LFA PACL-300 User manual

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we provide service.
PACL-300©Automatic Capsule Loader
User Manual

2
Copyright Notice
© LFA Machines Oxford Limited, published in 2023 by LFA Machines Oxford Limited 2023.
Registered in England and Wales, company number 08428898, registered office for service
Demar House 14 Church Road East Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 8PS.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or
by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without prior permission, except
for fair dealing under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, or in accordance with the
terms of license issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency in respect of photocopying and/or
reprographic reproduction. Application for permission for other use of the copyright material
including permission to reproduce extracts in other published works shall be made to the
publisher. Full acknowledgment or author, publisher and source must be given.
All trade marks are acknowledged and are owned by their respective owners.

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Important Safety Information
READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
Intended Use
The intended use of this machine is to fill empty
capsules into the PACL-300©, which will then be
used in the PharmaCap©manual capsule filler.
Potential misuse of this machine includes:
• Using any capsules that deviate from the
standard two-piece design.
• Using any capsule sizes besides #00, #0,
#1, and #2.
• Using softgel capsules.
Personal Protection
For personal protection while operating the
PACL-300©, abide by these actions:
• Avoid wearing loose jewelry to prevent
entanglement.
• Contain long hair to prevent entanglement.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Wear disposable latex/rubber gloves.
• Wear a hairnet (food grade products only).
• Wear a beard net if needed (food grade
products only).
General Hazards
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts.
• Inspect the automatic capsule loader before
use.
• During operation keep fingers away from
moving parts.
• Use this automatic capsule loader only for
its intended use as described in this manual.
• Do not modify the machine in any way.

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WARNING
This signals potential risk for personal injury.
Modes for Stopping
Symbols
Important Safety Information
READ THIS BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
In the case of an emergency, press the Emergency Stop and immediately remove yourself from
the PACL-300©Automatic Capsule Loader.
CAUTION
This signals potential risk for damage to the
machine or other parts.
Prop. 65 Statement for CA Residents
Based on LFA's current level of knowledge of our machines, PACL-300©Automatic Capsule
Loaders do not require a Proposition 65 warning label.
This machine is not explosion proof. LFA recommends that you test your materials' explosivity
before running them through this machine. If your materials are indeed explosive, do not use
them with this machine.
Warning for Explosive Material

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Table of Contents
Copyright Notice 2
Important Safety Information 3
Intended Use 3
Personal Protection 3
General Hazards 3
Symbols 4
Modes for Stopping 4
Prop. 65 Statement for CA Residents 4
Warning for Explosive Material 4
PACL-300©Parts List 6
Preface 7
Training 8
In-Person Training 8
Training via Video Chat/Phone 8
LFA Articles 8
LFA Videos 8
Installation 9
Tools and Materials Needed 9
The Appropriate Workstation for the Machine 9
Positioning the PACL-300© 12
Controls 13
Settings and Adjustment 19
Maintenance 21
General Maintenance Prescriptions 21
Lubrication 21
Cleaning 25
Troubleshooting 26
Common Issues 26
Storing the PACL-300© 27
Appendix 28
Material of Contact Parts 28
Technical Specifications 29
Bores per Capsule Holding Tray 29
Maintenance Checklist 30
Diagrams 31
Resources 47

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PACL-300©Parts List
1. Hopper
2. Power Switch
3. Anti-Vibration Feet
4. Emergency Stop
5. Jog Switch
6. Stop Button
7. Start Button
8. Hand Wheel
9. Capsule Tray Base Plate
10. Capsule Gate Arm
11. Magazine
12. Hopper Cover
13. Hopper Gate
1
11
2
3
9
8
7
6
5
4
12
13
10

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Preface
The PACL-300©, designed for LFA Machines' PharmaCap©, is an automatic capsule loader that
streamlines the capsule-filling process. Instead of manual insertion, the PACL-300©efficiently orients
and places capsules into the PharmaCap©'s capsule holding tray. Compatible with sizes as large
as #00 and as small as #2 capsules, it enhances productivity, ensuring precise and quick capsule
positioning, making the PharmaCap©'s operation smoother and more time-efficient.
The purpose of this document is to support your understanding of the PACL-300©Automatic
Capsule Loader components, features, functions, and design. With this manual, you will be able to
successfully operate and maintain your PACL-300©Automatic Capsule Loader.
The user manual’s content includes:
• Important safety information
• PACL-300©installation instructions
• Description of the PACL-300©'s operation
• PACL-300©maintenance information
• Appendix with supplemental information

