Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/446555
Tablets & Capsules January 2015 32E tablets at a turret speed of 55 rpm in under 4 hours—a rate of 122,100 tablets per hour. "That's faster than the press we've been using," Santana said. With another formulation, it pro duced a 1,700-kilogram batch of 1,100- milligram tablets at 50 rpm for an out - put of 111,000 tablets per hour. In both cases, tablet weight, hardness, thickness, and all other quality attri - butes were within acceptable limits. The turret's large 540-millimeter pitch circle diameter not only allows more punch stations than a smaller turret, it yields a higher output when run at the same speed. (The press' interchangeable turret accommodates 67 BBS, 61 BB, 46 B, or 37 D stations.) At any given speed, the larger diameter allows for smoother opera - tion with less severe "ramping" or vertical movement between com - pression cycles. "We've been running the tablet press for about 7 months now, and we're very satisfied," Santana said. Furthermore, the price was right: "Almost half the price of European- branded machines." Vitatech's operators like the ma - chine, Santana said. "It's easy to use. The software is operator-friendly. Once they know the density of the powder and the weight, they set the parameters, and the machine pretty much runs itself. It helps them to make a fast start-up. They can quickly lock in the parameters they're going to need to put these products within spec." The press' process control system stores settings for as many as 200 formulations and more than 90 para - meters per formulation. Automa tic compression force and tablet weight measurement-adjustment maintain consistent weights during high-speed production, and inline sorting and rejection of out-of-spec tablets ensure quality. Automation also reduces the need for operators to intervene, preventing product conta mination and operator injury. Standing up to hard knocks The press satisfied another of Vitatech's needs: handling abrasive ingredients. "We make a calcium tablet, which is one of the most abrasive materials," Santana said. "I wanted to see how it would perform, so ACG ran some tests on it up front. It did fine." During one of their post- installation visits, ACG technicians offered some additional tweaking. "Based on tests they ran, they upgraded some of the parts on the feeder assembly from regular steel to stainless steel. With calcium being so abrasive, this will help extend the longevity of the parts. T&C Vitatech Nutritional Sciences, Tustin, CA. Tel. 714 832 9700 Website: www.vitatech.com ACG North America, South Plainfield, NJ. Tel. 908 757 3425 Website: www.acg-northamerica.com 6982 Bandini Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90040 | Toll Free: (800) 360-SGTI | Phone: (323) 726-0700 focus@soft-gel.com | www.soft-gel.com A Singular Focus We make softgels. Various shapes, sizes, and colors. Custom and stock formulas. Solvent-free. That's all we do. In a GMP-certified U.S. facility. We do one thing and we do it well. By choosing us as your softgel contract manufacturer, you can concentrate on what you do best. If we may have your attention for a moment, we'll make you the center of attention. Contact us today. Delivering custom and branded softgels, naturally. ™