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SDU’s intensive program presents a step-by-step guide to the entire capsule filling process, allowing students to gain practical experience with state-of-the-art capsule filling machines at every level of instruction. Developed with beginners and experienced professionals in mind, our comprehensive courses will teach you to master the precision techniques of encapsulating powder formulations.
2025 Course Dates
Courses available in March, May, August, September, and November.
Skills You'll Develop
Entire program – 3 courses (9 days) in Pittsburgh, PA
SDU’s intensive program presents a step-by-step guide to the entire capsule filling process, allowing students to gain practical experience with state-of-the-art capsule filling machines at every level of instruction. Developed with beginners and experienced professionals in mind, our comprehensive courses will teach you to master the precision techniques of encapsulating powder formulations.
201
3 days in Pittsburgh, PA
SDU’s entry-level course begins with the essentials and introduces students to the fundamental concepts of capsule filling, including an overview of capsule types, sizes, and the properties of various powder formulations. Hands-on sessions allow learners to familiarize themselves with fully automatic capsule filling machines, guiding them through the initial setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting techniques to ensure the production of high-quality capsules.
You will come away from this 3-day training session feeling comfortable with capsule filler operation. You will be able to identify common issues with capsule manufacturing and diagnose basic mechanical issues.
3 days in Pittsburgh, PA
SDU’s advanced level lessons go into more complex aspects of capsule filling, such as optimizing machine parameters for efficiency, understanding and controlling variables that affect capsule quality, and exploring the nuances of different powder formulations. Through practical exercises, learners will gain the confidence to make adjustments and solve common capsule filling challenges effectively. On day 1, we will focus on semi-automatic capsule fillers, and on day 2 and 3 we will work on fully automatic machines.
You will feel comfortable with identifying the root cause of the majority of capsule defects. You will understand how to build out a preventative maintenance program for a range of encapsulation machines. You will have a strong understanding of capsule filler set-up and calibration.
Completion of SDU’s encapsulation 201 class or 3 years of encapsulation experience.
203
3 days in Pittsburgh, PA
SDU’s master class is for those looking to achieve expertise in capsule filling technology. These sessions cover advanced topics, including the integration of high speed automation in capsule production, advanced troubleshooting methods, and the latest industry trends and regulatory standards. Hands-on workshops provide the opportunity to work on sophisticated capsule filling projects, encouraging innovation and perfection in capsule design and functionality.
You will be able to lead a team of engineers and operators in the maintenance, set up, and repair of encapsulation machines. You will be able to identify and do a root cause analysis on all capsule filler issues. You will have a strong understanding of how to set up a capsule production facility to achieve maximum efficiency.
Completion of SDU’s 202 encapsulation class or 5 years of encapsulation maintenance experience.
Course Certificate upon Completion
On the final day of the course, you will be awarded a personalized, embossed certification acknowledging your successful completion of SDU’s capsule training program. This certification is proof of your newly acquired expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development in the solid dose manufacturing sector.
Capsule Course Professors
John Karmazin's diverse career began in retail at JCPenney, where he developed foundational customer service skills before moving into a role at Northeastern Building Supply and Kitchen Design in Jackson, NJ, gaining experience with general contracting materials and heavy machinery. In 2014, he transitioned to Index as the shipping and receiving manager, quickly advancing to a mechanical service technician under the mentorship of an industry veteran with over 40 years in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. Today, as a lead mechanic at Index, John specializes in assembling, maintaining, and training on high-tech capsule filling and polishing equipment, such as the Index K120i and K90i capsule fillers. His role at Solid Dose University involves training professionals on the operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of capsule filling machinery, leveraging his extensive practical knowledge to enhance workforce readiness in the solid dose manufacturing industry.
Solid Dose University (SDU) is an educational institution specializing in the art and science of solid dose manufacturing. With a curriculum designed by industry experts, SDU offers comprehensive training programs that cover the full spectrum of tableting, encapsulation, and more. Our mission is to empower professionals with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in the rapidly evolving solid dose sector.
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