found. Apply rust preventive treatment monthly, and store molds in a dry environment with rust-proof oil when not in use. Feeding SystemIncludes hopper, feed pump, and pipelines. Clean the inner hopper surface daily. Check pump seal integrity and operation weekly, and replace aged seals. Flush pipelines monthly to remove residual material and ensure smooth feeding. Drive SystemComprises motor, gears, and belts. Check motor temperature and noise weekly, and verify proper grounding. Inspect gearbox oil level and clean surface contamination monthly; replace deteriorated oil as needed. Adjust belt tension and replace worn/cracked belts quarterly to maintain stable power transmission. Lubrication SystemTop up lubricating oil at all lubrication points before daily start-up. Clean lubrication lines monthly to prevent blockage. Inspect and replace degraded oil semi-annually; never mix different oil grades. II. Preventive Maintenance Schedules Daily MaintenanceClean external surfaces, roll molds, and hoppers. Check power supply, air pressure, and lubrication points. Record operating status and address minor irregularities promptly. Periodic Maintenance (Weekly/Monthly)Weekly: check mold clearance, feed pump, and belt tension. Monthly: inspect lubrication and drive systems, flush pipelines, apply rust protection, and calibrate parameters. Quarterly OverhaulComprehensively inspect wear and aging components; replace consumables (seals, filters, etc.). Perform full cleaning, debugging, and calibration of encapsulation accuracy. Annual OverhaulEngage qualified professionals to disassemble and inspect the machine. Replace heavily worn core parts (molds, motor, gears, etc.). Check the structural integrity and electrical system. Conduct no-load and load tests before resuming production. III. Key Requirements and Precautions PersonnelMaintenance must be performed by trained personnel familiar with the equipment and procedures. Unauthorized disassembly or modification is strictly prohibited. SafetyCut off power and air supply before maintenance and post warning signs. Disinfect parts that contact materials. Use personal protective equipment when handling lubricants and cleaning agents. DocumentationEstablish a maintenance logbook recording date, actions, replaced parts, and machine status, enabling traceability and optimized maintenance planning. EnvironmentMaintain a dry, well-ventilated, and clean workspace. Protect equipment from moisture, dust, and corrosive gases. Keep surrounding areas clear to ensure adequate space for maintenance. ConclusionThe key to extending the service life of softgel encapsulation machines lies in a "prevention-first, regular maintenance, and precise control" approach. By implementing targeted maintenance, strictly following established schedules, and adhering to operational requirements, enterprises can effectively reduce failures, minimize wear, extend equipment life, maintain consistent product quality, improve production efficiency, and lower overall operating costs.

We are pleased to announce that Wuxi Jangli Machinery Co., Ltd. will be participating in CPHI Shanghai 2026, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical industry exhibitions. This is a great opportunity for us to connect with global partners and communicate with each other. Event Details: Date: June 16–18, 2026 Add: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China Booth Number: N1P01 We welcome pharmaceutical manufacturers, nutraceutical companies, and industry partners to visit our booth. Our team will be on-site to discuss your production needs, provide technical information, and share reference cases. For an appointment in advance, please contact us at sales@jangli-equipment.com or via WhatsApp at 0086 18151552739. See you in Shanghai! — The Jangli Team

Softgel encapsulation machines are essential equipment in softgel production, widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. These machines ensure an efficient, consistent encapsulation process and enable the production of high-quality products. Each component of a softgel encapsulation machine has a specific function that contributes to the overall operation. Understanding the purpose and function of these components is critical for machine maintenance, troubleshooting, and production optimization. A softgel encapsulation machine consists of many specialized components, each playing a decisive role in the encapsulation process. Key components include the hopper and feed pump, injection wedge, gelatin melting tank, gelatin drums, lubricating roller, die roll assembly, conveyor, tumble dryer, and PLC touch screen. Each part plays an indispensable role in ensuring the production of uniform, high-quality softgels. Hopper and Feed Pump The hopper and feed pump are critical components that supply the fill material to the encapsulation area. The hopper stores the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical mixture to be encapsulated, while the feed pump precisely controls the flow rate and volume of the material delivered. The accuracy of the feed pump is essential to ensure that each softgel receives the correct dosage, which is critical for product consistency and efficacy. Automated systems often help regulate flow and pressure, minimizing human error and maintaining batch-to-batch consistency. Injection Wedge The injection wedge is a key component that injects the fill material into the gelatin ribbons during the encapsulation process. Positioned between the die rolls, the injection wedge ensures that the fill material is accurately delivered into the formed gelatin pockets. Proper alignment of the injection wedge is critical to prevent leakage and ensure that each softgel is uniformly filled. The precision and timing of the injection process are highly critical, requiring advanced monitoring and control systems to maintain softgel quality and integrity. Gelatin Melting Tank The gelatin melting tank is the foundation of the softgel manufacturing process. The function of the gelatin melting tank is to heat and melt gelatin, converting it into a liquid state suitable for forming softgel shells. Temperature control is critical to maintain the required viscosity and prevent bubble formation. The gelatin melting tank also stores the melted gelatin, keeping it at a constant temperature and ready for transfer to the softgel manufacturing area. This continuous operation ensures an uninterrupted supply of required gelatin, minimizing any disruption during manufacturing. Gelatin Drums Gelatin drums are used to form the gelatin ribbons required for capsule production. The gelatin box evenly applies melted gelatin onto the gelatin drums, which rotate to cool and solidify the gelatin into thin, uniform ribbons. These gelatin ribbons are then used in the softgel manufacturing process to form the softgel shells. The thickness and uniformity of the gelatin ribbons are critical to ensure capsule integrity and quality. Control of temperature and gelatin ribbon uniformity is essential to produce softgels that meet required specifications. Lubricating Roller The lubricating roller plays an important role in ensuring the smooth operation of the manufacturing machine. The lubricating roller applies a thin layer of lubricant onto the gelatin ribbons before they enter the die rolls. This lubrication prevents the gelatin ribbons from sticking to the die rolls or to each other, thereby promoting smooth and seamless encapsulation. Proper maintenance and monitoring of the lubrication system are critical to avoid over-lubrication, which can affect the quality of softgel manufacturing. Die Roll Assembly The die roll assembly is the core of the softgel encapsulation machine. The die rolls shape the gelatin ribbons and fill them with the fill material. The synchronization and precision of the die roll assembly are critical to producing defect-free softgels and maintaining high production efficiency. Conveyor and Tumble Dryer The conveyor and tumble dryer are critical for the post-encapsulation process. The conveyor transports the newly formed softgels to the drying area, ensuring they do not stick together and are evenly spaced. The tumble dryer then rotates the softgels, allowing them to shed excess moisture. Effective drying prevents softgel deformation and does not compromise their quality or shelf life. The drying process can take anywhere from several hours to several days, requiring careful supervision to achieve the required moisture content. PLC Touch Screen The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) touch screen is the control hub of the softgel encapsulation machine. This advanced interface allows operators to monitor and control various aspects of the softgel manufacturing process, from temperature settings and fill volumes to production speed and machine diagnostics. The PLC touch screen provides real-time data and alerts, enabling quick adjustments and minimizing downtime. The automation achieved through the PLC system improves accuracy, reduces human error, and ensures consistent quality across production batches. ConclusionUnderstanding the different parts of a softgel encapsulation machine is essential for anyone involved in its operation or maintenance. Each component—from the hopper and injection wedge to the gelatin melting tank, gelatin drums, die roll assembly, and PLC touch screen—plays a specific and critical role in producing high-quality softgels. Mastering these elements enables production optimization, reduces downtime, and maintains consistent quality.