The following information is addressed on this page: Instrumentation and Load Monitors... - Instrumentation and Load Monitor Tablet Press Case Histories...

Instrumentation and Load Monitors...

Instrumentation and Load Monitor Technology for Tablet Presses: Ensure that your process is in control and your machinery is operating at maximum efficiency. Variations of the monitors can be built for any tablet press model, and are built to accomodate your specific needs. Your tablet press will have proven strain gage sensor technology, provide accurate compression force readings, shear pin configuration, a new yoke pin for the lower compression roll, a 15 ton capacity rating (other sizes available), will be precision machined, and have a heat treated stainless steel cell body constructed for a long manufacturing life. Compression force monitors protect your machine, tooling, helps control tablet weight, density, height, assists in detecting tablet forming and ejection forces, and helps to ensure the compressing of a quality tablet.

Standard Features: this unit contains two channels of continuous strain gage main compression roll peak force monitoring, and is expandable to additional channels for part ejection and pre-compression roll monitoring. Some of the additional features include:

• Proven PTM module strain gage signal conditioning
• 12" color touch screen panel PC with Ethernet for optional remote monitoring
• Display and monitoring of calibrated peak compression roll forces for each tablet (2 stations)
• Machine RPM and PPM display with parts counter
• Adjustable high/low alarms for both channels with alarm relay
• Seperate proximity switch timing input for each channel per staggered roll timing
• Job recipe storage for up to 250 jobs
• On-line SPC data collection
• Tablet weight and tablet height feedback adjustment outputs (0 to 10VDC)
• Housed in rugged steel NEMA enclosure with keylock door

Alarm Features: this unit has a part trend sampling routine to enable you to arrive at an average learned force benchmark for each channel

• Adjustable high and low tolerance alarms for each channel based on good part benchmarks for tool protection and tablet quality
• Adjustable discreet high and low capacity alarms on each channel for machine protection
• Dry contact latching alarm relay output activated by any alarmed condition

Data Acquisition Features: this unit provides online SPC data collection and displays peak tonnage values for each station

• Capable of storing up to 40,000 points per station for individual, average, median range and moving range, and standard deviation
• Automatic storage capability of the last 200 load signatures
• Ability to overlay and display multiple signatures
• Automatic storage of the last 1,000 alarm conditions with the date and time stamp
• Downtime reporting with programmable downtime event for each condition

Machine Adjust Output Features: these auto adjusts help to ensure the manufacture of a quality tablet

• 0 to 10VDC analog feedback output signal for two seperate tablet weight cam adjustments, these are force based to help maintain the proper compression roll force
• 0 to 10VDC analog output is a recipe based signal for two separate compression roll tablet height adjustments
• Tablet weight cam and compression roll adjustment actuators are to be furnished by the customer

Operator Screens: these are manufactured to be user friendly and utilize color and touch screen technology

• Graphical presentation allows you to view the forming forces as they are occuring
• Quality standards are ensured by the viewing of the colored charts and histograms on the monitors

Portability Features: listed as an option to help reduce cost

• Consists of a carrying handle on the top, rubber feet on the bottom
• Allows for easily moving the monitor from press to press if desired
• Plug-in wiring connections for all electrical items including plug-in connectors for the load cell, proximity switch (timing input), and alarm relay (machine stop output)
• Cables and power cords, a 30' long alarm relay plug-in cable is included to run from the monitor to the machine control, along with a 15' plug-in power cord
• Please Note: the portability unit allows for it to be moved from press to press, if desired; however, in that mode, it's assumed that each press will have its own dedicated and permanentlty mounted load cell and proximity switch for timing

Instrumentation and Load Monitor
Tablet Press CASE HISTORIES...

Stokes B2 (16 station single-sided):

2-channel compression force monitor including instrumentation, load cells for monitoring the individual compression roll forces and the ejection cam forces. The load cells are calibrated strain gage, and the compression roll load cell is a "shear pin" that will replace the existing lower compression roll pin. The ejection cam load cell is a "compression column"/"bending beam" type cell, and is a modified strain gaged version of the ejection cam. The instrumentation is based on PTM-1 signal conditioning, housed in a NEMA 4x stainless steel enclosure. The front panel has a 12" color touch screen panel PC display. The unit monitors and displays the peak tablet compression roll forces, and the ejection cam forces. Adjustable high and low alarms are included to allow for a machine shutdown in the event of an off-tolerance condition. Internal force data, and signature storage are included. In addition, for the compression roll station, a 0 to 10 VDC analog output signal is provided to allow for tablet weight cam adjustments (force based). Also, a 0 to 10 VCD analog output signal is provided for tablet height adjustments (job based). The cells are calibrated to N.I.S.T. standards. This system did not include a "validation" package.

