Tablet Press
Solid Preparation
Tablet Press Technical Specification
Rotary Tablet Press — Equipment Specification Document
1. Product Overview
The rotary tablet press is a core piece of equipment used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and chemical industries to compress powder or granular materials into tablets. Through the punch-and-die assembly mounted on the turret, the machine applies high pressure to the material during the pre-compression and main compression stages to form tablets with specified hardness, thickness, and weight.
Tablet presses are categorized into single-press, double-press, and multi-layer types. The single-press type is suitable for standard tablet production; the double-press type compresses on both sides simultaneously to increase output; the multi-layer press enables compression of bilayer or trilayer composite tablets to meet special formulation requirements such as sustained-release and fast-release combinations.
This equipment is widely used in pharmaceutical tablets, nutraceutical tablets, confectionery, and industrial compressed products, complying with international regulatory requirements such as GMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
2. Working Principle
The working process of a rotary tablet press consists of four stages:
1. Powder Filling: As the turret rotates, the lower punch descends to the fill position, and the force feeder fills powder or granular material into the die cavity. Fill depth is precisely controlled by the lower punch adjustment mechanism to determine tablet weight.
2. Pre-Compression: The turret continues rotating; the lower punch rises under the pre-compression track while the upper punch descends into the die, applying initial compression to the material to expel air and form a preliminary compact, reducing the risk of lamination and capping during main compression.
3. Main Compression: The upper and lower punches further converge under the main compression track, applying the final compression force (up to 100 kN) to achieve the target hardness and density. Compression force is monitored in real time via pressure sensors to ensure consistent tablet quality.
4. Ejection: As the turret rotates to the ejection station, the lower punch rises under the ejection track, pushing the formed tablet out of the die. The tablet exits through the discharge chute into the collection device. The entire cycle is continuously completed by turret rotation, enabling efficient continuous production.
3. System Classification
3.1 Classification by Station Count
| Stations | Typical Model | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | ZP-8 | Lab / Pilot scale |
| 16 | ZP-16 | Pilot production |
| 25 | ZP-25 | Small-medium production |
| 33 | ZP-33 | Medium production |
| 41 | ZPS-41 | Large-scale production |
| 51 | ZPS-51 | Large-scale production |
| 55 | ZPS-55 | Large-scale high-speed |
| 75 | ZP-75 | Ultra-large high-speed |
3.2 Classification by Press Type
| Type | Description | Capacity Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single Press | One tablet per station per revolution | 3,000–200,000 tabs/h |
| Double Press | Two tablets per station per revolution, doubled output | 50,000–400,000 tabs/h |
| Multi-Layer | Bilayer/trilayer composite compression | 20,000–150,000 tabs/h |
3.3 Classification by Application
| Application | Typical Products | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical | Tablets, lozenges, sublingual tablets | GMP/FDA compliance |
| Food / Nutraceutical | Vitamin tablets, calcium tablets | Food-grade materials |
| Industrial | Catalyst pellets, pesticide tablets | Corrosion-resistant / High-strength |
4. Detailed Technical Parameters
4.1 Basic Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Production Capacity | 3,000 – 400,000 tabs/h |
| Maximum Compression Force | 100 kN |
| Maximum Tablet Diameter | 25 mm |
| Minimum Tablet Diameter | 3 mm |
| Maximum Fill Depth | 45 mm |
| Maximum Tablet Thickness | 20 mm |
| Turret Speed | 10 – 60 r/min |
| Motor Power | 5.5 – 15 kW |
4.2 ZP Series Parameters
| Model | Stations | Capacity (tabs/h) | Max Force (kN) | Tablet Dia. (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZP-8 | 8 | 3,000–8,000 | 40 | 3–16 |
| ZP-16 | 16 | 8,000–25,000 | 60 | 3–20 |
| ZP-25 | 25 | 15,000–50,000 | 80 | 3–22 |
| ZP-33 | 33 | 30,000–100,000 | 80 | 3–25 |
| ZPS-41 | 41 | 50,000–160,000 | 100 | 3–25 |
| ZPS-51 | 51 | 80,000–250,000 | 100 | 3–22 |
| ZPS-55 | 55 | 100,000–300,000 | 100 | 3–20 |
| ZP-75 | 75 | 150,000–400,000 | 100 | 3–16 |
4.3 Rotary High-Speed Press Parameters
| Parameter | ZPS-41 | ZPS-55 | ZP-75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stations | 41 | 55 | 75 |
| Max Capacity (tabs/h) | 160,000 | 300,000 | 400,000 |
| Max Force (kN) | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Max Tablet Dia. (mm) | 25 | 20 | 16 |
| Turret Speed (r/min) | 10–45 | 10–55 | 10–60 |
| Main Motor (kW) | 11 | 15 | 15 |
| Machine Weight (kg) | 3,200 | 4,500 | 5,800 |
4.4 Dimensions
| Model | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZP-8 | 800 | 600 | 1,400 | 600 |
| ZP-16 | 1,000 | 800 | 1,600 | 1,200 |
| ZP-25 | 1,100 | 900 | 1,700 | 1,800 |
| ZP-33 | 1,200 | 1,000 | 1,750 | 2,500 |
| ZPS-41 | 1,300 | 1,100 | 1,850 | 3,200 |
| ZPS-51 | 1,400 | 1,200 | 1,900 | 4,500 |
| ZPS-55 | 1,500 | 1,200 | 2,000 | 4,500 |
| ZP-75 | 1,600 | 1,300 | 2,100 | 5,800 |
4.5 Powder Material Properties
| Parameter | Applicable Range |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Powder, granules, pellets |
| Bulk Density | 0.3 – 1.2 g/cm³ |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 5% |
| Particle Size Range | 50 – 500 μm |
| Flowability | Angle of repose ≤ 40° |
| Compressibility | Compressibility evaluation required |
5. Core Component Selection
5.1 Turret and Tooling System
The turret is forged from high-quality alloy steel and precision-machined to hardness HRC 58–62. Punches and dies (upper punch, lower punch, die) are manufactured to IPS standards and available in tungsten steel, alloy steel, or titanium-coated variants. Tooling is compatible with EU-D1, EU-D2, TSM and other international standards.
