In tablet compression, it’s important to know and have a good understanding of the different machine parts involved. Here we’ll provide an overview of some key parts that are used in tablet compression applications.

Critical Tablet Compression Machine Parts

There is a wide variety of integral parts used for tablet compression, including:

Tablet Compression Machine Hopper

The feed hopper is where the process begins. The ideal shape and size for this part allows the powder to flow before compressing it into tablets. It’s typically made of stainless steel because of its direct contact with granulation. Both manual and automated systems are often used, depending on the specific application.

Feeder System

Feeder systems ensure that the flow of powder is both accurate and consistent.

The Fill-O-Matic comprises two key components, including:

• Feeder housing. Material travels through the Fill-O-Matic from the hopper. This part is made of anodized aluminum with an option of stainless steel due to its direct contact with the material.
• Fill-O-Matic paddles. Many high-speed rotary tablet press machines feature Fill-O-Matic, which facilitate accuracy and consistency as material enters the die system.

Tablet Press Punches

The material, size, and shape of tablet press punches will affect tablet quality in tablet compression. These parts range from simple to complex. Because of their potential exposure to high pressures and abrasion, they are often made with high-quality materials along with a coating that protects against wear or sticking.

Tablet Press Die System

The tablet press die system determines the overall size and thickness of the tablet produced. Features of these systems include:

• Clean impression on every punch
• The ability to prevent any damage or chipping of tablets
• Non-stick treatment
• Anti-corrosion protection

Additionally, aspects such as the chamfer and the die’s bore, diameter, and height are important to consider. The angle of taper is equally crucial because it enables excess air to escape while significantly reducing frictional heat and ejection force.

Tablet Press Turret

Tablet press turrets are precisely machined and built to the exact necessary tolerances. Bores on the tablet press turret’s surface help ensure that the punch and die are properly aligned during the tablet compression process.

Tablet Press Machine Cam Tracks

These components are responsible for guiding the lower and upper punches throughout different stages of tablet compression.

Specifically, this part controls three aspects:

• Filling. The upper cam removes top punches from the die, which allows the powder to fill in the empty space.
• Compression. The lower cam track then moves the bottom punches up in the die cavity, which causes overfilling of material to facilitate accurate adjustment.
• Ejection. Once the compressed tablet has the right characteristics, the upper cam removes the top punches, while the lower punches move back up to eject the tablets using the lower cam.

Tablet Press Filling Station & Weight Control

These systems help control filling and weight through the assistance of cam systems. While cam track movement determines how much powder flows into the tablets, the bottom punch moves either lower or higher to adjust the tablet’s sizing. Excess powder is then redistributed into the next cavity.

Compression Rollers

Tablet compression systems use compression rollers to expel air from within powder before tablets are pressed. A majority of machines use a set of pre-compression rollers and main compression rollers. While pre-compression rollers apply a small amount of force on lower and upper punches to provide the initial compression force, main compression rollers form the tablets using a higher compression force.

Tablet Press Ejection Cam

Following the use of compression rollers, ejection cams move the bottom punch upwards while top cams and punches also move up. The compressed tablet then leaves the die cavity.

Tablet Take-Off and Discharge Chute

After the tablet leaves the die cavity, the tablet take-off pushes it into a discharge chute. These take-offs are located immediately above the feeder housing. The discharge chute, in turn, leads tablets to collection bins to complete the tablet-making process.

Find the Tablet Compression Machinery You Need at Fette Compacting America

At Fette Compacting America, we manufacture top-quality tablet press machines and all of the related spare parts. If you require tablet compression machine parts of any type, you’ll be able to find them in our extensive inventory.

To learn more about our spare parts and locate the right ones for your systems, browse our selection of spare parts for tablet press machines.