Stokes DD2 (double-sided):

this press was used to make dextrose and sorbitol tablets, and hard candy tablets. The DD2 has multiple stations in the turret, and 2 main compression roll stations. The monitor has 4 channels, 2 channels will be used for the compression roll forces, and 2 channels will be used for the ejection cam forces. The maximum press speed is approximately 850tpm per side. That allows for standard hardware without "high-speed" modifications to be used in the monitor. The compression roll load cells are the calibrated strain gage "shear pin" type. The cell will replace the existing "yoke pins" for the lower compression rolls. The ejection force load cells were modified, and strain gaged versions were utilized for the machine ejection cams. The instrumentation was based on the standard "peak force" and "area under the curve" monitoring features. It will monitor and display the peak tablet compression forces and ejection forces for both compression rolls. Adjustable high and low alarms are included, to allow for machine shutdown in the event of an off-tolerance condition. The load cells are calibrated, and traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (N.I.S.T). This system did not include and formal pharmaceutical "validation" package.

Manesty Beta (16 station single-sided):

3-channel compression force monitor including instrumentation for use in monitoring the individual station pre-compression roll, main compression roll, and ejection forces. The machine capacity rating is 5 tons, with 1/2 ton being its normal running toannage for making tablets. The maximum turret speed is approximately 60rpm. The maximum tablets per minute is approximately 960tpm. The load cells (force sensors) are existing on the machine, and are calibrated strain gaged (strain gages embeded in the roll shafts and in the ejection cam plate). Existing sensors are wired and in full "Wheatstone" bridge arrangement, as well as proximity sensors and target for instrument timing signals. The instrumentation was based on a PTM-1 signal conditioning, housed in a NEMA 4x stainless steel enclosure. The front panel of the press has an existing 12" color touch screen panel PC display. The monitor displays the peak tablet pre-compression, main compression, and ejection forces. Adjustable high and low alarms are included to allow for machine shutdown in the event of an off-tolerance condition. Internal force data and signature storage are included. For both roll stations a 0 to 10 VDC analog output signal is provided to allow for tablet weight cam adjustments (force based), and a 0 to 10 VDC analog output signal is provided for tablet height adjustment (job based). Weight cam adjustment and tablet height adjustment motorized actuators were not included. This system did not include a "validation" package.

Manesty UniPress (27 station single-sided):

2-channel compression force monitor with optional "portability features", and custom strain gage "shear pin" load cell. They're used to monitor the main compression roll forces on a 27 station Manesty UniPress. The main compression roll tonnage capacity is estimated to be 10 tons. The machine's maximum speed is 2,500tpm. The load cell is a calibrated strian gage "shear pin" type, and will replace the existing "yoke pin" for the lower compression roll. The instrumentation shall be based on proven circuitry, modified for high-speed, and limited "peak force" monitoring operation(s). It will monitor and display the peak tablet compression forces for main compression. Adjustable high and low alarms are included to allow for machine shutdown in the event of an off-tollerance condition. Portability features are an option, and consist of a carrying handle on the top, and "plug-in" wiring connections for all electrical items to allow for easily moving the monitor from press to press if desired. The system's load cell is calibrated and traceable to N.I.S.T. The system does not include a "validation" package.

Manesty BB4 (35 station double-sided):

2-channel compression force monitor included instrumentation, and load cells. They were used to monitor the individual station's compression roll forces, and the ejection cam forces. This press was a double-sided, single-layered, or, (single-sided bi-layer) 35 station, 50rpm, approximately 1,750tpm maximum per side, 10 ton main compression force press. The load cells were calibrated strain gaged, with shear pin compression roll load cell(s). They replaced the existing lower compression roll pin(s). The ejection cam load cell(s), optional, are of the "compression column"/"bending beam" type, and were modified strain gaged versions of the ejection cam(s). Instrumentation was based on an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC platform with ultra high-speed strain gaged input modules. The front panel received a 12" color touch screen panel PC display. All items were factory wired and housed in a NEMA 4x stainless steel enclosure. The unit monitored and displayed the peak tablet compression roll forces, and the ejection cam forces. Adjustable high and low alarms were included to allow for machine shutdown in the event of an off-tolerance condition. Internal force data storage was included. Force signature storage was not included because the system was based on a PLC platform. For the compression roll stations, a ControlLogix digital servo motor output signal(s) was provided to allow for tablet weight cam adjustments (force based). ControlLogix digital servo motor output signals were provided for tablet height adjustments (job based). All load cells were calibrated and traceable to N.I.S.T. standards. This system did not include a "validation" package.

Kikusui Libra (36 station single-sided):

2-channel compression force monitor including instrumentation and load cells for use in monitoring the individual station compression roll force, pre-compression roll force, and the ejection cam force. The machine is single sided with one main compression roll station. The press operated at 60rpm maximum (typically using 40rpms). The main compression maximum load rating is 40kN, or, 9,000lbs. The load cells were existing cells and were calibrated strain gaged. The compression and pre-compression roll load cells were "shear pin" type, and were mounted in place of the original roll pins. The ejection cam load cells were "bending beam", and were modified and strain gaged versions of the ejection cams. The instrumentation was based on PTM-1 signal conditioning, housed in a NEMA 4x stainless steel enclosure. The front panel recieved a 12" color touch screen panel PC display. This unit will monitor and display the peak tablet compression roll forces, the peak pre-compression roll forces, and the peak ejection cam forces. Adjustable high and low alarms were included to allow for machine shutdown in the event of an off-tolerance condition. Internal force data and signature storage were included. Also, the compression roll station has a 0 to 10 VDC analog output signal to allow for weight cam adjustments (force based). Also, a 0 to 10 VDC analog output signal was provided for tablet height adjustment (job based). Weight cam adjustment and tablet height adjustment motorized actuators were not included. All load cells were calibrated and traceable to N.I.S.T. standards. This system did not include a "validation" package.

