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The advantage of the gearbox is that it has fewer open moving parts. This makes the press safer to use and easier to clean and maintain.
No. Both the hopper and the boot are made from brass or plastic depending on when you bought your machine from LFA. We moved to plastic in mid 2019.
The standard tooling is made from S7 steel, but can be customized using different steel grades.
The base plate is machined from stainless steel.
Yes, there is a stop button. We would, however, also recommend installing the TDP 1.5 in a cage or perspex box.
Yes, you could but they would be quite small. Most effervescent tablets are larger to accommodate the large amount of actives that they have to hold. The TDP 1.5 is only able to make a tablet up to 8mm in diameter, so we do not recommend it for anything larger than that, unless it has been tested first.
Yes, we do. Here is a link to a video that shows you how to set up your TDP 1.5 once you receive it: TDP 1.5 Unboxing & Setup
The TDP 1.5 does not have a variable speed adjustment. It is possible to fit the press with a speed adjustment but it is not something that LFA offers as a service.
The TDP 1.5 is a little lighter than the TDP 5. It does not have a belt and exposed gears, but this does not affect its ability to make a tablet. The only thing it can not do is exert 50 kN of pressure.
The TDP 1.5 does not come with pressure load cells. It is not possible to fit them to the press.
The tooling on the TDP 1.5 is extremely durable. The life of your tooling, however, will depend on a number of things. This includes the shape of your tooling, the formulation of your mix, and the steel that the tooling is made from.
There are a number of questions to ask when determining the life of your tooling:
Does it have any chips or damage to the edge of the upper and lower punch? This section is called the land. If this is damaged it will show up in each tablet as a defect.
Do the tip faces of the punches have any cracks in them?
Is there a pitted look on the top or bottom punch face?
If you measure the working length of the upper and lower punches are they still within tolerance?
Is the upper or lower punch loose within the die bore?
Does the wall of the die bore have obvious scratches or scrapes on it?
Are you still clearly able to see the image, lettering, number or logo in the face of every tablet?
If your tooling shows any of these signs, then it could indicate that it is time to replace it.
Yes, it is almost completely the same as how you change the tooling on the TDP 5. The only difference is how you use the hand wheel to change the position of the machine so that you are able to complete the process.
Here is a link to how to change the tooling:How To Change A Die | Chaning a TDP Tablet Press Punch Die
It takes about 1-2 hours to clean, disassemble, and grease a TDP 1.5. We recommend that this is done at the end of every run to ensure the maximum life of your machine.
The easiest thing to do is send LFA some of your product for us to test.
This is not a free service, we do charge for this but it could save you buying the wrong machine.
More information can be found on this service here: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/services
It might be possible, but it is not recommended.
The motor that is on the press has been carefully selected to match all of the other parts on the press. Switching the motor for a bigger or faster one could cause excessive pressure in other areas of the press resulting in machine damage.
If you think that you require a machine with more speed or higher pressure then we would recommend that you look into a TDP 5 or RTP rotary tablet press.
Apart from the tooling, we do not offer customizations on any of the LFA Tablet Presses. The TDP 1.5 has been designed with exact tolerances and forces in mind. Changing these might prevent your press from performing as intended.
Yes, the machine comes ready to plug in and go.
It is important to remember that the TDP 1.5 weighs 60 kg, so we recommend securing it to a benchtop. This should be done before running the machine for the first time.
You will also need to tune your TDP 1.5 before using it. We do not recommend just pouring in your mix and turning on the machine. Doing this will likely cause a jam and/or damage to the machine.
Yes, it can be, but as with all products it has to be tested. It is impossible to say if every herbal product will bind because it will depend on the total tablet mix and the shape and size of the tablet.
The TDP 1.5 has an electric motor as well as a small hand wheel located on the top of the gearbox.
We always recommend tuning your press by hand before running it under power.
We do not recommend using the TDP 1.5 for long periods of time by hand. The function of the small wheel is to tune and de-jam the machine.
The TDP 1.5 has a cast steel base with an enamel coating. There are parts that have been milled from steel and brass.
The contact parts that the powders come into contact with are the steel hopper, the brass/plastic boot (depending on model), the steel of the tooling (this will change depending on tooling specification) and the steel tablet ejection tray.
The maximum pressure of a TDP 0 is 3.1 kN.
The TDP 1.5 is recommended for any tablets that are smaller than 8 mm and bind fairly well, rather than for a specific type of tablet or product. If you are unsure, then it is best to have the product tested. More information can be found on this service here: Services | Why Choose LFA Tablet Presses
Yes, some parts are interchangeable if both machines have been made by LFA Machines. The upper drift pin assembly and the lower drift pin assembly will fit.
The most important fit to check for is tooling that you may have previously purchased, because the base plates have been redesigned to fit the universal standard tooling die.
More information on the TDP Universal Tooling Standard can be found here: Tooling | Punch & Dies for TDP Pill Presses
On the old DTP 12/25, the manual rotation wheel is located on the bottom of the motor. This can make it difficult to grip.
To make it easier for the operator to use the handle in the event of a jam, you can remove the perspex between the motor and the pressing section. If you require more space than this, then the doors and back cover can be removed as well.
The DTP is easier to clean as the powders are not able to get onto the motor, electronics, gearbox and other component parts.
Another big advantage is that it complies with GMP regulations.
The DTP is, however, heavier, slower, and more expensive so it really depends on your needs.
Yes, each of the feet is on threaded studs adjustable. We would recommend however that you also ensure that the work surface that you put the DTP 25 on is also level.
No, there are a number of parts that are not the same on the two presses.
Yes. The DTP 12 and DTP 25 come with anti-vibration feet. You can always check if the bench that the machine is mounted to is sturdy or place the machine on a rubber or foam mat to reduce any noise caused by the vibrations.
The DTP 12 and DTP 25 are not traditionally very loud machines so this should not be necessary. If your machine is making excessive noise or vibrations, then please reach out to LFA for support.
On some of the older versions of the DTP 25, there are not any door alarms or sensors. However, it is possible to retroactively fit them.
On newer models, there are door sensors that shut off the machine if the doors are opened.
No, the motor has a fan built into it to keep air moving over it. It also has a large compartment for proper ventilation. Finally, the perspex case does not retain enough heat to create an issue.
No. We recommend that you find a bench, desk, or base that can hold the press at a comfortable height for the operator to work at (60-90cm).
It is also important that the bench is able to support the weight of the machine and additional items like tools on the desk without overloading it.
If you are going to be making a product that is food or pharmaceutical grade, then GMP rules dictate that the bench should have some form of washable surface such as 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Yes, you can change the tooling on the press. It is important that you are able to do this. It is not a hard process and can be done in under 30 mins.
You are not able to check the operational status or tablet information through the control panel. This only displays the speed of the machine and in the event of a jam, an error code if the emergency stop button is applied.
Yes, the contact surfaces are all food and pharmaceutical safe.
They are made from a combination of, stainless steel, chrome coated brass and the steel used for your tooling (often S7).
As such they are all compliant with most rules for food or pharma manufacturing.
We strongly recommend that you check your local laws as these do vary from state to state and country to country. If in doubt reach out, and we will be happy to find out.
Probably not, unless you have a very big autoclave. You can, however, put all of the contact parts in one. The boot, tooling and hopper are all detachable and can withstand 120°c in an autoclave of 20-30 mins.
The DTP 25 does not come with a vacuum attachment by default. It would be possible to fit one, but this is not something that LFA currently offers.
Yes, the DTP 25 takes Universal TDP tooling from LFA and is able to make a tablet with a maximum diameter tablet of 25mm.
They are both able to press tablets that are as small as each other, since tablet sizes are determined by the diameter of the tooling. LFA is able to make tooling as small as 1mm in diameter, but it is extremely expensive and prone to breaking.
Yes, you can order any set of tooling you like for the DTP and we will install it in the press before it is sent out to you. Additional tooling can be found here: TDP Tooling | Punch & Dies for TDP Pill Presses
If you would like custom tooling, then you will need to fill out a custom tooling order form and contact the sales team with the reference number that can be paired with your machine. The turnaround time for custom tooling is about 6-8 weeks. Our custom tooling order form can be found here: Custom Tooling
Yes, we could fit the DTP 25 with 3 phase power, however, we would not recommend it. It would increase costs, due to the power consumption on the motor.
