Turnkey Softgel Manufacturing Line Configuration

You should not have to source each machine separately and then discover that the capacities, utilities or transfer points do not match. We configure the line as one connected process—from raw-material preparation to finished softgels—based on your formula, output and factory conditions.

Prepare the Gelatin
Step 1 — Prepare the Gelatin

Melt, mix and condition the gelatin mass under controlled temperature so it can form stable, uniform ribbons during encapsulation.

Prepare the Fill Material
Step 2 — Prepare the Fill Material

Mix, homogenize and, when required, deaerate the fill to support consistent dosing and product uniformity.

Form, Fill and Seal the Softgels
Step 3 — Form, Fill and Seal the Softgels

The encapsulation machine forms two ribbons, meters the fill and seals the capsule using matched die-roll tooling.

Remove Initial Surface Moisture
Step 4 — Remove Initial Surface Moisture

Transfer freshly formed capsules to the tumble-drying system to reduce surface moisture and help stabilize their shape.

Complete the Drying Process
Step 5 — Complete the Drying Process

Continue drying under controlled temperature, humidity and airflow until the product reaches its validated moisture target.

Inspect and Package the Finished Softgels
Step 6 — Inspect and Package the Finished Softgels

Inspect capsule appearance and sealing, remove nonconforming products, then connect optional counting, bottling, blister packing or secondary packaging equipment.

Complete Manufacturing System

Softgel Production Line at a Glance

A softgel capsule production line is more than an encapsulation machine. It integrates material preparation, capsule forming and filling, controlled drying, inspection and optional packaging into one coordinated manufacturing process.

6,120–241,920
Capsules/hour reference output
6 Steps
Preparation to packaging
6 Models
Lab to high capacity
Custom
Tooling & configuration
Turnkey
Layout & technical support
Gelatin Preparation
→
Fill Preparation
→
Encapsulation
→
Tumble Drying
→
Final Drying
→
Packaging
Complete Softgel Capsule Production System Overview
SOFTGEL MANUFACTURING PROCESS

How Does a Softgel Capsule Production Line Work?

A complete line coordinates shell preparation, fill preparation, encapsulation and moisture control so every process stage supports the required finished output.

STEP 01

Prepare the Gelatin

Melt, mix and condition the shell mass under controlled temperature for stable ribbon formation.

STEP 02

Prepare the Fill Material

Mix and homogenize oils, liquids, suspensions or compatible fill materials.

STEP 03

Form, Fill & Seal

The rotary-die machine forms two shell ribbons, meters the fill and seals the capsule.

STEP 04

Initial Tumble Drying

Fresh softgels enter rotating drums to remove initial surface moisture.

STEP 05

Controlled Final Drying

Capsules continue drying under controlled temperature, humidity and airflow.

STEP 06

Inspect & Package

Finished capsules are inspected and connected to optional downstream packaging.

LINE CONFIGURATION

What Equipment Is Included in a Softgel Production Line?

The exact equipment depends on formulation, batch size, output and packaging method.

Complete Softgel Production Line System Overview
Production StageMain EquipmentMain Function
Gelatin PreparationGelatin Melting / Preparation TankMelts, mixes and conditions shell material.
Gelatin HoldingHeated Holding TankMaintains stable process temperature.
Fill PreparationVacuum Mixing SystemMixes, homogenizes and deaerates fill material.
EncapsulationRotary-Die Encapsulation MachineForms, fills, seals and cuts softgel capsules.
CoolingWater ChillerSupports controlled process temperature.
Initial DryingTumble DryerRemoves initial surface moisture.
Final DryingDrying Room / DryerControls humidity and final capsule moisture.
InspectionInspection / Sorting EquipmentRemoves nonconforming softgels.
PackagingCounting / Bottling / BlisterPackages finished capsules.
Engineering note: The complete line should be sized as one system. High encapsulation output without enough preparation or drying capacity creates bottlenecks.
Capacity & Model Selection

Choose the Right Softgel Production Line Capacity

Start with your target output, capsule specification and growth plan. Select a model below to see which platform best fits your next stage of production.

