In pharmaceutical manufacturing, precision isn’t a preference. It’s a patient safety requirement. Every stage of bulk material handling must deliver consistent, repeatable results within strict regulatory boundaries.

Pharmaceutical Material Handling Challenges

Pharmaceutical materials span a wide range of forms, and the regulatory environment leaves little tolerance for handling-related variability regardless of what’s moving through the line.

Sticky or viscous materials that bridge, rathole, or resist consistent flow
Pre-blended formulations that segregate during transfer
Electrostatic buildup in fine dry materials causing clumping and dosing errors
Hygroscopic ingredients that absorb moisture and change flow behavior mid-run
Inconsistent fill volumes in liquid and semi-solid applications
Settling and stratification in suspensions and emulsions
Loss-in-weight feeding drift during extended production runs
Cross-contamination between batches
Cleanroom compatibility and wash-down validation demands
Lubrication contamination risk near product-contact surfaces

Why Pharmaceutical Materials Are Difficult to Handle
Pharmaceutical materials span powders, granules, liquids, gummies, semi-solids, and everything in between — and each presents its own handling challenges:
- Dry solids vary widely in particle size, density, and cohesiveness
- Viscous liquids and suspensions require consistent agitation to prevent settling and stratification
- Gummies and soft chews compact unevenly and can stick or clump during filling and packaging
- Highly potent compounds require contained handling to protect operators
- Hygroscopic ingredients change behavior based on ambient conditions
- Lot integrity requirements mean any cross-contamination is a batch loss
Pharmaceutical Materials Handled
Our equipment is designed to handle the full range of pharmaceutical bulk materials with the precision the industry demands:
- Dry powders, granules, and blends
- Pellets, beads, and coated particles
- Liquids, suspensions, and emulsions
- Viscous semi-solids and gels
- Gummies and soft chews
- Nutraceutical ingredients in all forms
- Veterinary pharmaceutical materials
End Products Supported
Our equipment supports consistent, accurate handling, filling, and dosing across:
- Tablets, caplets, and coated tablets
- Hard and soft gel capsules, including liquid-filled
- Gummies and soft chews
- Liquid syrups, suspensions, and solutions
- Powder sachets and unit-dose packets
- Topical creams, gels, and semi-solids
- Blister pack and bottle fills
- Nutraceutical and dietary supplements
- Veterinary pharmaceuticals
Operational Benefits for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
- - Consistent dose and fill accuracy
  - Blend and suspension uniformity preserved through transfer and feeding
  - Reliable compaction and settling for gummies, soft chews, and packaged solids
  - Reduced cross-contamination risk between lots and formulations
  - Lubrication-free models eliminate contamination risk at product-contact points
  - Wash-down safe and stainless steel options
  - Reduced manual intervention

Why MARTIN®?

Martin Vibration Systems & Solutions has been solving bulk material handling challenges across demanding industries for decades. We bring that depth of application experience to every pharmaceutical engagement — whether you’re running a single production line or a multi-facility operation, handling one material form or many.

We don’t sell off-the-shelf solutions. Our engineering and application experts work directly with manufacturers, contract packagers, and OEMs to understand your specific materials, process requirements, and compliance constraints before recommending equipment that fits your line, not the other way around.

Contact our application experts to discuss your pharmaceutical handling challenges. Engineering and application assistance is always free.