Yes, it has a grub nut to hold it in place and can be removed from the end of the motor. This allows you to get a stronger grip onto the press with a tool. LFA does not provide additional tools.
Yes. The perspex case is held in place with 4 screws and can be removed for cleaning or easier access to work on the machine.
Yes, it can. The speed of the press is controlled using the speed adjustment on the control panel that is located at the top of the press.
No. The DTP 25 does not currently come fitted with load cells to show the pressure being exerted in compression or ejection.
No, it does not have a PLC. The Variable Frequency Drive that runs the main motor does have a network cable that allows you to integrate it into a larger system, but this is not something that LFA supports.
Yes, in the event that your perspex becomes broken we are able to supply a new set for you. We stock and offer several spare parts for the DTP 25.
They can all be found here:
Yes and no. The motors on the DTP 12 and 25 are both larger than the motors on the TDP 1.5. They are both flange mounted directly onto a gearbox which is then directly mounted onto the end of the top cam to drive the press.
Yes, despite the fact that they are a DTP press, we have made sure that they take the TDP Universal Tooling. This makes it easier to ensure that you are able to get the correct size tooling every time.
Yes, there are a number of methods to automatically fill the hopper of a tablet press these are:
Corkscrew / Archimedes screw - In this method, you fill a large hopper and the powder is lifted up into the tablet press using the screw. Most of these machines have an adjustable speed so that you set the speed to match the tablet press.
Drop through - This is where you mount the mixer on a stand over the top of the press. Once the mix has finished, you open the valve on the mixer and all of the powder falls into the press. This method has a number of disadvantages such as construction, cleaning, and height requirements.
Inline Vacuum Pump - This method sucks the powders out of the bin and lifts them up into the hopper. It is often controlled by attaching a sensor to the hopper so that it knows when it is full and when it needs to pump.
While all of these methods are available LFA does not sell them.
It is also important to remember that we recommend having someone with the press at all times so that in the event of an emergency or a jam they are able to shut off the press.
Finally, with the DTP 25 it is considered an R&D or small batch machine, so we would not recommend using it for large batches. Normally, an automatic feeder would be used to run a large tablet press or capsule filler for extended periods of time.
At LFA we currently offer IQ (Installation Qualification) and OQ (Operation Qualification) documents for all of our machines. We do not currently offer PQ (Performance Qualification) documents for machines. If you require them, then you will need an internal team to set up all of your own SOP’s. In the event that you have this person/team then they will be able to create your PQ documents.
No, we do not offer mini hoppers. You do not have to completely fill the powder hopper when using the press. We are able to supply you with additional hoppers if you would like to be able to have a quick turnover between production runs.
No. The DTP 25 does not come with any tools included in the cost of the press. However, most of the tools used on the press are very standard. The only tool that would not be considered standard would be a Die Insertion Ring and Die Seat Cleaner.
A link to these items can be found here: Die Seat Cleaner & Insertion Ring
"No. The DTP 25 does not come with any tools included in the cost of the press. However, most of the tools used on the press are very standard. The only tool that would not be considered standard would be a Die Insertion Ring and Die Seat Cleaner.
A link to these items can be found here: Die Seat Cleaner & Insertion Ring
The DTP comes with an emergency punch stop button as specified on the website.
Yes, there is a manual weight adjustment to help you control the fill depth of the lower punch. This allows you to control the weight of your tablets.
The machine requires constant supervision. It is unlikely that the press will jam once it has been calibrated and in the event that it does there is a pressure overload mechanism to shut off the machine. However, this does not mean that the machine should run on its own. If the machine jams, it is critical that the operator is present to apply the emergency stop button as soon as possible.
Yes, the machine does come fully assembled. The feet are attached during shipping. We support the press with 4 additional strips of wood.
On the DTP 25, there is no visual indicator for the fill depth.
You can see where the upper punch is set, giving you an estimate of the tablet thickness. However, because the tablet thickness is also dependent on the position of the lower drift pin assembly and the lower punch, the machine can not give you an exact tablet thickness measurement.
Yes, on version 2 of the DTP 25 there is a threaded hole in the top of the press just off of the centre that is designed to take an M16 threaded bolt with an eyelet. This part comes included with the press. To lift the DTP 25 insert the eyelet in the threaded hole and then use mechanical lifting to hoist the press.
On older versions of the DTP 25 there is not always a threaded bolt in the top of the press. If yours is one like this then we recommend using two lifting straps to hoist the press. Run the first strap behind the central separating perspex sheet next to the motor. Run the second lifting strap in front of the upper drift pin assembly but behind the structural supporting bar. Connect the four ends of the two straps in a single point in the centre of the press above the main cover. Make sure to protect any edges with something soft like cardboard or fabric.
The cleaning downtime of the DTP 25 will depend on how thorough you want to be. We recommend cleaning your machine in one of two ways:
1. If you are going to be continuing production from one product to another with the same tooling and no cross contamination issues, then we recommend a light clean. Here are the steps:
Remove all remaining powder from the press.
Remove hopper.
Hoover up excess powder from the inside of the press making sure to get inside the boot and around the base of the press.
Reassemble the press.
2. At the end of every day/run and if there is a potential for cross contamination, then we recommend the following procedure:
Remove all remaining powder from the press.
Remove hopper, boot and tooling.
Hoover up excess powder from the inside of the press.
Wash parts with warm soapy water.
Rinse the parts with potable water.
Sanitise the parts using a sanitising solution.
Dry the parts to reduce the chance of rust.
Lubricate the parts if specified in the lubrication schedule.
More information about cleaning the DTP series can be found here:
The first time you change a set of tooling on the DTP 25 it can take about 30-40 mins. With practice, this can easily be got down to under 10 mins.
It takes around one full day. In this time you should be able to cover tooling changes, cleaning, and maintenance.
We can provide this training for free in one of our showrooms after you purchase a press.
The machine runs at 80 dB, when at full speed.
We recommend ear protection for a long exposure as repeated noise can cause hearing damage.
The DTP 12 and DTP 25 have 6. These will take a range of different grades and viscosities of grease depending on the application.
To help you with this we have created a lubrication schedule which can be found here: Product Data
The warranty on the DTP 25 is 1 year from the date that it is shipped to you. Contact us if you need to make a warranty claim for a replacement part. Please make sure that you have your DTP 25’s serial number on hand as we will need it to submit your claim.
The motor will be warm to the touch after 30 mins of running, but not hot. The exact temperature will depend on how much strain the motor is under. Using a higher punch pressure increases the strain on the motor.
However, the motor does have a fan fitted to it for cooling.
The capacities for the hoppers on the DTP 25 and the DTP 12 are as follows:
DTP 12: 2 liters
DTP 25: 3 liters
This makes the hoppers on the DTP range much bigger than the hoppers on the TDP series.
This being said, we do not recommend under any circumstances leaving the machine unattended for long periods of time. An operator should always be present when running the machine.
That will depend on how often you use it. We would recommend cleaning it at the end of every run, and in between products where it is important to ensure no cross-contamination.
That will depend on the use of the press and the part you are greasing. We have completed a full lubrication schedule to help you understand what parts need lubrication when. The lubrication schedule can be found here:
At the moment we only offer the documentation for this machine in English. However, if you require documentation in another language, we would be happy to work with you to get them translated. Please get in contact with our team for more information.
No, it will not need to be replaced every time. To avoid cross contamination between two different products, it should be removed and cleaned between batches.
The wearpart should also be changed once it has become worn down. This part is designed to protect your tooling, die plate, and boot from excessive wear. It should be replaced once the fitting screws become flush with the face of the plastic.
You might also want to change it in the event that it collides with a lower punch. This can only happen if the press is calibrated in a way that exposes the lower punch such as overadjusting the ejection height. If this happens, then the seal might leak powder and need to be changed.
Yes. You need to keep the press within the working range of 10-40 degrees c and a relative humidity of around 70%.
If the temperature or humidity gets too high, not only will it affect the mechanics of the press but it will also likely cause issues with your powders.
No, sorry this machine is a gravity feed tablet press. Because of its design, we are not able to fit a force feeder to it. If the customer requires a press with a force feeder attachment, then they will have to look at rotary tablet presses.
