5 Pieces of Equipment You Need to Manufacture Pharmaceuticals

 

The pharmaceutical industry is a vital and heavily regulated field. A lot goes into the manufacturing of a pill or capsule. In addition to the actual medication, the equipment used in the process is just as important. Whether you're starting out in the pharmaceutical industry or plan on expanding your operations, here are 5 pieces of equipment you may need to manufacture pharmaceuticals.

By Lizzie Weakley

Granulation Machines

Granulation is the process of creating a powder mixture that can be compressed into tablets. A granulation machine works by mixing the active ingredient(s) with excipients (inactive materials), to create a homogenous mixture. This mixture is then passed through a screen to generate granules of uniform size. These granules are then dried, which helps to remove any moisture and prepare them for the next stage of tablet compression.

 

Milling Machines

Milling machines are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce particle size. This is particularly important when dealing with substances that are difficult to dissolve or absorb by the body. Milling machines operate by using rotary cutters to grind materials into smaller particles. There are two main types of milling machines—hammer mills and conical mills. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to choose the machine that's best for your specific needs.

 

Fluid Bed Dryers

 

Fluid bed dryers are used in the final stage of granulation. These machines use a stream of hot air to dry and remove any moisture from the granules. This is important because if the granules contain too much moisture, they can break down during tablet compression. Fluid bed dryers offer precise control over the drying process, which means that you can achieve a uniform and consistent final product.

 

Tablet Presses

Tablet presses are used to compress granulated powder into tablets. In essence, they are large machines that apply a great amount of pressure to your granules. The tablet press process is a crucial stage in the manufacturing process, and it can directly affect the quality of your final product. There are a variety of different tablet press types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

 

Static Mixers

Static mixers, like those from SRS International Direct, are another important piece of equipment used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. These machines help to mix and blend your active ingredients and excipients in a precise manner. This is particularly important if you're dealing with delicate or heat-sensitive ingredients. Static mixers are known for their reliability, and they don't require any moving parts, which means that there is less risk of contamination.

 

If you're looking into getting started in pharmaceutical manufacturing, it's important to choose the right equipment for your needs. From granulation machines to static mixers, there are a variety of different pieces of equipment that can help you produce a high-quality final product. However, it's important to keep in mind that the regulations that govern the pharmaceutical industry are complex and ever-changing. Make sure to do your research and stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines, so that you can continue to manufacture drugs safely and ethically.

 

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