Powerful Change in Powder Compaction

From nuclear fuel pellets, hard metals and batteries to confectionery, almost anything is possible with the R55 industrial rotary press. Making its debut at this year’s POWTECH 2019 event (9–11 April, Nuremberg, Germany), the R55 is a leap forward in industrial compaction. The latest available technologies have been implemented for maximum flexibility, high precision, enhanced operator safety and minimized maintenance. Available with a number of optional features to improve and expedite the production process and provide higher levels of control, the R55 is capable of outputting more than 30,000 products per hour at a maximum compression force of 130 kN.

The top and bottom air compensators enable truly symmetric constant-density compression, whereas the Hold Down/Hold Up system provides a unique way to control vertical stresses during ejection. This enables the R55 to emulate the functionality of both hydraulic and electric single-stroke presses and, at the same time, provide higher output.

To reduce the risk of damaging the product, the takeoff wheel, replacing the classical ejection bar, removes fragile parts horizontally from the press directly onto a conveyor belt. In addition, continuous powder flow ensures a narrow weight distribution. Gentle pre-compression facilitates powder deaeration and prepares the formulation for final compression between two large compression rollers.

A unique aspect of GEA presses is the choice between product weight control based on main compression force measurement (equal thickness compression) and symmetric constant force compression. For constant force compression, the Air Compensator, fitted to the compression stations, utilizes a piston-mounted roller that moves within an air cylinder. The set air pressure inside the cylinder determines the compression force applied to the product and ensures that it remains constant. Any variation in die filling will result in a change in tablet height as the force applied always remains constant.

A further advantage is GEA’s In-line Density Control (IDC), which measures the diameter and height of all tablets and weighs up to 100 products per minute. Making instant density calculations, the press will adjust the compression force and the fill depth to keep the average tablet density and height constant.

Various equipment solutions, such as a powder dosing valve (PDV), a powder agitator or feeder can be supplied to improve powder flowability, even when working with abrasive materials, extensive wear-resistance testing as well as removable and replaceable parts make our presses virtually indestructible.

To arrange an appointment with the GEA team or request further information, please contact us at gea.com/contact. We look forward to welcoming you to booth 231 in Hall 3 and showing you the R55 rotary press in action.