Yes, the press can be used for production purposes. If you are having to run the DTP press for 8 hours a day 5 days a week, then we suggest upgrading to a rotary press. Not only would it save you time because it’s easier to use, but the cost is not much higher. The RTP 9 Rotary Press would be a good machine to look at if you are new to rotary presses.
Yes, this feature is built into all of the new DTP 25 presses.
In the old DTP 25 presses, this feature is not standard. However, they can be fitted very easily.
Yes, it is possible to make shaped tablets on a DTP machine. The pressure is adjusted in a rotational motion, so it is more tedious to use shaped tooling since you have to adjust the top punch position every time you adjust the pressure.
Yes, but it is not as easy. There is a handle mounted on the bottom of the motor that allows you to tune the press.
There is also a jog function on the press that allows you to rotate the machine slowly. This can also be used to change tooling and tune the press. It is important to remember that if using the jog function the doors will still have to be closed. Also, if the machine jams, the operator should release this button immediately.
No. In 2017 LFA made the decision to standardise all desktop tablet presses to one size of tooling. This is called TDP Universal Standard Tooling. We have also adopted this size of tooling in our DTP range of presses.
The full details of this tooling size can be found here on our website: TDP Tooling
The DTP 12 or 25 will come with a plug wired to run on your local power supply. If you think that you might require something special then please do get in contact with the sales team.
Yes, on version 2 models of the DTP 25 there is a jog button. It is the yellow button in between the red and the green button.
There is an emergency stop button and a power isolator switch on the machines.
On the side of the press, there is a powder isolator switch. This has the ability to be locked with a small lock.
Yes, the press does have a variable speed control. It can be run between 10-50 RPM.
This speed control is varied using a variable adjuster and the speed is shown on an LCD readout.
Note: It technically can be run slower than 10 RPM but the press is likely to not have the kinetic motion to complete the compression of a tablet.
No. We do not currently offer an option to have the tablets come all the way out of the press and go directly into a tablet de-duster.
This is because the DTP 25 is not designed to do large runs of tablets. If you plan on producing more than around 1,000 tablets at a time, we highly recommend the RTP 9 Rotary Tablet Press.
Yes, we have a full manual for the DTP 25. This can be found here: Product Data
This includes instructions on how to use the control panel.
Yes, the tooling is changed in the same way as all TDP tooling. The top punch is held in place with a locking nut, the die is held in place with 2 set screws, and the lower punch is held in place with a grub nut.
The one way in which it varies from the TDP range is that the baseplate is not able to be removed. This means if the centre die gets stuck in place, you will need to lower the ejection height and lift lift up the die by hand.
No. At LFA we do not offer customization on any of our machines other than tooling. This allows us to support you with the parts that we keep in stock.
If you are pressing a food grade product then we would recommend a combination of H1 And H2 greases. This will depend on your company's own internal practices. We also have a lubrication schedule that tells you the recommended viscosities and how often to apply the lubrication. This can be found here: Product Data
The control panel on the top controls the stop, start, and jog functions as well as the speed of the press.
The pressure of the DTP is adjusted on the top of the Upper Drift Pin Assembly and the fill depth is adjusted with the lower drift pin assembly.
This depends on your product. If your product is very fine and free flowing, then you will get a higher percentage of loss than if your product is granular. Most products on a DTP 25 will have a loss rate of about 1-5%. If it is higher than this, then it would be worth speaking with our team about how to best reduce it.
Honestly, not a lot. Aesthetically speaking, the DTP would look nicer, but the TDP 6s in a cage or a perspex box will perform to a very similar standard. The only difference would be the speed adjustment which the TDP 6s does not have. The ability to adjust the speed on the DTP allows you to adjust the dwell time.
This machine will last 10+ years with the manual’s recommended maintenance.
The first parts that will go out will be wear parts such as the Teflon on the bottom of the boot. After this, there are a number of bushings that support the top cam that will wear out of tolerance.
The tooling will also need to be changed. The life of this will depend on the product that is being pressed.
All of these parts can easily be replaced.
The hopper capacity of the DTP 25 is approximately 3l. Depending on the bulk density of your powders, this will hold around 3-5 kg. It is, however, important to remember that the press should not be left unattended during production and that an operator should be with the machine at all times.
Yes, the maximum size for shaped and round tablets on the DTP 12 and 25 are the same as round shaped tablets.
You can run the DTP 25 with 50g of your mix. The thing that you need to be aware of is that the lower you go with the amount of powder in the hopper, the less consistent the tablets will be. You can combat this by running the press slower but this will also increase the dwell time.
The DTP can be set up to run on 110v for the USA and 240v for the UK and Europe. The main motor on the machine consumes 1.5 kW for the DTP 25 and 1.1 kW for the DTP 12.
Please contact us if you are unsure about the power supply you have for the specifications of the machine.
The DTP is not really any easier to use than the TDP range. The way that you adjust the punch pressure and fill depth is very similar.
The fact that the DTP will not run without the doors being closed means that the operator is unable to get access to any moving parts. With the TDP 5 and the TDP 6s, there are exposed moving parts that the operator has to be aware of.
On the DTP there are no cast parts. The majority of the contact parts are either made from aluminium, stainless steel, or Teflon.
The only parts on the RTP 33 that are not covered under warranty are the tooling sets. If you receive tooling that is not exactly to the specifications defined in the tooling drawings, then we will offer a refund or have them remade. The warranty is valid for 12 months, the complete terms and conditions can be found here:
We would recommend the DTP 12/25 over an RTP 9 if you needed to do very small runs of tablets for testing or in a compounding pharmacy. The time it takes to clean and change the tooling on the DTP Tablet Presses is a lot shorter than the RTP 9’s. On the other hand, if you need to produce larger batches of tablets, then you should go with the RTP 9.
All of the contact parts can be found in the IQ/OQ documents here:
They are 304 SS, GCr15 (or S7/D2 depending on tooling) and Acrylic.
There is no difference in the tooling for the DTP 12 and DTP 25. They both take TDP Universal Tooling. More details on TDP Universal tooling can be found here: TDP Tooling
The handle to operate the machine manually on the DTP 12 or 25 is currently located on the bottom of the motor.
No, the perspex should not condensate. Tablet presses work when pressing dry powders. With that said, there should be no moisture on the inside of the press to condensate onto the perspex.
On top of this, the perspex casing is not perfectly sealed, so it will not retain any humidity in the press, making it hard for condensation to form.
No, it will not. It has two sensors that will shut the machine off in the event that the doors are opened.
Some of the older machines are not fitted with this function, however we are able to fit them as an aftermarket addition.
None, it gives a readout of the speed at which the press is running.
These machines are normally used for R&D and small batch production. The reason for this is that if the user did need to run it daily then they would be much better off investing in an RTP 9 for the same or less money.
Yes, the TDP 0 is an extremely simple machine. You will find that you can strip it down and clean it with very little effort.
No, sorry, that is just is not possible.
Technically you can use multi-tip tooling with the TDP0, but as the maximum diameter size is 10mm, all of the punches would have to fit into this space resulting in very small tablets. They would have to be around 3-4 mm because below this they would be too small and above this, they would be too big. On top of this multi-tip tooling is incredibly expensive. It would be worth buying a DTP 25 for this type of tooling.
Yes, you can, but we do not sell larger hoppers. Also, since this machine is operated manually, it might not be helpful because of the time it takes to empty a full hopper of powder. Because of this, we recommend refilling your hopper as you go to avoid particle separation.
The TDP 0 does not have to be bolted down, but we highly recommend it. The machine does not come with bolts, but this can be determined based on the thickness of your work surface.
To calculate the length of the bolt required, first measure the thickness of your surface, and then add 35 mm for the thickness of the TDP 0 base and the thread of the nut and the washers. You will then need to order 4 x M6 bolts in the length that you calculated, as well as 4 x M6 nuts and 8 x M6 washers.
This will be all you require to bolt down the press securely.
This is a hard question as it is done on personal strength and the pressure is adjustable. If you think about it, it is as hard as possible before you can't make the rotation any more. This is the same as a TDP with a motor, the max pressure is as much as the motor can exert before the press jams.
