Maintenance Tips for Different Types of Tablet Press Machines

Whether you are using a tablet press machine for your business or personal use, there are some maintenance tips you can follow to keep your machine in tip-top condition. These tips will help you to avoid the possibility of malfunction and save you money.

Tooling damage can be minimized by using a tooling rack

Using a tooling rack for different types of tablet press machines can help you to minimize the damage caused by tablet production. Whether you are compressing large tablets or small ones, your tools can wear out due to improper storage. However, by following the right procedures, you can prevent these problems from occurring. If they do occur, you can address the issues and make your production run more efficiently.

Identifying problems early can prevent the need for costly repairs and maintenance. It is important to inspect your machine on a regular basis. These inspections should also include the tooling in order to ensure that it is in good working condition. Keeping an eye out for any signs of corrosion, sticking or damage can lead to the early detection of problems. If you can prevent these issues from happening, you can maximize the lifespan of your punches.

It is vital to use the correct tool steel for your tablet press. Specially selected steels are designed to withstand corrosion and other environmental effects. This will increase the durability and efficiency of your tooling. Using an external lubricant is an effective way to minimize stickiness, reduce friction between walls and tablets, and eliminate large ejection forces. It can also be used to provide lubrication embedded in the formulation.

It is also important to keep your tooling clean and free of residue. A regular cleaning cycle is crucial for preventing corrosion and other machine issues. When cleaning, remove any oil or product residue and thoroughly dry the tooling. Adding a corrosion inhibitor to the cleaning process can improve its effectiveness. Using FDA compliant grease is also a good choice to minimize corrosion on the tooling’s surface.

Maintaining a sanitary tablet press environment will also prevent corrosion from occurring. If your tooling is stored in an inadequately sealed environment, it can be exposed to moisture, which is one of the main causes of corrosion. It can also expose the iron particles in the tooling to oxygen and water. Ultimately, these factors can cause the tooling to be contaminated, which can be expensive to repair.

Training is the cornerstone of protecting operators and the tablet press

Investing in proper training is important to ensure the safety of your tablet press and its operators. You can learn new techniques and improve your manufacturing processes, reducing downtime and increasing product yield.

A tablet press is a complex machine that needs to be operated with a level of precision and care. Even small mistakes can eat away at your productivity and cost you valuable production time. For this reason, it is critical that you and your operators receive comprehensive tablet press training from your tablet press manufacturer.

In addition to educating your operators, you should also ensure that your tablet press is properly maintained. Many presses have advanced safety features that help protect your machine and your personnel. The key to making sure your machine is in top shape is to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by your tablet press manufacturer.

An overload set point is a safety value that is set by the operator to prevent the press from becoming overloaded. This value is not related to the compressing force of the tooling or the attributes of the tablet. In computerized presses, the overload value is input as a numerical value. The overload value does not change until the next product is placed on the press.

In older presses, the operator must physically adjust the counterbalance and springs. In today’s tablets, these adjustments are now controlled through touchscreen HMIs. This technology allows the operator to see the interior of the tablet press, helping to ensure a safe and accurate compression process.

The operator should carefully examine the feeder seals, which should be checked for signs of excessive wear and abrasion. Additionally, it is important to follow the instructions in the SOPs for setting recirculation components.

In addition to ensuring that your operators are properly trained, it is also important to regularly request new SOPs and training materials from your tablet press vendor. These SOPs and training materials should be updated as required to stay current with advances in technology and the tablet press. Your tablet press manufacturer should have a comprehensive technical laboratory and pilot plant.

Signs of malfunctioning

Depending on the type of tablet press machine, signs of malfunctioning may be evident on the exterior of the device. This can include wear on the tablet punches, and earmarks of damage. Cleaning and disinfecting the outside of the machine after each use can help prevent contamination and product problems. In addition, a regular cleaning and disinfecting routine will extend the serviceable life of the tablet press.

Another sign of malfunctioning on a pill press is a loose bolt. This bolt can enter the die and cause a fracture. It can also be a source of compressed air, which can trap excess formulation in hidden pockets or housings. A loose bolt may also prevent the proper adjustment of the counterbalance or springs. A loose bolt can also allow the tooling to break off. In these cases, a replacement part should be purchased.

In older presses, physical adjustments of the counterbalance or springs should be performed. This is a good time to perform a visual inspection and earmark any parts that need repair. Regardless of the type of tablet press machine, a thorough cleaning and disinfecting routine will ensure the smooth running of the device. In addition, this will keep the machine free of regulatory issues and help maintain product quality.

The overload set point is an important parameter to understand and to keep under control. Various types of pressure values are used to calculate this value. A lower pressure value provides maximum protection for the tooling. In most drawings associated with new presses, these values are listed. The overload value is not a critical processing parameter, but a safety value. Setting the overload set point correctly can protect the machine from overload situations.