RGY2-15
RGY2-15
For formulation trials and small batches
6,120 capsules/hour
RGY10-15II
RGY10-15II
For pilot-to-commercial scale-up
120,960 capsules/hour
RGY10-15SF
RGY10-15SF
For flexible multi-product production
120,960 capsules/hour
RGY16-15V
RGY16-15V
For higher-volume line expansion
241,920 capsules/hour
RGY16-15SF
RGY16-15SF
For continuous large-scale production
241,920 capsules/hour
HTMBRG1316DD
HTMBRG1316DD
For 320 mm die-roll projects
232,000 capsules/hour
HTMBRG1316DD SERIES

320 mm Die-Roll Softgel
Encapsulation Machine

Choose wider tooling for industrial-scale production.

Choose the HTMBRG1316DD when your project calls for a 320 mm die roll, 16 plungers per side and servo-controlled direct drive. Its 232,000-capsule/hour reference output gives high-volume manufacturers a practical alternative when tooling width and dosing configuration matter more than selecting the fastest nominal model.

Capacity disclaimer: Reference output is not a guaranteed finished-product yield. Actual output depends on capsule shape and size, fill volume, formulation, die-roll design, operating speed, drying conditions and production management.
Automatic Softgel Encapsulation Machine

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

ModelHTMBRG1316DD
Die Roll Speed1–7 rpm
Die Roll SizeΦ150 × 320 mm / 6 × 13 in
Plungers16 per side
Reference Output232,000 capsules/h
Dimensions (L×W×H)2,400 × 1,250 × 2,200 mm
Power18 kW
Weight2,200 kg
Dosing Specification1.5 ml, ±1.5%
CoolingExternal water chiller
Main Drive / ControlSiemens PLC System
Die/Ribbon LubricationMicro-dosing, separate control
Pump and Plunger16 plungers / Direct drive servo
TECHNICAL MATRIX & SPECIFICATIONS

Softgel Encapsulation Machine Comparison Matrix

Compare key engineering metrics across URMACHINE's complete range of laboratory, commercial scale, and industrial high-capacity softgel manufacturing lines.

Model SpecificationRGY2-15RGY10-15IIRGY10-15SFRGY16-15VRGY16-15SFHTMBRG1316DD
Scale / CategoryR&D / Lab ScaleSmall–Medium ScaleMedium ScaleMedium–Large ScaleLarge ScaleHigh-Capacity Industrial
Reference Output6,120 caps/h120,960 caps/h120,960 caps/h241,920 caps/h241,920 caps/h232,000 caps/h
Die Roll SizeΦ150 × 50 mmΦ150 × 250 mmΦ150 × 250 mm (6 × 10 in)Φ150 × 250 mmΦ150 × 250 mm (6 × 10 in)Φ150 × 320 mm (6 × 13 in)
Die Roll Speed1–3.5 rpm1–5 rpm1–7 rpm1–10 rpm1–10 rpm1–7 rpm
Number of Plungers2 per side10 per side10 per side16 per side16 per side16 per side
Dosing Specification1.5 ml, ±1.5%1.5 ml, ±1.5%1.5 ml, ±1.5%1.5 ml, ±1.5%1.5 ml, ±1.5%1.5 ml, ±1.5%
Power Consumption2 kW7.5 kW15 kW12 kW15 kW18 kW
Dimensions (L×W×H)1,400 × 800 × 1,750 mm2,250 × 1,250 × 2,120 mm2,300 × 1,550 × 2,450 mm2,250 × 1,250 × 2,150 mm2,300 × 1,530 × 2,450 mm2,400 × 1,250 × 2,200 mm
Machine Weight600 kg1,900 kg1,900 kg2,200 kg2,200 kg2,200 kg
Control SystemStandard PLC TouchscreenHMI TouchscreenSiemens PLCTouchscreen PLCSiemens PLC SystemSiemens PLC System
Cooling MethodExternal water chillerExternal water chillerExternal chillerExternal chillerExternal water chillerExternal water chiller
Lubrication SystemMicro-lubrication systemFour independent pumpsFour independent pumpsIndependent lubricationMicro-dosing, separate controlMicro-dosing, separate control
Pump & Plunger DriveBearing-mounted precision pumpBearing-mounted plunger pump10 plungers / Servo motorFour independent dosing pumps16 plungers / Servo drive16 plungers / Direct drive servo
APPLICATIONS