The TDP can operate as long as the user can rotate the arm on the machine.
We have been able to get speeds of around 30-50 tablets per minute, but the machine will only run for as long as you have the energy to keep it turning.
It is hard to keep up 30-50 tablets per minute for long.
If you need to make more than this then we recommended the TDP1.5 or TDP 5.
Yes, you can make very strong tablets with 15kN. It will, however, depend on more than just the pressure. The size, shape, and formula will also determine the quality and strength of a tablet regardless of the machine. Increasing the pressure does not guarantee that your tablet will be stronger.
It is a very sturdy machine. However, if it arrives in less than perfect condition, please contact us and we will make sure to get you back on track.
This will depend greatly on the products you are pressing. If you are making food or pharmaceutical products, then you are going to need food or pharmaceutical safe cleaners.
When you clean the machine, make sure that it is completely dried and oiled afterwards to avoid any rusting of key parts.
More information on cleaning and maintenance for the TDP 0 can be found here:
These gears are known as cogs and are used to tune the press by setting the tablet weight and ejection height. The upper drift pin assembly is used to adjust the pressure.
You can watch a video on this here: Setup the Fill Depth, Punch Pressure & Ejection Height on a TDP 5 Tablet Press
The ideal condition for manufacturing tablets using the TDP 0 is a cool, clean, and dry environment. For the best results, we recommend using directly compressible or granulated powders.
The maximum tablet diameter possible on a TDP 0 is 10 mm, but this will vary depending on the properties of your tablet mix.
This will really depend on the bulk density of your tablets. Watch this video for more information
The best way to describe this is with a trick question: What weighs more, a ton of feathers or a ton of lead?
The answer is neither since they both weigh a ton, but their dimensions are different. This is the same with powders. You can have some that are like sand and some that are light and fluffy, so compressing them to the same size does not always mean that you will yield the same weight results because their particles hold weight differently.
We recommend a strong and sturdy table that can hold more than 24 kg, since you will also be operating the machine on it. It is useful if you can bolt the machine down or use a set of clamps to secure it in place.
There are a few interchangeable parts if both machines have been made by LFA Machines. From the TDP 0, this includes the tooling, the lower drift pin assembly, and its corresponding set of cogs.
The most important fit to check for is tooling that you may have previously purchased, because the base plates have been redesigned to fit the universal standard tooling die.
More information on the TDP Universal Tooling Standard can be found here: Tooling | Punch & Dies for TDP Pill Presses
All other parts are custom to this press.
No. The hopper is currently 304 stainless steel, although we are migrating to plastic. The boot is made from brass, again we are migrating over to plastic boots. The tooling is made from the steel grade that you have selected and can not be made from stainless steel as it is too soft. The ejection tray is made from steel.
No, sorry the warranty is for parts only. If you need your machine serviced and you do not feel confident to do this, then we would be happy to do so. This is, however, a charge for service. More information on this can be found here: Services | Why Choose LFA Tablet Presses?
Yes, we can come and service your TDP 6s if you would like us to. It is, however, a service that we charge for so you may find that we are not the best people to do it. Here is a link to the costs involved:Services | Why Choose LFA Tablet Presses?
We are also happy to guide you through the service and maintenance of your machine. We do this in two main ways:
The manual, a copy of which can be found here:TDP 6s Desktop Tablet Press User Manual
And, with online videos. All of the TDP 6s videos can be found here:Desktop Tablet Press Videos
According to LFA's website, the max tablet diameter of the TDP 6s is 22 mm. Do I just need to order 22 mm tooling for this, or will anything else need to be changed?
Yes. We are able to make multi-tip tooling for the TDP 6s.
However, multi-tip tooling can be expensive. If you are looking to produce high numbers of tablets, then we recommend purchasing an RTP Rotary Tablet Press.
No. It is not possible for a TDP 6s to be modified to have a pre-pressure function. This is because it is a simple up and down motion. If you think that you need a pre-pressure function on your press, then you will need an RTP Rotary Tablet Press. For more information on this, please do reach out to the team.
No, we do not recommend this. The TDP 6s has been specifically developed for the longer dwell time and higher punch pressure. Changing the motor on the TDP 6s for the motor on the TDP 5 will not make it faster but instead only make your machine less effective.
No. The TDP 6s that LFA sells does not come with a variable speed controller.
It is possible to fit one as an aftermarket customization but this is not a service that LFA offers. It is important that this is only done by a qualified electrician.
Yes, we would recommend installing the entire press inside a cage or perspex box.
Tools are not supplied to use on the TDP 6s press.
No. The TDP 6s uses what is known as TDP Universal Tooling™ this is a type of single station tooling that is used in all of the TDP range.
Rotary press tooling has a very different construction and can not be used in TDP presses.
Yes. We have a basic manual for the TDP 6s and we are currently working to bring out improved versions. A link to the manual can be found here: TDP 6s Desktop Tablet Press User Manual
If you have any feedback on the manual or think that something should be added then we would love to hear from you.
You would have to test it on a machine that is able to give you precise pressure readouts. These are available but are not something that LFA supplies.
The pressure on the TDP 6s is adjusted through the thumb screw on the eccentric sheave strap at the top of the machine. If you adjust this in a downwards motion then you will increase the punch pressure, if you adjust it in an upwards direction then you will decrease the pressure.
This is easier than on other TDP presses as you do not need any tools at all to perform this adjustment. It can be done by hand in moments.
A video on how to do this can be found here: How to Adjust the TDP 6s Tablet Press Punch Pressure
Maintenance on the TDP 6s is very short. There are five grease nipples that need grease pumped into them and cogs that need grease applied to them. This can be done in 10-15 mins.
We also recommend cleaning your press at the end of every production run and removing the tooling to store it in oil. This can take about 1 hour but will dramatically extend the life of your machine.
More information on maintenance for your TDP 5 can be found here:
Yes, we do still support manufacturing tooling for the TDP 6s, however we no longer hold any stock items of the tooling. If you need to order TDP tooling of any dimensions please do reach out to the team and let them know what you are looking for. We would be happy to help.
More information on TDP tooling can be found here: TDP Tooling | Punch & Dies for TDP Pill Presses
No. This machine is only able to make tablets.
It is able to make different size and shape tablets including capsule shape but this is a tablet, not a capsule.
No. If you don’t want to use a binder, then the best thing is to use is a capsule filler since you are just filling the empty capsule shell with your active material.
You should first look at your tableting mix. If you are able to get this right then the powder should bind into a tablet. If you have tried a few mixes and a form of granulation, then the next step would not be another type of tablet press but a capsule filler.
Yes. You have to adjust the pressure whenever you change the tooling. This is for two reasons. Firstly you will have adjusted the setting even just a small amount by taking out the old tooling. Secondly, the new set of tooling will have a slightly different length to the old tooling. This will not be perceptible just from looking at it but a small difference will exist.
When you put in the new tooling the press both of these tiny changes can have a big impact on the tablet that you are making.
Because of this, it is important to make sure that you re-tune the press every time you change the tooling or the mix being put in the press.
Yes, we will cover the warranty but only on the parts that you have not changed or modified. If you are in doubt then please do reach out to the team and check with them first.
No. Sorry the motor on the TDP 6s is set at 3000 per hour. This is so that it has the torque and pressure to achieve 60kN.
Theoretically, yes. All of the pressure of the machine is put through one point where the fill adjustment cog meets the base. This happens during the production of every tablet. You could, in theory, insert a load cell at this point in the press. This, however, is not something that LFA offers or is really able to support.
Yes, you received the correct machine. At LFA we are constantly working to improve the quality of our machines. We are not able, however, to update the photos and the videos on the website every time we make an improvement.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you got a TDP 6s then the best thing to do is to look on your machine. On your press will be the machine plate which is marked with your serial number along with the make and model of your machine. This will be clearly marked as a TDP6s.
Yes, this could be down to corrosion or due to oxidation of your product. We would highly recommend taking your tooling out of the press and cleaning it at the end of every production run.
We would also recommend polishing the tooling to keep the surfaces clean and less likely to cause picking or capping.
Then the lower punch will come free from the die cavity and it will damage the tooling. Please do not do this.
