Applying a sealing band around the joint between the body and cap of a two-piece capsule.
Also called: band sealing; capsule sealing.
Is capsule banding the same as snapping the shell closed?
No. Locking engages the cap and body; banding adds material around their external joint. An externally applied liquid-gelatin ring is one banding arrangement. The two operations remain distinct even when both contribute to a closed capsule.
Specify mechanical closure and banding as separate operations. Polishing removes exterior residue and does not add a band.
Is banding limited to gelatin shells or liquid fills?
Banding can be used with liquid-filled hard capsules and for tamper-evidence applications involving other fills. State its purpose and the proposed configuration rather than assuming every powder-filled capsule requires a band.
The shell polymer and band formulation are separate specifications. A gelatin ring is one process option, not the definition of every possible band. Check both materials when assessing a vegetarian ingredient claim or a shell change; an HPMC shell label does not describe an added band.
Band application can be followed by pre-drying and a dedicated drying stage, depending on the equipment. Confirm which stages and transfers are included in a proposed line and what evidence demonstrates the finished band for the actual shell and fill. Application alone does not establish the final band condition.
Assess band coverage, the intended leakage or opening resistance, and downstream handling. Visible coverage shows where material was applied; leakage and opening behaviour need their own results.