Softgel Production Lines for Different Products

Pharmaceutical Softgels Pharma

Pharmaceutical Softgels

Compatible liquid and semi-solid pharmaceutical formulations.

Vitamins & Nutraceuticals Nutraceutical

Vitamins & Nutraceuticals

Vitamins, supplements and nutritional formulations.

Fish Oil & Omega-3 Omega-3

Fish Oil & Omega-3

Fish oil, Omega-3 and suitable lipid products.

Suspensions & Herbal Suspensions

Suspensions & Herbal

Compatible suspensions and higher-viscosity formulations.

Cosmetic Softgels Cosmetics

Cosmetic Softgels

Suitable cosmetic oils, serum capsules and custom shapes.

Veterinary Softgels Veterinary

Veterinary Softgels

Animal-health and pet supplement applications.

RTD770×1100CS Dehumidifying Dryer
INTELLIGENT DRYING

Softgel Tumble & Final Drying System

Drying capacity must keep pace with encapsulation output. An undersized drying system can become the bottleneck of the entire line, while poorly controlled temperature, humidity or airflow can affect capsule shape, shell strength and final moisture.

Initial Surface Moisture Removal
Controlled Humidity & Dehumidification

RTD770×1100CS Dehumidifying Dryer

Batch Drying

Combines rotating drums with controlled airflow for batch drying. We determine the required number of drums or dryer groups from your hourly capsule output, capsule loading and expected drying cycle.

SpecificationReference value
Drum SizeΦ750 × 1100 mm
Reference Drying Time12–16 hours
Loading Capacity80 kg per drum
Airflow2,700 m³/hour per drum
Maximum Power25 kW per group
Process note: Drying time varies with shell formulation, capsule size, fill material, initial moisture, temperature, relative humidity, airflow and loading. Confirm the final drying process through product trials rather than applying one fixed time to every formulation.

Softgel Gelatin and Fill Preparation Equipment

Stable encapsulation begins before the material reaches the main machine. Your gelatin mass needs controlled heating and mixing, while the fill material may require homogenizing and deaeration. Tank capacity should match the encapsulation rate and your preferred batch schedule.

Mobile Preparation Tank GMT-100 / 200 / 300

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

Capacity100 / 200 / 300 L
Heating Power3 / 4 / 5 kW
Motor Power0.75 / 1.1 / 2.2 kW
Stirring Speed50 rpm
Working Temperature<100°C
View Equipment Details
FACTORY PLANNING

Softgel Production Line Layout & Factory Requirements

→
→
→
→
→
Softgel Capsule Production Workshop Layout

Factory Planning Considerations

  • ✓ Production capacity
  • ✓ Floor space
  • ✓ Material & personnel flow
  • ✓ Temperature & humidity
  • ✓ Electrical power
  • ✓ Compressed air
  • ✓ Cooling water
  • ✓ Heating / steam
  • ✓ Ventilation
  • ✓ Maintenance access
BUYER GUIDE

How to Choose a Softgel Capsule Production Line

01

Product

Pharma, vitamin, fish oil, herbal, cosmetic or veterinary?

02

Fill Material

Oil, liquid, suspension or compatible semi-solid?

03

Capsule

Shape, size, fill volume and fill weight?

04

Capacity

Required capsules per hour, shift or day?

05

Shell Material

Gelatin or alternative formulation?

06

Factory

Room size, utilities and environmental conditions?

07

Packaging

Bulk, bottle, blister or carton?

08

Expansion

Future products, sizes or higher capacity?

Not Sure Which Softgel Line You Need?