It is important that you always turn the press over by hand before using the motor. If the press will not eject the tablet then this could be due to the fact that the lower punch has come out of the die bore. If this has happened then you will need to guide it back into place and decrease the fill depth until it is held in place.
Yes, this can happen because the boot bolt and spring have been screwed too far into the press or have not been screwed in far enough. It is important to make sure that the bolt is in the correct position before over tightening the set screw.
It should be pointed out that it will not affect the operation of the press if it is damaged.
The TDP 6s is able to do 2 things that the other TDP presses can not.
It is able to easily make shaped tablets. While the other TDP presses are able to make shaped tablets the TDP 6s does this with the least hassle and highest accuracy.
The TDP 6s is able to apply higher pressure for longer amounts of time. Because it is slowed down, the dwell time is much higher than on the other TDP presses. Combining this with the higher potential pressure output means that the press is able to oftentimes make stronger tablets.
That will depend on what is known as your powder bulk density of your tablet mix. The easiest way to think of this is in the children's joke: What weighs more a ton of lead or a ton of feathers?
The joke is that they both weigh the same. Only one is much bigger than the other. Tablet presses work in the same way. The press does not weigh out your tablet mix. Instead, it uses the volume of the die cavity to fill and then this is the weight of the tablet.
So if your mix is very dense and granular then you will be able to make a very heavy tablet. If your mix is very light and fluffy then you will not be able to make a very heavy tablet.
The best thing to do is calculate the bulk density of your powder and then use this to work out what size tooling you will need to achieve the target weight for your tablets. A link to the video on how to work out your bulk density can be found here: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/videos/calculating-bulk-density-making-a-tablet-pill-mix
The maximum diameter of the die is 22 mm regardless of if you are using the motor or operating the machine by hand. This is what LFA recommends. The problem that most customers face is with wanting to use the maximum diameter along with the maximum fill depth and the maximum pressure.
If this is your requirement then it is important to test it before buying the press. Maxing out the press in every respect is difficult and can only be achieved with the perfect mix.
That will depend on what is known as your powder bulk density of your tablet mix. The easiest way to think of this is in the children's joke: What weighs more a ton of lead or a ton of feathers?
The joke is that they both weigh the same. Only one is much bigger than the other. Tablet presses work in the same way. The press does not weigh out your tablet mix. Instead, it uses the volume of the die cavity to fill and then this is the weight of the tablet.
So if your mix is very dense and granular then you will be able to make a very heavy tablet. If your mix is very light and fluffy then you will not be able to make a very heavy tablet.
The best thing to do is calculate the bulk density of your powder and then use this to work out what size tooling you will need to achieve the target weight for your tablets. A link to the video on how to work out your bulk density can be found here:Calculating Bulk Density - Making a Tablet Pill Mix
There are a number of advantages of the TDP 6s over not only the TDP 5 but all of the other TDP presses. The main one is how easily it is to press shaped tablets. It is able to do this because of the way that it adjusts the punch pressure on the machine. It does it using a linear motion rather than a rotational motion.
A video of how to adjust the pressure can be seen here:How to Adjust the TDP 6s or 7 Tablet Press Punch Pressure
The TDP 6s can have a yield rate as low as 90%. This will depend on how fine your powders are. If you need to reduce your waste then you should consider an RTP Rotary Tablet Press or granulation.
The most common wear part on the TDP 6s is the boot. This comes in direct contact with the die cavity and can be hit or chipped by the upper and lower punches. This is made of brass so that the tooling is protected in the event of a collision. Because of this, the boot is soft and will wear over time. If anything, we recommend keeping a spare to avoid losing production time.
In addition to the boot, there are four bushings in the TDP 6s that are also made from brass and designed to wear over time. It is likely that you will never have to change these.
We also recommend that you keep at least 1 spare set of tooling as this can break or wear over time.
LFA does aim to hold all major spare parts and tooling in stock so that they are ready to ship out in the event that you need them. The lead times on sold out parts, however, can take up to 6-8 weeks.
The TDP 6s is better for making shaped tablets due to the way the pressure is adjusted. The pressure adjustment happens in a linear motion. This means when you are tuning the press with a shaped set of tooling you do not need to worry about having to re-align the upper punch with the die bore every time you adjust the pressure. This saves not only a lot of time but reduces the risk of damaging your upper punch on the die bore.
If your mix binds really well, then there is no reason. If, however, you need a longer dwell time, higher pressure or to make shaped tablets, then you might find that the TDP 6s is better suited to your needs.
If your main concern is production capacity, then we would recommend the RTP range of tablet presses.
In theory yes, but in practice, not necessarily.
The TDP 6s has 60kN of pressure which is the highest amount of any of the TDP presses. This and the fact that it runs slower is increasing what is known as dwell time. This means that your powders are under compression longer which increases the hardness of your tablets. So, if you put the same mix in a TDP 5 and a TDP 6s, in theory, the TDP 6s should produce a stronger tablet.
This being said, the press used to make a tablet is not the only thing that has a bearing on how hard the tablet eventually comes out. So if you mix is very directly compressible then using a TDP 6s instead of a TDP 5 will make it no stronger or harder.
Similarly, if your powder has no binding properties at all then it will not matter how much pressure you apply. You might never be able to make a hard tablet.
The tooling that fits the RTP 33 can also be used in the RTP 9 and RTP 41. The spare parts on the RTP 33 are not interchangeable with the other RTP models.
Yes and no. There are products that are more difficult to compress into tablets than others. As a result, these might require excipients to help the product bind into a tablet. If you have a formula which requires more force than 40 kN, and you are not able to increase the amount of binding agent, then the RTP 33 is not the right machine for you. If you are able to increase the amount of binding agent and decrease the amount of active ingredient, then the RTP 33 will work for your needs.
This is possible only if the weight of your tablets do not need to be the same in each shape and if your formula has excellent direct compression. Essentially, if you are able to press a tablet using the largest of the tooling sets, then the rest of them should work as well.
If you require a lower maximum fill depth to help prevent waste, then yes this is possible, but you will need to reach out to your regional LFA office to order the necessary parts. However, we are not able to increase the maximum fill depth on the RTP 33.
Yes, you can put different formulations in each hopper as long as they have similar flow properties and would not react with one another. This would typically only be done when producing a dual layered tablet which would require some modifications to the machine for this to be possible.
It would be possible to use different formulations in each hopper without making a dual layered tablet as long as there was no issue with cross contamination because that certainly would occur to some extent.
Yes, the RTP33 can be run using only one hopper. However, you will be cutting the production capacity of your machine in half so there likely is no reason you should do so. It would be a better idea to simply slow down the turret to decrease the rate of production.
The standard RTP 33 does not come with a turret that fits Euro (ISO 18084) or TSM tooling. The turret and cams would need to be changed in order to accommodate this. You would be better off purchasing RTP tooling which is designed to fit the RTP 33.
Yes, the RTP 33 is capable of making dual layered tablets, however some modifications would be required to make this possible. It is recommended that you either order your machine with the dual layered tablet capability or return your machine to LFA so that our technicians can make sure that the change is completed properly. That being said, if you have an experienced technician on hand the parts are available to purchase in a set.
Yes, the RTP 33 will be able to function properly with corrosive materials. However, specialized tooling would need to be used to help prevent wear and to extend the life of the machine. The machine would also need to be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated every time it is used. Any corrosive material used with a machine will cause excessive wear to the wear parts. As a result, it is likely that they will need to be replaced more often.
Unless you have a formula with excellent direct compression and flow properties you should never run the RTP 33 at its maximum speed. On any rotary press, as you increase the speed of the turret’s rotation, you are also decreasing the dwell time. This refers to the amount of time that the tablet is under compression. As dwell time decreases, so does the compression force, so increasing the speed on a rotary press actually decreases the amount of pressure that machine is using. Even at the highest pressure setting, this will still be true as you increase the speed of the turret's rotation. For this reason it is not recommended to run the machine at its highest rate of production.
Unless you have a formula with excellent direct compression and flow properties you should never run the RTP 33 at its maximum speed. On any rotary press, as you increase the speed of the turret’s rotation, you are also decreasing the dwell time. This refers to the amount of time that the tablet is under compression. As dwell time decreases, so does the compression force, so increasing the speed on a rotary press actually decreases the amount of pressure that machine is using. Even at the highest pressure setting, this will still be true as you increase the speed of the turret's rotation. For this reason it is not recommended to run the machine at its highest rate of production.