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Training
Machine training can be beneficial for its successful operation and your personal safety. There are
several methods to prepare you for working with your automatic capsule loader.
In-Person Training
LFA offers free training at our UK, USA, and Taiwan facilities for all our customers and their teams.
For more information, go to https://www.lfacapsulefillers.com/services
Training via Video Chat/Phone
Using an online video chat system, an LFA technician can interact face-to-face with you and assist
with your understanding of the machine. Or, if you prefer, LFA can provide training via phone for all
customers who call the office. To set up a training, call or email your local LFA office:
UK
Phone
[phone]
Email
[e-mail]
Taiwan
Phone
[phone]
Email
[e-mail]
USA
Phone
[phone]
Email
[e-mail]
LFA Articles
LFA writes informative articles about our machines, which includes instructions, procedures, and
guides. To access the articles, go to https://www.lfacapsulefillers.com/articles
LFA Videos
LFA has created several videos involving our machines. To access the videos, go to https://www.
lfacapsulefillers.com/videos or https://www.youtube.com/user/TabletPilPress

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Installation
Tools and Materials Needed
Before you install and operate the PACL-300©Automatic Capsule Loader, it is best to have the
following tools and materials on hand for general operation and maintenance:
• Engine hoist
• Lifting strap
• Set of metric Allen keys with ball ends
• Set of metric wrenches
• Set of screwdrivers
• Lubricant (NSF approved for food grade products)
• Long wire pipe cleaner
• Toothbrush
• Cleaner (e.g. Member's Mark Commercial Lemon Fresh Disinfectant)
• Sanitizer (e.g. Member's Mark Commercial Sanitizer)
• Clean cloths
• Bagless vacuum
• Safety goggles
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
The Appropriate Workstation for the Machine
Find a clean, stable, and level workspace that supports the PACL-300©'s 40 kg (approximately 88
lbs) weight.
Environmental Conditions
It is important that the environment in which you operate and store the PACL-300©Automatic
Capsule Loader has the appropriate temperature and relative humidity levels. These two
environmental factors can potentially cause the machine to rust and/or cause the capsules to have
a lower quality. The table below shows the acceptable temperature and relative humidity levels:
Machine Temperature Humidity
PACL-300©Automatic Capsule
Loader
°C °F 45-55% RH
18-24 64-75

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The shipment will contain the following:
1. The PACL-300©Automatic Capsule Loader
2. Hand Wheels
3. Electrical Wire
4. Fill Tray
2
4
5. Hopper
6. Hopper Cover and Hopper Gate
3

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Tools Needed
• Crowbar
• Hammer
Instructions
1. Pry open each side of the shipping container with a crowbar and hammer and remove them.
2. Place the Hopper on top of the Capsule Magazine and the PACL-300©and secure it with an
Allen key.
3. Insert and secure the Hopper Cover and Hopper Gate onto the Hopper.
Unpacking the PACL-300©
4. Insert and secure the Hand Wheels on the righthand side and back of the machine.

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Positioning the PACL-300©
WARNING: To prevent personal injury, wear steel toe boots and heavy duty grip
gloves while transporting the PACL-300©.
Because of its weight, LFA does NOT recommend carrying the machine
manually but rather with an engine hoist. At least two people should be involved
(one operating the engine hoist and one stabilizing the machine) in removing
the machine from the shipping container and placing it in the workspace.
Moving the PACL-300©with an Engine Hoist
Tools Needed
• Engine hoist and lifting strap
• Crosshead screwdriver
• Heavy duty grip gloves
• Steel toe boots
Instructions
1. Remove the screws from the woodblocks on the shipping container's base with a screwdriver.
2. Wrap the lifting strap around the machine and secure it around the engine hoist and carefully
guide the machine to the desired location.

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Controls
Basic Components
A description of the principal components follows:
• The Capsule Hopper holds the empty capsules to be distributed through the machine.
• The Capsule Sewing Mechanism aligns the capsules in the correct position with a magazine
and inserts them into the PharmaCap©capsule holding tray.
• The Capsule Gate Arm holds the capsules in place in the Capsule Sewing Mechanism.
• The Capsule Tray Base Plate holds the PharmaCap©capsule holding tray, into which the
capsules are inserted.

