Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1067339
Working with a reputable capsule supplier will help to ensure that poor-quality capsules don't contribute to cap tucks or other defects. Look for a supplier that offers technical support to help you navigate the factors that cause defects such as cap tucks as well as other challenges that arise during the capsule-filling process. T&C Stephen W. Lee is manager of field quality and technical ser- vices at CapsCanada (866 788 2888, www.capscanada. com). He's worked in the dietary supplement and pharmaceuti- cal manufacturing industries for more than 20 years, specializ- ing in manufacturing and filling two-piece capsules. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the Univer- sity of Redlands, Redlands, CA, and is a member of Tablets & Capsules' Technical Advisory Board. Tablets & Capsules January 2019 17 parts, the machine can produce damaged capsules. You must also ensure that the dosing station, closing station, and machine turret are properly centered to one another. Quality and design of empty capsules Capsule quality and design play a critical role in the smooth operation of a capsule-filling machine. The cap must fit securely into the tooling bore. The fit should not be too tight, causing poor seating and non-separation, or too loose, causing lateral movement and tilting during closing. Also, the side walls and cut edges of both the cap and body must be sturdy enough to withstand difficult fill materials and the rapid move- ment of the mechanical closing process. Capsule roundness is also an important factor in proper closing. An out-of-round cap or body is more likely to collide with the cut end of its counterpart rather than joining smoothly. Larger capsule sizes such as 00, 00-elongated, and 000 are less likely to maintain a perfectly round shape at the cut end than smaller capsule sizes. Storing unfilled capsules in the recommended environ- mental conditions will also help prevent cap tucks. Temperature swings can irreversibly alter the capsule shape and may also reduce the capsules' moisture con- tent, making them less flexible during closing. Why settle for less? 856-234-3626 • sales@ackleymachine.com www.ackleymachine.com Ideal for R&D and Small Batch Drilling of Single or Bi-Layer Tablets • cGMP and FDA compliant • CO 2 air-cooled laser drilling system • Fume extraction system • Touch screen operator control with 21 CFR 11 compliance • Singulates and orients 1-25 tablets PRECISION MARKING & LASER DRILLING PRECISION MARKING &