Yes, it will be very important for the operator to have a thorough knowledge of the cleaning and maintenance processes for the RTP 33. Cleaning should be done after each day the machine is in operation or in between batches where cross contamination could be an issue. Maintenance should be performed regularly, as stated in the lubrication schedule. Both the cleaning and lubrication schedules can be found here:
The RTP 33 comes with a keyed upper turret, however, if you are interested in purchasing a refurbished machine, it is always best to contact the relevant office to inquire if the machine does in fact come with one. If your product requires both the upper and lower turrets to be keyed, this will have to be done in our factory. The lead time for this will be about 8 weeks.
The RTP 33 does not have a force feeder option and is fed by what is known as a gravity fed system. A gravity fed system includes a specially designed hopper that feeds the powder into the feeder tray. The feeder trays are designed to allow the powders to drop into the die cavity when each station is positioned above the fill cam. The fill cam pulls the lower punch downward to allow for the die cavity to be completely filled prior to moving to the dosing cam. The dosing cam will then push out the excess powders and only the amount you have tuned your machine to will remain.
The RTP 33 does not have the ability to display a readout of the amount of pressure that the machine is tuned to. You could determine the amount of pressure being used by putting the finished tablets through a hardness test.
Yes, the speed of the RTP 33 is adjustable. This adjustment is done by manually turning a wheel on the front side of the press. The press also uses a clutch system which allows you to engage and disengage the turret rotation.
The RTP 33 comes with anti vibration feet which will help prevent the machine from moving around during operation while also reducing the vibration and overall noise. The weight of the machine alone is enough to keep the machine in place, though it is important to note that the machine will need to be installed on a level surface.
The speed of the RTP 33 will have some effect on the life of the tooling. However, this ultimately depends on how the tooling is maintained and the materials that you are compressing.
The RTP 33 is best suited for industrial production of fertilizer, chlorine, and ceramic tablets which would not be meant for human consumption. That being said, the RTP 33 is perfectly capable of producing tablets which are safe for human consumption. It would just depend on the regulations in the state or country you will be operating within.
The RTP 33 is a very durable machine due to its construction. As with all of the RTP rotary tablet presses, there are wear parts that are designed to be relatively easy to replace and to extend the lifetime of the machines.
The RTP 33 ships via FedEx freight in a wooden crate. The machine is bolted to a steel pallet inside. It is important to keep both the crate and pallet in the event that you need to have the machine sent back for repair or transport it to a new facility.
A basic cleaning will take around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how difficult the tablet formula is to clean. A thorough clean, which would include removing the turret, will take up to a working day. Unless you have experienced staff and the means of safely lifting the turret off of the machine, it is recommended that you send the machine back to LFA for this level of maintenance.
It is recommended that the RTP33 be cleaned and maintained as per the cleaning matrices and lubrication schedules found here:
Being that there are 33 stations and not 9 or 10 respectively, it will take a bit longer to fully clean the RTP 33. A basic clean down should take around an hour and a half for the RTP 33.
Only one operator is required to operate the RTP 33. It is LFA’s recommendation that the operator remain present while the machine operates.
This will depend on how well the RTP 33 is maintained over the course of its lifetime. With proper care, including the replacement of wear parts and tooling when needed, the machine should be able to produce 4.5 billion tablets. The tooling would need to be refurbished or replaced over time but it is certainly within the capabilities of the machine.
There are several differences between the RTP 33 and RTP 41. The RTP 41 comes with perspex doors which prevent contamination during production while also containing finer powders from entering the working environment. The RTP 33 does not have this feature. The RTP 41 also utilizes a Human Machine Interface, or HMI, to help monitor production and control the speed of the turret. The RTP 41 also has a higher maximum pressure of 80kn as compared to the 40kn of the RTP 33.
Yes, the RTP 33 can be fitted with a variable frequency drive, or VFD, which would allow you to run the press as slowly as needed.
The RTP 33 can be installed in an inexpensive cage which would make it more compliant in most instances. Unfortunately, there is not much more that can be done to make the RTP 33 more in compliance with regulations. You would be better off going with the RTP 9, RTP 10i, or RTP 41 if you are looking for a compliant rotary tablet press.
Unfortunately, the fill depth on the RTP 33 can not be increased to accommodate a larger tablet height.
Yes, the RTP 33 is capable of making dual layered tablets however there would be some modifications made and additional parts to make this possible.
The turret on the RTP 33 can be replaced in a day, though the change will require the use of a forklift or mechanical hoist system. We recommend that the machine be returned to your nearest LFA facility in order to properly replace the turret.
This will depend on your production capacity needs as the RTP 33 has a considerably higher rate of production. The reason for this is because it has 33 stations compared to 9 and the RTP 33 presses and fills on both sides of the turret and the RTP 9 does not. The RTP9 is suitable for the production of food grade products, however, so depending on the product you are making the RTP 9 may be the best option for your needs.
This will depend on the regulations in the state/province/country which the machine would be operated in. That being said, the RTP 33 would not qualify as a machine which would be suitable for most cleanroom environments.
Every LFA machine goes through a factory acceptance test or FAT both before it leaves the factory floor, and prior to being shipped to our customers. This is to ensure that any defects or issues can be dealt with prior to the machine arriving at your facility.
The RTP 33 allows the operator to adjust the speed, however, it does not come equipped with a variable frequency drive or VFD. This can be added to the machine, though this may add to the price and lead time.
Yes, the IQ/OQ documentation for the RTP 33 can be found on the website and through the following link:
The manual and other documentation for the RTP 33 can be found here:
To ensure that you have the most recent version of the RTP 33 manual, you can always access and download it from our website. This can be found at the bottom of any page under “Product Data”, which is located under the Policies section.
The RTP 33 is no more difficult to tune and operate than the other RTP models. That being said, there is no Human Machine Interface or HMI as seen on the RTP 10i and RTP 41. The HMI allows users to monitor the fill depth and pressure settings on a tablet press, as well as the rate of production.
It depends on your location as every country has a different set of rules to define GMP compliance. We recommend checking your local regulations if you are unsure.
When you feel resistance on the adjustment knobs on the RTP 33, it is because you're attempting to make the adjustment while the tooling is under compression. You will need to make adjustments when the punches are not making contact with the roller cams.
Yes, the RTP 33 is perfectly capable of producing tablets as well as pellets. The reason that it is listed as a pellet press is because the machine is not suitable for most cleanroom environments.
The construction materials of the RTP 33 can not be changed. We recommend one of our other RTP rotary press models should this be required by your regulatory authorities.
RTP 33 vs RTP 9
The RTP 33 will utilize 33 tooling sets while the RTP 9 only has room for 9 so the production capacity will be far greater on the RTP 33. RTP 33 is able to fill and press and fill on both sides of the turret which also allows for a much higher production capacity. If you require more than 100,000 tablets a week you will be better off going with the RTP 33. The RTP 33 also has a larger footprint then the RTP 9 will have. Both the RTP 33 and RTP 9 lack the Human Machine Interface or touchscreen control as seen on our other rotary presses.
RTP 33 vs RTP 10i
There are many differences between the RTP 33 and the RTP 10i, the most obvious being the amount of tooling sets which can be fitted on each machine. The RTP 33 takes 33 tooling sets, while the RTP 10i can be fit with 10 tooling sets. Another difference is the materials used to build the machines. While the RTP 10i exterior is stainless steel, the RTP 33 is cast iron which has been coated in heavy duty enamel. This will make the RTP 33 unsuitable for certain applications. The RTP 10i also has a pre-pressure feature which helps to reduce ejection forces. This is helpful when when working with difficult formulations. The RTP 10i is also equipped with a force feeder, whereas the RTP 33 uses a gravity fed system. If your formulation does not have decent flow properties, it may be necessary to go with a machine which utilizes a forced feeder. The RTP 10i also has a higher maximum pressure (80kn) than that of the RTP 33 (40kn.)
