Italian machinery company IMA showed a range of tabletting equipment, including the Kilian Synthesis 500 force feed die feeding tablet press, which is able to reach speeds of up to 360,000 tablets/hour.
The mechanical and compression areas are completely separate, preventing product penetration into the lower compartment of the machine. This results in a reduction in maintenance operations and shorter cleaning times, as there are fewer surfaces to be cleaned.
In addition, the tablet chute, fill shoe and compression rollers can be swung out on pivotal bearings to facilitate maintenance and cleaning operations, while the turret can be removed for cleaning or for changing tooling types, This both minimises production downtime and increases flexibility. Removal and assembly of the die table can be carried out without removing the punches, and does not require skilled operators.
Also on show was the IMA C80R medium speed blister machine, capable of processing 400-600 blisters/minute. The unit has been designed to permit maximum accessibility and repeatability, making size changeover and machine cleaning easy and quick to perform.
The C80 is controlled by a single central microprocessor capable of storing all size data and with a monitor interface to the operator. A computer is also available for elaborating other process data such as specific production statistics suitable for troubleshooting.
The third piece of tableting equipment featured was the SwiftPharm multi channel electronic counter for tablets and capsules.
The machine is said to deliver twice the output of existing multitrack counters for a given footprint. The SwiftPharm has been designed to meet cGMP standards without the need for product contact change parts. The machine is 21CFR part 11 compliant.
Changeover is simple and fast without the use of tools and can be performed in less than 15 minutes excluding cleaning. Production output for the machine is 100 bottles per minute.