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In the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries, precise dosing and product stability are critical—and hard capsules from size 000 (largest) to #5 (smallest) deliver both. This comprehensive guide breaks down their technical specifications, material options (gelatin, HPMC, pullulan), key differences, and real-world applications, while highlighting compatibility with Capsule Filling Machines for efficient production.
| Model | Length (mm) | Weight (mg) | Volume (ml) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | 23.3 ±0.3 | 122 ±10 | 0.95 |
| 00 | 21.2 ±0.3 | 97 ±8 | 0.68 |
| 0 | 19.0 ±0.3 | 77 ±6 | 0.50 |
| 1 | 17.5 ±0.3 | 62 ±5 | 0.37 |
| 2 | 15.5 ±0.3 | 49 ±4 | 0.30 |
| 3 | 13.9 ±0.3 | 39 ±3 | 0.21 |
| 4 | 12.1 ±0.3 | 30 ±2 | 0.15 |
| #5 | 11.0 ±0.3 | 20 ±1 | 0.12 |
1. Gelatin Capsules
• Derived from bovine/swine collagen (non-vegan), cost-effective but hygroscopic (13–15% moisture).
• Risk of cross-linking with aldehydes/vitamin C; suitable for standard drugs/non-vegan supplements.
2. Plant-Based Capsules
• HPMC Capsules: Made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (vegan, low moisture: 4–6%), ideal for moisture-sensitive ingredients (e.g., probiotics).
• Pullulan Capsules: Fermented polysaccharide (vegan, ultra-low oxygen permeability), protects oxidizable compounds like omega-3s.
• Size & Volume: 000 holds 8x more than #5, catering to high-dose powders (e.g., antibiotics) vs. micro-doses (pediatric meds).
• Material Choice: Gelatin is economical but limited by moisture/allergen concerns; plant-based options offer stability for premium products.
• Manufacturing Fit: Plant-based capsules reduce static for smoother operation on Capsule Filling Machines, minimizing waste.
• 000–0 (Large): Pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, herbal extracts), nutraceuticals (protein powders), food additives.
• 1–3 (Medium): OTC drugs (ibuprofen), vitamins (CoQ10), veterinary medicine.
• 4–#5 (Small): Pediatric formulations, research reagents, cosmetic micro-capsules (e.g., serums).
Match capsule size/material to content requirements:
• High Dose/Cost Sensitivity: Use gelatin (000–0) with standard filling machines.
• Moisture/Oxidation Risk: Choose HPMC/Pullulan (#1–#5) for stability; ensure equipment adapts to plant-based capsule rigidity.
From high-dose pharmaceuticals in size 000 to micro-dosed pediatric formulations in #5, hard capsules offer standardized solutions for diverse industries. Choosing the right size and material—whether cost-effective gelatin for mainstream products or stable plant-based options for premium formulations—ensures optimal performance, safety, and compatibility with automated Capsule Filling Machine systems.
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