RTP 33 vs RTP 41
The RTP 41 has 8 more stations than the RTP 33, so it will have a slightly higher production capacity. There is also a higher maximum pressure on the RTP 41 (80Kn) then that of the RTP 33 (40Kn.) The construction materials for the RTP 41 will also be in line with most GMP requirements, whereas the RTP 33 will not. The RTP 41 also has a slightly larger footprint than the RTP 33. Other than that, both machines will press tablets on both sides of the turret and can be modified to press dual layered tablets as a result.
As with all machines, the RTP 33 has parts that need to be changed over time or can become damaged through user error. Below is a list of parts that are most frequently damaged or have been designed to wear to protect more expensive parts of the press.
Tooling - The tooling on the RTP 33 can become chipped or broken. Lead times for a new set of tooling can take as long as 6-8 weeks, so we recommend having a spare set or two. This is especially true if you have custom tooling.
Here is a link to the tooling page where it can be purchased: Tablet Press Tooling
Fill Tray - On the RTP 33, there is a Fill Tray, or feed frame, that is used to spread the powder over the die table and into its cavity. It has been formed from cast brass with chrome plating. Because this part sits directly in contact with the turret and the die table, it has been designed to wear. This protects not only the die table, but also the tooling. If this part is damaged by a die that is sitting above the die table, for instance, then it is possible to refinish it using a flat stone, some oil, and 3000 grit sandpaper. When the “gates” underneath this part are so small that powder is unable to pass smoothly between them, then you will need to replace this part.
Here is a link to the page where it can be purchased: Fill Trays - RTP 33
Fill Tray Scraper Blade - The Fill Tray Scraper Blade, or take off blade, on an RTP 33 removes excess powder from the die table that has been forced out of the die cavity by the dosing cam. This part can become damaged if a die is protruding from the die table or if a lower punch jumps up from the dosing cam. In the event that this happens it will need to be replaced to reduce waste.
Here is a link to the page where it can be purchased: Fibre Fill Tray Scrapers - RTP 33
Ejection Cam - The ejection cam on the RTP 33 is designed to eject the tablets at the correct moment during the turret's cycle. This partcan not be tuned and is fixed in place. Over time, this part can wear. As this happens, the ejection point of the tablets will get lower until they are not ejecting correctly from the die boars. There are 3 main causes of this:
While it is possible to shim the ejection cam, the wear is often not consistent across the entire cam. This can lead to excessive pressure on the motor, timing belt, and bearings in the press. At this point, we would recommend swapping out the ejection cam.
Here is a link to the page where it can be purchased:Ejection Cam - RTP 33
Fill Cam - The fill cam on an RTP 33 pulls the lower punches down so the die cavity can be filled with powder. This part is built from brass and designed to wear so both your tooling and press are protected. As this part wears, the maximum fill of the lower tooling can become inconsistent and effect tablet weights. There are a few main ways that the fill cam can become worn:
If the fill cam is inspected and there are obvious signs of damage then it is best to replace it to avoid damaging your machine.
Here is a link to the page where the fill cam can be purchased: Fill Cam - RTP 33
Dosing Cam - The dosing cam on the RTP 33 is used to calibrate the press to produce the desired tablet weight. This is done by pushing excess powder out of the die boar after it has been filled. If this is worn, then the tablets could become inconsistent causing the machine to no longer conform to mix recipes. There are a few main ways that the fill cam can become worn:
If you think that you have an excessively worn fill cam, you should inspect it for gashes or other damage. If it does not have a smooth and consistent incline, it should be replaced immediately.
Here is a link to the page where the fill cam can be purchased: Dosing Cam - RTP 33
Upper/Lower - Main Pressure Rollers - The Upper and Lower Main Pressure Rollers on the RTP 33 apply all of the pressure to the tooling. If these become worn, they can damage the tops of your tooling causing tablet hardness inconsistencies. This is typically caused by general wear and in some cases, excess punch pressure being applied. You should visually inspect your cams for signs of wear and replace them.
Here is a link to the page where the fill cam can be purchased: Upper Rolling Cam - RTP 33
LFA recommends that you use some variation of mechanical lifting system in order to safely move the machine. Whether that be a forklift, hoist, or pallet jack doesn’t matter, but the machine is simply too heavy to move without doing so. There is an eye bolt conveniently located on the top of the machine which can be used with a hoist system.
The only differences between a tablet press and a pellet press will have to do with the materials it is composed of and the safety measures found on the machine.
A tablet press will usually be made with stainless steel and other food grade contact parts while also including an enclosure. This enclosure prevents contaminants from getting into the working area and powders from becoming airborne in the lab or manufacturing facility.
A pellet press will utilize the same mechanics but may not have all food grade contact parts. The RTP 33 does for the most part, with the exception of enclosures.
The lifetime of tooling is difficult thing to calculate. This is because it is dependent on a number of different factors.
The first thing to consider is the product that is being pressed. The softer the product, the less of a sandpaper effect it will have on the tooling. If the product is very coarse, however, then the likelihood of wear increases as it moves over the face of the upper and lower punches during compression.
The next thing that affects the life of the tooling is its shape. If the cup of the tooling is very deep, then the powder will have to move a lot further over its surface during compression. As a result, this causes more wear and shortens the life of the tooling.
The surface of the punch will also determine how long the tooling lasts. For coated tooling, the material used to coat the punches will influence the tooling's longevity. For uncoated tooling, the type of steel should be considered in relation to the tooling’s lifetime.
Ultimately, it is impossible to give an exact figure without running the tooling in a production environment.
A good rule of thumb is this:
The standard life of shelf tooling from LFA should make 2-5 million tablets.
Standard S7 tooling that has been customized will make around 10m tablets.
A well designed set of customized tooling that has been coated can make up to 65m tablets.
These estimates are applicable for tooling that has been cleaned properly and used correctly in the press.
The RTP 33 is capable of producing a maximum diameter of 12 mm when pressing a round tablet, while 14 mm is the longest dimension for non-round tooling. This is due to the dimensions of the tooling that fit the RTP 33 turret.
The RTP 33 is composed of HT200 and HT250 cast iron. The spare parts are be made from materials which best suit their purpose.
For instance, the fill or feed tray is made from brass to prevent damage to your tooling should the tray or tooling not be installed properly and make contact.
The scraper blade, which is located on the left hand side of the fill tray, is made from composite materials. This prevents it from damaging the turret while it clears it of fine powder.
The take-off blade, which is on the opposite side of the tray, is made from stainless steel as it makes contact with the product.
The hoppers are also composed of stainless steel.
The operator(s) should be wearing appropriate PPE that is suitable for the product being used with the machine. At no time should an operator have their hands near the working area while the machine is operating. All loose jewelry should be removed. Hair should be pulled back and covered.
In order to prevent cross contamination between batches of different products, the machine should be thoroughly cleaned. All tooling should be removed, cleaned, and coated in a light food grade oil. The machine should be cleaned from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the turret itself. Using a tool such as a die seat cleaner will ensure that the cavities that the dies are installed into are properly cleaned. LFA is happy to provide you with a set, which can be found here:
The main reason one would choose the RTP 33 rather than the RTP 41 would be the price difference. If your product does not need to be safe for human consumption, then it would make sense to go with the RTP 33. The RTP 33 is rugged, sturdy, and will be able to produce tablets/pellets at a high rate of production.
The RTP 33 can be fitted with RTP tooling which is slightly different from TSM or Euro standard tooling. A drawing which represents the dimensions can be found here: RTP Tooling Diagram
If your product needs to be manufactured in a GMP rated facility, you would want to go with the RTP 10i or RTP 41 instead. The RTP 33 is not jacketed in stainless steel and does not have the perspex doors for preventing contaminants from entering the working area and fine powders from making their way into your facility.
The RTP 33 is manufactured at our production facility in Taiwan.
Depending on the pressure settings on the machine, the upper and lower roller cams may not actually spin while the machine is under operation. They are capable of spinning so as to more evenly distribute the wear to the parts, however, they will not always spin.
The reason that the RTP 33 is only capable of producing a 12 mm maximum diameter tablet has to do with the tooling and not the machine itself. The tooling which fits the RTP 33 turret cannot produce a tablet larger than 12 mm in diameter because there is not enough room in the dies for this to be possible. The turret and cams can be swapped out to fit larger dimension tooling such as Euro D; however, after the cost and time it would take to make the switch, you would be better off going with the RTP 10i or the RTP 26.