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Control Console
1
2
3
1. Emergency Stop
2. Jog Switch
3. Stop Button
4. Start Button
4

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PACL-300©Automatic Capsule Loader Process
The basic mechanism of the PACL-300©involves distributing capsules from Hopper, orienting the
capsules, and inserting the capsules into the capsule holding tray.
Pouring Capsules into Machine
Capsules are poured into the Capsule Hopper, which then distributes them into the Capsule
Sewing Mechanism.
Orienting the Capsules
Within the Orienter Assembly, the capsules meet fork components that position the capsules cap-
side up.
Inserting the Capsules into the Capsule Holding Tray
The Capsule Sewing Mechanism then inserts the capsules, cap-side up, into the capsule holding
tray.

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How to Use the PACL-300©to Insert Capsules into the PharmaCap©
Tools and Materials Needed
• Empty capsules (purchase at https://www.lfacapsulefillers.com/products/empty-capsules)
• PACL-300©
• PharmaCap©
• Safety goggles
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves (for food grade products and to protect hands from grease)
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
WARNING: For personal protection while operating the PACL-300©, contain long
hair and do not wear loose jewelry.
Instructions
Note: Wear latex/rubber gloves (and appropriate food grade attire if applicable) during this
process.
1. Rotate the front Hand Wheel all the way counterclockwise and ensure that the Capsule
Magazine is at the lowest position.

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2. Pour capsules into the Capsule Hopper.
3. Pull out by hand the Capsule Tray Base Plate.
4. Insert the PharmaCap©capsule holding tray and Fill Tray onto the Capsule Tray Base Plate.
5. Ensure that the Capsule Gate Arm is pushed in.

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6. Press the Start button to begin operation.
6.1 Note: The machine will automatically stop when the capsule holding tray has filled.
7. Rotate the Hand Wheel clockwise.
8. Carefully lift up the capsule holding tray from the Capsule Tray Base Plate.
CAUTION: Lift up the capsule holding tray from the bottom four corners. Avoid
pushing up the capsules with your hands.
9. Place the filled Capsule Holding Tray onto the PharmaCap©.

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Settings and Adjustment
The PharmaCap©Capsule Filler's Tooling size changes requires parts to be switched on the PACL-
300©.
Capsule Size Changes
If you are switching capsule sizes, not only should the Tooling on the PharmaCap©be changed,
but also the PACL-300©'s Magazine Assembly, Orienter Assembly, and Capsule Tray Base Plate.
Tools and Materials Needed
• Metric set of Allen keys with ball ends
• New Capsule Magazine, Orienter Assembly, and Capsule Tray Base Plate
• Disposable latex/rubber gloves (for food grade products and to protect hands from grease)
• Hairnet and/or beard net (food grade products only)
• Sterile shoe covers (food grade products only)
WARNING: For personal protection while adjusting the PACL-300©, contain long
hair and do not wear loose jewelry.
Instructions
Note: Wear latex/rubber gloves (and appropriate food grade attire if applicable) during this process.
Remove the Capsule Magazine and Orienter Assembly
1. Remove knob of the Capsule Gate Arm by rotating it by hand counterclockwise and take off the
front and back covers of the PACL-300©with an Allen key.
WARNING: To prevent any potential personal injury, ALWAYS push the PACL-300©'s
Emergency Stop button when making adjustments.
2. Pull out the Capsule Gate Arm.
3. Remove the slide underneath the Capsule Magazine Teeth with an Allen key.

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Capsule Magazine and Orienter Assembly
7. Rotate the Hand Wheel at the back of the machine until the block is at the lowest position, then
stop rotating just when it begins to come up again.
8. While supporting the new Capsule Magazine with one hand, insert it into the bottom of the
Hopper and tighten its screws with an Allen key.
9. Rotate the Hand Wheel at the back of the machine until the Capsule Magazine is at its highest
position.
10. Insert the Orienter Assembly into the machine and secure it with an Allen key.
11. Insert the new slide underneath the Capsule Magazine Teeth and secure it with an Allen key.
4. While supporting the Orienter Assembly with one hand, loosen the screws on the left side with an
Allen key.
5. Rotate the Hand Wheel at the back of the machine until the Capsule Magazine is at its lowest
position, then stop rotating just when it begins to come up again.
6. Loosen the Capsule Magazine's screws and remove it from the machine.