Tablet Presses for Industrial Applications
The R55 is a robust, exceptionally versatile industrial rotary press for single-layer tablet and component production. From nuclear fuel pellets, hard metals and batteries to confectionery - anything is possible!
The R55 is available for five tooling sizes:
Press Model | R55/16 | R55/12 |
Number of stations | 16 | 12 |
Max. compression force [kN] | 130 | |
Max. fill depth [mm] | 55 | |
Max. range / set of fill cams [mm] | 25 | |
Max. top punch penetration [mm] | 16 | |
Outside die diameter [mm] | 48 | 70 |
Punch-holder body diameter [mm] | 40 | 45 |
Max. output capacity [tab/h] | 30,720 | 23,040 |
Outlet height [mm] | 1,540 | |
Press height [mm] | 2,800 | |
Floor space [mm] | 1,200 x 1,200 | |
Net weight [kg] | 5,200 |
To get in touch with our team of experts for industrial tablet compression, please click here
Special tooling features include high-pressure heads, core rods and multi-tip punches.
(1) Punch holders for high compression forces:
Generally speaking, pharmaceutical presses are equipped with standardized mushroom-head tooling, as compression and ejection forces are limited for small oral intake tablets. However, for industrial applications, higher compression and ejection forces are required. Once compression forces rise above 60kN, we strongly recommend the use of GEA's punch holder design for long lasting trouble-free compaction at the lowest cost.
GEA punch holders are different from the EU or TSM standard in three ways:
(2) Core rods:
Pellets with vertical holes are made using core rods held and centred by the lower punch. A central ring is positioned on the turret part between the dies and the lower punch guides. This ring is used to secure the core rod holder pins at the correct height. During the complete compression cycle the core rod remains flush with the die table surface. Whilst filling, the powder flows around the core rod into the die. Occasional powder remains on top of the core rod get wiped off by a scraper blade. A top punch with a central hole closes off the die and the pellet is compressed. Core rod material properties and surface finish must be carefully chosen to avoid rupturing of the core rod during pellet ejection.
(3) Multi-tip tooling:
To increase production output for smaller tablets, multi-tip tooling is one of the possibilities. A number of smaller punch tips are fastened on a larger punch holder. The production output is multiplied by the number of tool tips without changing the dwell or de-aeration time.
A number of features are available to improve the flow of powders with poor flowability and to ensure fragile powders are not damaged.
(1) Double-paddle feeder:
The double-paddle rotary feeder is, at present, the most used feeder type, because the time the die travels under the feeder is longer than with other feeder types. This enables faster tablet output speeds. The first paddle of the feeder is located above the overfill cam, while the second paddle is situated above the dosing cam recycling the powder back to the first paddle.
Advantages of the GEA double-paddle feeder:
(2) Single-paddle powder feeder:
Improves filling compared to a gravity feeder, with a minimum of energy input.
(3) Vibra-fluid feeder:
A vibratory device improves the flow of difficult powders.
(4) Gravity feeder:
For fragile powders, the gravity feeder can be the best option.
(5) Small-dosage feeder:
To avoid feeder jamming, a very precise measurement of the powder level in the feeder triggers the powder in-feed.
(6) Powder dosing valve or PDV:
Presses are often fed from IBCs or silos. As these run empty, the powder pressure in the press feeder and hence the die varies, resulting in tablet weight variations. The tablet weight control system on the press or the operator can adjust the die fill, but the PDV is a much easier way to keep the feeder pressure constant. A sensor detects the powder level in a transparent tube and controls the motor of the powder scraper. When the scraper does not rotate the powder flow stops. In addition to keeping the powder pressure constant, the PDV prevents powder segregation. Another advantage is that the PDV can be used with abrasive powders.
(7) Powder agitator:
The agitator is designed especially for powders with a tendency for bridging. A central rod with side bars rotates gently in the powder, breaking bridges.
Several solutions are available to make sure the pressed components are not damaged or deformed during ejection.
(1) Hold-up / hold-down system:
This system prevents tablet lamination or capping due to a sudden pressure release during tablet ejection. A set of pneumatic cylinders can be adjusted in height, angle and force and maintain a force on the tablet during tablet ejection, which can be essential for ejection at high tableting speeds. The pressure can be identical in all cylinders or - optionally - set individually. All pressures are controlled by proportional valves and set on the operator interface.
(2) Mitigating the impact of high ejection forces:
When GEA punch holders with bearings rolling on cams are used, ejection forces up to 10kN can be sustained without excessive wear and tear.
(3) Die wall lubrication:
As a rule, lubricants enabling smooth ejection are blended into the powder. However, for some applications this is not an option, because most solid lubricants reduce tablet hardness or contaminate the powder. An alternative to adding a lubricant to the powder blend, the die wall lubrication system deposits a thin oil or grease film on the die wall to ensure smooth tablet ejection. A complete solution is available to control the amount of lubricant on the die wall.
(4) Punch face lubrication:
When punch face sticking is a problem, a magnesium stearate film can be deposited on the punch faces.
(5) Tablet take-off system:
The tablet take-off replaces the standard tablet chute and is a great feature for removing fragile tablets from the press and/or bringing tablets on a single line for further processing.
(1) Air compensator for constant density compression
A top and bottom air compensator is installed when full symmetrical compaction is required.
An air compensator, a feature exclusive to GEA tablet presses, is connected to both top and bottom compression roller and functions as a cushion. The pressure in the air compensator is set in such a way that during every pellet compression cycle, the rollers travel a few tenths of a millimeter, making sure that every compression is performed at the set compensator pressure. Every pellet will be pressed to equal density and height variations will reflect differences in die fill and powder property variations.
(2) Air compensator for constant thickness compression
The pressure set in the compensator equals the maximum compression force the tooling tips can take. When the set threshold is crossed, the air compensator will move instantly and protect individual punch tips from overload. The press will stop and the overload position will be indicated.
The R233 is designed for single-layer / double-output or double-layer / single-output 24/7 tablet production with minimum maintenance to produce large volumes of tablets (such as salt tablets, catalysts, coffee pods, etc.), suitable for the processing of abrasive and corrosive powders.
The R253 is designed for for single-layer/double-output or double-layer/single-output 24/7 tablet production with minimum maintenance to produce large volumes of tablets (such as detergents, catalysts, automotive parts, batteries, etc.). This machine can be used to produce tablets with one or multiple vertical holes.
For non-pharma applications, the PERFORMA P tablet press has been upgraded for high wear resistance to cope with abrasive powders.
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