5.2 Force Feeder
Variable-frequency driven force feeder ensures uniform powder filling. Feeder paddles are removable for easy cleaning and replacement. Product-contact parts are made of SUS316L stainless steel, meeting pharmaceutical-grade hygiene requirements.
5.3 Pre-Compression and Main Compression System
Independent track design for pre-compression and main compression, with separately adjustable pressure. The main compression system is equipped with pressure sensors for real-time monitoring, coupled with automatic rejection to maintain tablet weight variation within ±3%.
5.4 Ejection System
The ejection track features a gradual curve design for smooth tablet ejection without damage. The discharge chute includes a dust extraction port to minimize airborne powder. Optional in-line tablet weight checking system available.
5.5 Control System
PLC + touchscreen control system supporting parameter setting, real-time monitoring, fault alarm, and data logging. SCADA integration available for MES system connectivity, meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements.
6. Typical Application Areas
6.1 Pharmaceutical Tablets
Suitable for compression of various oral solid dosage forms including plain tablets, film-coated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, lozenges, and sublingual tablets. Compatible with direct compression, wet granulation, and dry granulation processes.
6.2 Nutraceutical Tablets
Suitable for vitamin tablets, mineral tablets, herbal extract tablets, and dietary supplement tablets. The equipment adapts to different material characteristics to ensure content uniformity.
6.3 Confectionery
Suitable for mint tablets, lozenges, chewable tablets and other confectionery products. Food-grade contact parts available to meet food safety standards.
6.4 Industrial Compressed Products
Suitable for catalyst pellets, pesticide tablets, fertilizer tablets, disinfectant tablets and other industrial products. Corrosion-resistant tooling and contact parts available depending on material corrosivity.
7. Design Standards and Certification
This equipment is designed, manufactured, and inspected in compliance with the following standards and regulations:
| Standard / Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| GMP | Good Manufacturing Practice; equipment design meets GMP requirements, easy to clean, no dead corners |
| FDA 21 CFR Part 11 | Electronic records and electronic signatures; control system meets data integrity requirements |
| ISO 9001 | Quality management system certification; ensures quality control throughout design, production, and service |
| CE | EU safety certification; equipment complies with EU Machinery Directive and Electrical Safety Directive |
| Chinese Pharmacopoeia | Equipment performance meets relevant requirements of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia |
8. Custom Optional Configurations
The following custom configurations are available based on customer process requirements:
| No. | Configuration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Force Feeder | VFD-driven, suitable for poor-flow materials |
| 2 | Hydraulic Pre-Compression | For large-diameter / high-hardness tablets |
| 3 | Automatic Lubrication | Timed and metered lubrication, extended machine life |
| 4 | Dust Extraction System | Built-in / external dust extraction, reduced contamination |
| 5 | In-Line Weight Check | Real-time weighing feedback, auto rejection |
| 6 | Metal Detector Interface | Prepared interface for metal detector installation |
| 7 | Isolator / Glove Box Docking | OEB 4–5 toxic material protection |
| 8 | CIP System | Automated cleaning system, reduced cross-contamination |
| 9 | Multi-Layer Module | Bilayer / trilayer composite tablet compression |
| 10 | Data Integrity System | Audit trail, e-signature, access management |
9. Warranty Terms
9.1 Standard Warranty
The complete machine is warranted for 12 months from the date of acceptance. During the warranty period, failures caused by the equipment's own quality issues will be repaired or replaced free of charge by the supplier.
9.2 Key Component Warranty
Turret and main bearings: 24 months. Electrical control system: 12 months. Wear parts (tooling, seals, belts, etc.): 6 months.
9.3 Post-Warranty Service
After the warranty period, the supplier provides lifetime paid technical support and spare parts supply, with a response time of no more than 48 hours.
10. Packaging and Delivery
10.1 Packaging
Equipment is packed in wooden cases with moisture-proof film and shock-absorbing materials. Precision components such as tooling are individually packed in anti-rust bags. Packaging meets export maritime shipping standards.
10.2 Delivery Lead Time
Standard models: 45–60 working days. Custom models: 60–90 working days. Actual delivery time is subject to contract terms.
10.3 Delivery Contents
Main machine ×1, force feeder ×1 set, tooling ×1 set (per contract), toolbox ×1 set, operation manual ×2, certificate of conformity ×1, product test report ×1.
10.4 Installation and Commissioning
The supplier provides on-site installation and commissioning services, including equipment positioning, leveling, no-load test run, load test run, and operator training, totaling 5–7 working days.
11. Information Required for Quotation
To provide an accurate quotation, please provide the following information:
| No. | Information Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tablet Shape & Size | Round / shaped, diameter / L×W×T |
| 2 | Target Capacity | Tabs/hour or batch size |
| 3 | Material Properties | Bulk density, moisture, flowability, compressibility |
| 4 | Compression Type | Single-layer / bilayer / trilayer |
| 5 | Hardness Requirement | Target hardness range (N) |
| 6 | Applicable Standards | GMP / FDA / CE compliance requirements |
| 7 | Customization Needs | Special configuration or functional requirements |
| 8 | Power Supply | Voltage / frequency / phase |