Cadmach (61 station single-sided):

2-channel compression force monitor included instrumentation and load cells for use in monitoring the individual station compression roll forces and the ejection cam forces. This machine had main compression and ejection stations, maximum press speed of 60rpm, and was capable of making 3,660tpm. The load cells furnished were calibrated strain gage type, and the compression load cell was a "shear pin" type. They replaced the existing lower compression roll pin. The ejection cam load cell was a "compression column"/"bending beam" type, and was modified to a strain gaged version of the of the ejection cam. The instrumentation was based on an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC platform with ultra high speed strain gage input modules. Included was a 12" color touch screen panel PC display. All items were factory wired and housed in a NEMA 4x stainless steel enclosure. The unit monitored and displayed the peak tablet compression roll forces and the ejection cam forces. Adjustable high and low alarms were included to allow for machine shutdown in the event of an off-tolerance condition. Internal force data storage was included, but force signature storage was not included because the system was based on a PLC platform. In addition, for the compression roll station, a ControlLogix digital servo motor output signal was provided to allow for tablet weight cam adjustments (force based). Also, a ControlLogix digital servo motor output signal was provided for tablet height adjustment (job based). Weight cam adjustment and tablet height adjustment servo motor actuators were included as an option. All load cells were calibrated and traceable to N.I.S.T. standards. This system did not include a "validation" package.

Applications: ideal for tablet presses, or, any operation where force needs to be measured to help ensure that a quality product is being manufactured.

Tool Management Software TM-II and Laser Vision System Inspection Device (LVS)
STANDARD FEATURES, SPECIFICATIONS and OPTIONS:

Tooling Management Software (TM-II): Designed to help tablet manufacturers improve product quality and consistency. Tool Management Software (TM-II) organizes critical punch inspection dimensions through a user-friendly, comprehensive tooling database. Combine TM-II with the laser vision system (LVS) punch inspection device to get a powerful punch inspection and tool control device.

• SOFTWARE FEATURES:
• Comprehensive tooling database: maintain complete control of your database; track and access reports on tooling information related to inspections, measurements, purchase orders, drawings, steel types, machine types and more; on-screen viewing capabilities allow easy access to view or save tooling and tablet drawings
• Increased production and minimized downtime: effectively tracks tool usage which results in the use of quality tooling and helps prevent useage of bad tooling which increases downtime
• Update and organize tool sets: save time by updating an entire set of tools at one time; organize tool sets according to the products/tablets they produce
• Enhance record keeping: quickly access details and reports on tool usage history, machine used, lot number, date, qualtity, comments and more; all reports are prepared to meet FDA requirements, and can be easily located through a tool query
• Accomodate multi-tip punches: optional multi-tip capability easilty inspects and tracks your multi-tip tooling by tracking the critical dimensions of each tip on a multi-tip punch
• CFR Part 11 Compliant: provides a complete system to hlep you achieve Part 11 compliance; this system includes a validation package, database security, electronic audits and more

Laser Vision System Inspection Device (LVS): The LVA automatically magnified, measures and collects critical punch inspection measurements of your entire tooling inventory, and stores the data in the TM-II tooling database.

• LVS FEATURES:
• LVS inspection device interface: the LVS maintains all the features from the TM-II software; features dual laser technology to ensure accurate inspection the measuring the critical punch dimensions
• Minimize possible tooling damage: non-contact laser measurements eliminate the risk of punch tip damage from handling, or, scratches and speeds up the inspection process by recording realtime measurements
• Cycle time reduction: a button is pressed to activate the laser, the measurements are collected and recorded instantly in the TM-II datebase; cycle time is reduced by automatically storing only critical tooling dimensions directly into the database
  

PLEASE NOTE: Pharmaceutical Production TechSourceŽ makes every reasonable attempt to ensure the accuracy of the information we provide for each piece of equipment or part. The purchaser should verify any information or specifications with either their knowledge of the equipment, or, have the equipment inspected by a qualified person. Measurements and shipping weights are approximated or estimated. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained in any advertising materials, including this website, as well as any quotation or other documents which may contain a description of the equipment. All quotes are valid for 30 days, and all goods are subject to prior sale. Prices do not include creighting, freight, insurance, taxes, fees, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: Quotes for equipment DO NOT include crating, freight, or insurance costs (CFI), taxes, tariffs, etc. are additional.

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