In our globalised world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to compete with large firms. The pharmaceutical industry is no exception. Companies look for ways to differentiate their product and make it more effective. In this guide, we will dissect the capsule printing machine and why you may or may not need it.
What Is a Capsule Printing Machine?
A capsule printing machine is, unsurprisingly, a piece of equipment that allows you to print indicia on capsules. These machines usually work with filled and unfilled capsules alike.
You might have noticed that some capsules feature text that refers to the name of the manufacturer or the medication. Others may have printed symbols or barcodes that mean nothing to you. All of them are the work of capsule printing machines. Printing on capsules is a way to share information with the customer, as well as market your product.
Types of Capsule Printing Machines
Most capsule printing machines are quite similar, making choosing the right one challenging. There are two major types of capsule printing machines. Knowing them might help you identify your needs and make a decision.
Single-colour Capsule Printer
As the name suggests, this type of capsule printing machine only uses one colour at a time. Some machines let you add two different symbols or pieces of text at once. That can increase efficiency and speed up the process significantly. With a single-colour printer, the two symbols would still be printed in the same colour.
Because of a simpler mechanism, as opposed to the multi-colour capsule printing machine, this type is faster. You can reach the speed of 200,000 capsules per hour, which is quite impressive. A single-colour capsule printer is a cost-effective option for those who only need one colour.
The machine is easy to operate, requiring no external assistance once you’ve learned your way around it. It works with capsules of different shapes and sizes. You can select your desired settings for every batch.
Multi-colour Capsule Printer
Naturally, a multi-colour capsule printer can work with multiple colours at the same time. Though possibilities are endless, it is uncommon to use a machine that has more than two different colours. A two-colour capsule printer is the traditional choice among pharmaceutical companies.
Notably, multi-colour capsule printing machines allow pharmaceutical companies to print a small logo and/or their brand name on the capsule. That makes counterfeiting brand name medication harder, thus protecting customers from unexpected surprises. It is also a great marketing tactic and differentiation method.
The more advanced printing machines can print barcodes on capsules, essentially eliminating the risk of fakes. Most high-quality equipment provides clear and error-free printing.
Much like the single-colour machines, the multi-colour ones are easy to operate and don’t require external help. The operator can change the settings for each new batch of capsules.
Benefits of a Capsule Printing Machine
To some, printing indicia on capsules may seem like an extra hoop to jump through. There are, however, some notable advantages to consider. This necessary step in the manufacturing of medication can take your brand to new heights. Here are some benefits of using a capsule printing machine:
- Marketing: Marketing and advertising as a pharmaceutical company has become more difficult in recent years. With so much variety on the market, catching the attention of consumers as a new brand is nearly impossible. Printing on your capsules, at the very least, separates them from competing products and serves as an exciting marketing opportunity.
- Brand recognition: Improve brand recognition by printing your logo on your capsules. Each time a consumer takes your medication, they will think of you. Before they know it, your brand will have become an essential part of their daily life.
- Practicality: Indicia on a capsule can serve a myriad of practical purposes too. Chief among them is alerting the patient about the medication they are about to consume. Many pharmaceutical brands feature the name of the drug or its active ingredient on the capsule.
- Lower risk of counterfeits: Printing barcodes or other complex symbols on your capsules can make them more difficult to recreate. With no chance to copy the design of your capsules and steal your customers, manufacturers of counterfeit drugs will go out of business.
Conclusion
Capsule printing is an important step in the manufacturing process. How you go about it is up to you. Keep it strict and include only the necessary identifying symbols. Alternatively, make it a part of your marketing strategy with your logo and brand name on the capsule.