Scientific papers
Die filling plays a decisive role in tableting, as it governs tablet weight, its variability, and also influences mechanical strength and defect risk. While numerous studies have explored die filling on rotary tablet presses, no work has yet addressed this phenomenon on a compaction simulator. This study therefore investigates die filling behavior on a compaction simulator and contrasts it with that on a laboratory-scale rotary press. The analysis focuses particularly on the interaction between process parameters, press design, and powder characteristics. Experimental findings are further interpreted with the help of a new physics-based approach that describes the evolution of differential pressure, identified as the key driving force in die filling. On the compaction simulator, suction effects are stronger due to its configuration and higher lower-punch velocities, making the feed frame paddle speed less decisive. In contrast, on the rotary press, paddle movement is essential to maintain sufficient powder flow into the dies—especially at higher throughput—because of the reduced filling time. Using an alternative fill cam design, where the punch is partly lowered before entering the feed frame, decreases suction pressure in the filling zone and generally leads to reduced filling efficiency for poorly flowing powders. Overall, this work provides new insights into die filling on a compaction simulator and clarifies the mechanisms involved. Combined with comparative trials, it lays the groundwork for a rational scale-up model towards rotary presses.
Comments
No comments posted yet.
Add a comment
Articles you may like
Related products
Looking for additional information?
Let us help you