Sometimes when you choose a capsule filling machine, you are confused. This article gives you a professional reference, Help you choose the best Capsule Filling Machine.

Step 1: Find your capsule size

How many milligrams do you want to put in each capsule?

This can vary largely depending on what supplement you are taking. To find out how many milligrams you need to take, we recommend doing some of your own research on the supplement or talking to a holistic health practitioner. Typical dosages can range anywhere from 200 - 2000 milligrams a day, so you want to make sure you are taking the correct amount.

What is the density of the supplement you are taking?

After you know how many milligrams you need to take, the next step is figuring out your powder’s density. This step is going to require a little bit of math, but don't worry, I'll walk you through it.

For this step, you will need a scale that measures milligrams, as well as a 1 teaspoon measuring scoop.

  1. Measure 1 tsp of your powder and weigh it on your scale. If you will be using a tamper when filling your capsules, you will want to make sure you tamp the powder into the teaspoon that you weigh.
  2. Take the weight of 1 tsp of your powder and divide it by 5. For example, let’s say your powder weighed 4 grams. 4 grams ÷ 5 = 0.8. That means your powders' density is 0.8 g/ml. Choose your capsule size.

Now that you know your proper dosage and the powder's density, it is time to choose your ideal capsule size. Sizes range from 000 (largest) all the way down to size 5 (smallest).

Take a look at the graph to help you choose your capsule size.

Find the closest g/mL on the left side of the graph to your powder. Let's say your powder's density is 0.8 g/mL and you want to take 800 mg per day. Your ideal capsule would be size 00.

If you want to know more about capsules, we have an helpful Empty Pill Capsule Size Chart for you.

SIZE 000 00 0 1 2 3 4 5
Density 0.6 g/ml 822mg 570mg 408mg 300mg 222mg 180mg 126mg 78mg
Density 0.8 g/ml 1096mg 760mg 544mg 400mg 296mg 240mg 168mg 104mg
Density 1 g/ml 1370mg 950mg 680mg 500mg 370mg 300mg 210mg 130mg
Density 1.2 g/ml 1644mg 1140mg 816mg 600mg 444mg 360mg 252mg 156mg 

Step 2: Gelatin capsule or HPMC capsule or Pullulan capsule

If you don't have special requirements, gelatin capsules will always be your best choice. If you are vegetarian, you could choose HPMC capsules or Pullulan capsules. If you are an organic advocator, Pullulan capsules will be your choose.

As a matter of fact, there are many types of capsules, which are much more complicated. In addition to gelatin capsules, HPMC capsules and pullulan capsules, there are capsules such as Enteric capsules and Metallic capsules. You could learn more and find the one suit your best through Different Types Of Capsule Shell Guides.

Step 3: Separated capsule or joined capsule

  1. Separated Capsules: More choice of manual capsule filling machine
  2. Joined Capsules: Less choice of manual capsule filling machine but more choice of semi-auto or automatic capsule filling machine

Click on the FAQ to learn more about Separated Capsules and Joined Capsules.

Step 4: Choose your capsule filling machine

Manual Capsule Filling Machine Semi-Automatic Capsule Filling Machine Automatic Capsule Filling Machine
manual capsule filling machine semi auto metal capsule filling machine automatic capsule filling machine
Available in sizes 000, 00, 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Manual capsule filler and Manual Semi-Auto Capsule filler are hand capsule filling machines. These machines are relatively low in cost, easy in operation and fast in filling. They are very suitable for DIY, homemade, experimental products, samples and small and medium-sized filling.It can fill both separated capsule and joined capsule, using a separated capsule will be much easier. Semi-Auto capsule filling machine is medium priced and low-labor driven plus a minimum training required. It can fill hundreds of capsules at a time. It is suitable for medium size production. Generally, only can fill with joined capsule. The automatic capsule filling machine is premium priced. This fully automatic machine does not require any human operation. It can be filled with thousands of capsules per minute with a simple switch. Suitable for mass production of large pharmaceutical companies.Generally, only can fill with joined capsule.
Choose from 20-800 capsules a time Choose from 10K-20K capsules per hour Choose from 12K-450K capsules per hour

In addition, each capsule can be filled with more volume manually than the machine, because the machine cannot fill the space up at the top of the capsule cap. However, we do not recommend manually filling the entire capsule, because it is not efficient, and of course it is really tiring, there is no need to pursue this capacity at such cost.

Step 5: Fill your capsules

You will be ready for fill capsules when you get empty capsules and capsule filling machine, If you are wondering how to fill empty capsules, we have relevant operating guide for you.