Send your product, fill material, capsule specification and target output. Our senior engineers will formulate a comprehensive turnkey proposal covering encapsulation, preparation, drying, and downstream packaging.

Configure Your Softgel Line
INVESTMENT PLANNING

What Affects Softgel Production Line Cost?

FactorWhy It Affects Investment
Production CapacityHigher output requires larger main and supporting systems.
Encapsulation MachineSize, servo configuration, controls and tooling affect cost.
Preparation SystemTank size and quantity depend on batch requirements.
Drying SystemDryer quantity and environmental control depend on output.
ToolingMultiple shapes and sizes require additional tooling.
PackagingBottling, blister and cartoning add downstream equipment.
EXPERT ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is included in a complete softgel production line?
A complete softgel manufacturing line is an integrated turnkey system covering the entire production cycle. It typically includes gelatin melting and preparation tanks, heated gelatin holding tanks, active fill-material vacuum mixing systems, a rotary-die encapsulation machine, external water chillers, multi-stage tumble dryers, temperature- and humidity-controlled drying rooms or tunnel dryers, inspection/sorting equipment, and optional downstream packaging systems such as counting, bottling, or blister packaging lines.
How do I choose the right production capacity?
Choosing the optimal capacity depends on your target market volume, batch frequency, and operational shifts. URMACHINE offers comprehensive platforms ranging from laboratory R&D units (approx. 6,120 caps/h) to high-speed industrial lines exceeding 240,000 caps/h. Our technical team evaluates your capsule specifications and expansion plans to recommend the ideal die-roll width and plunger configuration.
Can one line produce different capsule shapes and sizes?
Yes. URMACHINE encapsulation platforms are engineered for high tooling flexibility. By changing the matched die rolls, injection wedge, and timing configurations, a single machine can manufacture a wide spectrum of shapes—such as oval, oblong, round, tube, and custom cosmetic twist-off designs—across varying fill volumes.
Can the same line produce gelatin and non-gelatin softgels?
Yes, with proper preparation and formula adjustments. While traditional animal-based gelatin is standard, modern lines can be configured or adjusted to process plant-based capsule shell materials (such as modified starch, carrageenan, or pullulan) to meet vegan and vegetarian market demands, provided the melting and ribbon-setting parameters are fine-tuned.
How long does softgel drying take?
Softgel drying is a two-stage process. The initial tumble drying phase typically takes between 2 to 4 hours inside rotating drums to remove surface moisture and set the shell shape. Afterward, capsules are transferred to temperature- and humidity-controlled drying rooms or trays, where final conditioning generally takes anywhere from 12 to 48 hours depending on shell thickness, formulation, and ambient humidity levels.
What utilities are required?
Operating a complete softgel line requires dedicated facility utilities, including stable electrical power supply (tailored to regional voltage and total kW load), compressed air for pneumatic control valves, chilled cooling water for die-roll temperature management, purified water (RO/WFI) for cleaning and preparation tanks, steam or electric heating sources for jacketed vessels, and specialized HVAC systems for strict room temperature and humidity control.
How much does a softgel production line cost?
The investment cost varies based on your required hourly output, level of automation (standard vs. servo-driven direct drive), capacity sizing of preparation and drying systems, quantity of custom tooling sets, and integration of automated downstream packaging. URMACHINE provides modular configurations tailored to fit both pilot-scale budgets and large industrial plants.
What information is required for a quotation?
To provide an accurate and detailed engineering quotation, we need information regarding your end product (pharma, vitamin, cosmetics, etc.), fill material properties (oil, suspension, viscosity), desired capsule shape and size, target output per hour or per shift, factory space limitations, and your preferred downstream packaging method (bulk, bottles, or blisters).

Contact information

Email

venti@urmachine.com

Tel

+86 17365104069

Address

No. 163 Wangjiang Street, Dongshan Subdistrict, Ruian City, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

Working Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 18:00

Send us A Message

en_USEnglish

Request a Quote

  • For project inquiries or technical drawings, please email us at venti@urmachine.com.
  • We will contact you within 1 working day