Hopper - The
hopper contains the granulated material which is to
be tableted. It is essential that the hopper remains
charged with granule whenever the machine is running,
to prevent the upper and lower punches meeting in
the die bore.
Feed Frame
- Fed by the hopper to hold granule as it is fed into
the die.
Feed Paddles
- Ensures that the granule is kept agitated for correct
filling of the die bore. These can either be static
- using the rotation of the turret to agitate the
granule - or powered, depending on the machine type.
Draw-down Cam
- This forms the lower punch guide during the first
part of the Fill stage, and is adjustable to ensure
that the die bore is over-filled initially to allow
accurate adjustment at weight control.
Weight Control
- This forms the lower punch guide during the latter
part of the Fill stage and is adjustable to ensure
that as the punch rises, exactly the right quantity
of granule remains within the die, and therefore the
dosage of the tablet is correct.
Fill Station
- This station represents the point where the die
has been correctly filled.
Compression :
Pre-compression
Rollers - This small roller gives the granule an initial
'pinch' to remove as much air as possible before full
compression takes place. Not all machines feature
this roller, but where speed of operation and quality
of product must be combined, it is the best solution.
Main Pressure
Rollers - Applies the full, predetermined pressure
to the punches for final formation of the tablet.
Care must be taken not to apply too much pressure
at this stage - see maximum pressure chart below/opposite
and consult manufacturers handbook.
Compression
Station - This station represents the point where
full compression of the tablet is achieved.
Ejection :
Ejection Cam
- This forms the lower punch guide during the ejection
stage and is adjustable to ensure smooth ejection
without damaging the tablets.
Take-off Blade
- Fitted to the leading edge of the feed frame this
deflects the tablet down the take-off chute
Ejection Station
- This is the station where the tablet leaves the
die for take-off.
Take-off Chute
- The chute down which the tablet passes for collection
and packing.