The RTP 33 uses two hoppers and two feed trays because the machine is set up to fill and press on both sides of the turret. As a result, 66 tablets are produced each time the turret makes a full rotation . This also allows for dual layered tablets after making some modifications to the machine.
You will always need to adjust the fill depth and pressure settings on the RTP 33 when using different sized/shaped tooling sets. The speed can remain constant between different sets of tooling as long as the pressure and fill depth settings are adjusted accordingly. It is important to keep in mind that whenever you are increasing the speed of a rotary press you are decreasing the dwell time or time in which the powders are under compression and therefore decreasing the pressure.
The speed at which a press can be run will vary depending on the raw materials in the mix that is being pressed. If the mix has a less than ideal flow rate, then the speed of rotation would need to be slowed to down to ensure a complete fill during each rotation. Additionally, if your mix has poor direct compression, the dwell time must be increased as much as possible to make up for this.
No. There are 3 specifications for Rotary Press Tooling and then a number of different sizes. The 3 specifications are RTP, Euro and TSM. Then in TSM and Euro, there are 4 common sizes: B, D, BB and DB.
It can, but it requires machine and perspex modification. If you would like this, we can source the required pieces, but we do not provide a service to modify the machine.
No, sorry. The press is simply too small. Pre-pressure is really useful for avoiding capping and making better quality tablets. If this is something that you require then the RTP 10i would be the press for you.
No. The TDP 5 is a single station tablet press. The RTP range is a rotary tablet press. The way that they work means that it is impossible to move the tooling from one to another.
Yes, the RTP 9 comes with a die driving rod in its toolbox. It comes with all the tools you would need to perform basic tasks.
No, the press is simply too small. If you need to make double layered tablets, then you will need a press with at least two stations on it. In the LFA range, this includes the RTP 33, RTP 41, and HSTP.
Yes, the turret on the RTP 9 can easily be removed. It has two 32 mm nuts at the top that are concealed underneath the shrouding. After those have been removed, you will be able to lift the section that holds the top roller cam. Once this is off, the turret is free to be lifted off the machine. It is important to note that this is a two-person job as the turret is very heavy.
Yes, the turret has a perspex casing for safety. This casing is easy to open and remove so that you can perform all of the maintenance and cleaning without it being in the way.
Yes, we can fit a kill switch to the turret enclosure so that it shuts it off when opened. If this is something that the you require, please let us know prior to placing your order.
No, TDP Tooling and RTP Tooling are very different. The TDP is a single station press with tooling that stays fixed in one place. The RTP 9 is a rotary press with tooling that moves around the press on something similar to a track. As such they are very different.
No, the TDP Tooling and RTP Tooling are very different. The TDP is a single station and the tooling stays fixed in one place the RTP 9 is a rotary press and the tooling moves around the press on something that similar to a track. As such they are very different.
Yes, the speed on the RTP 9 is adjustable from around 10 rpm to 50 rpm. It is a good rule of thumb to run your press at about 70-80% of maximum capacity, as this will allow you to make much more consistent tablets without facing problems such as capping.
No, the RTP 9 does not have a tablet count on it. The RTP 41, RTP 10i and the HSTP do. If you do need to calculate the number of tablets produced then there are two ways you can do it. Running time (in mins) x the speed on the front panel x 9 this will give you an approximate tablet count. You can also weigh the total number of tablets and then divided it by the average tablet weight.
You do not need be an expert to set the RTP 9 up. However, if this is the first time that you are making a tablet, then we recommend training at the LFA office beforehand. It is a common assumption that our machines are self-running, but this is not that case. The hardest part is formulating the correct mix.
Yes, you will need a set of special tools for a tooling change on the RTP 9. The is a die drive bar and a die ejection tool. All of the tools that you need to do a tooling change and maintain the press, in general, are included in the box when you receive the machine.
No, the RTP 9 is an analogue press. Every time you use the press, you will need to tune it. This is done through the controls on the front. It has a digital speed control, but it this does not have the ability to save settings.
No, the RTP 9 does not have a tablet counter. The RTP 41, RTP 10i, and HSTP do. If you do need to calculate the number of tablets produced then there are two ways to do so. By multiplying the running time (in mins) by the speed on the front panel, then multiplying that number by 9, you will get an approximate tablet count. You can also weigh the total number of tablets and then divide that number by the average tablet weight.
While it is not like the TDP 5 which has to be very closely watched, LFA does not recommend operating a press unattended at any time. In the event of a jam, the press needs to be stopped immediately.
Yes. It is not like the TDP 5 which has to be very closely watched but LFA does not recommend that the press is left unattended at any time. In the event of a jam, the press needs to be stopped immediately.
The RTP 9 is easier to use. It does take longer to change the tooling. Once you have, you can tune it much more easily. It will then make four times the number of tablets per hour. It is, however, more tedious to clean and larger, making it more difficult to move.
Overall, it comes down to how many tablets you need to make and how often. If this number is more than 50,000 per week, then the RTP 9 is definitely the machine for the job.
Sorry, this is not possible at the moment.
The RTP 9 is a little more simple to use that the RTP 41 and the RTP 33 as it only has one side to tune. The RTP 10i has more information available to help you tune your press but it has a pre-pressure to tune. It is not that the machine is more or less complicated for a beginner. It really is the same. The main problem that beginners tend to have with their machines is with the formulation. If it is the customers first time pressing a tablet or if they are new to rotary presses then they really should come and see us first.
To operate the machine, you need 9 sets of tooling. However, you won’t need to initially purchase any tooling for the RTP 9 since it comes installed with 8mm flat faced bevelled edge with breaker tooling as a standard. If you would like a different set of tooling, we can install this for you. You will just need to purchase it here:RTP Tooling
If you would like custom tooling, you will need to fill out a custom tooling form which can be found here:Custom Tooling Form
The RTP 9 is a little more simple to use that the RTP 41 and the RTP 33 as it only has one side to tune. The RTP 10i has more information available to help you tune your press, but it has a pre-pressure to tune.
It is not that the machine is more or less complicated for a beginner. The biggest challenge that beginners tend to have with their machines is mix formulation. If this is your first time pressing a tablet or if you are new to rotary presses, then we recommend training at the LFA office beforehand.
Currently, it is nothing. It is the same price.
The RTP 9 is much smaller than the RTP 33, which for some might be more preferable. On top of this, the RTP 9 has stainless steel surfaces. This makes it much easier to clean, making it more likely to pass food grade conditions for certifications such as GMP.
No, at the de-dusting system is not able to fit the RTP 9. We recommend using a bagless hoover instead. You will have to stop the press periodically to remove excess powders
Yes, we have an option for a force feeder. However, this is not always recommended. It is much better if the formula that you are pressing can be free flowing. If you are not sure if you need a force feeder, then please get in contact with us about sample testing your formula.
Yes,it is possible. If you can not find the part that you are looking for, then please let us know.
No, there are 3 specifications for Rotary Press Tooling and a number of different sizes that fall under them. These 3 specifications are RTP, Euro, and TSM. Under TSM and Euro tooling specifications, there are 4 common sizes: B, D, BB, and DB.
There is an emergency punch stop as well as perspex casing around the press. If you have further safety requirements, then please get in touch with us to discuss this prior to placing your order.
The press comes installed with 8mm round flat face bevelled edge with breaker line tooling. If you would like a different style of tooling, then reach out to our sales team. RTP tooling takes about 6-8 weeks to make.
60kn - The speed does not affect the pressure.
Does the punch need special tools for the assembly and disassembly? If necessary, does the product have special tools for removing the punch?
Yes. To do a tooling change on the RTP 9 you do need a set of special tools. The is a die drive bar and a die ejection tool. All of the tools that you need to do a tooling change and maintain the press, in general, are included in the box when you receive the machine.
The information of production capacity on the website is different from the specification. The website description of the production capacity is 20,000 per hour, but the specification description is 16,200 per hour.
60kn. The speed does not affect the pressure.
This will depend on the pressure that you have set on the machine. It will turn at about 5-10 rpm, making 45-90 tablets per minute.
Worm gear - This is in the green box in the lower section of the press. It has an oil window on the side, and should be inspected every time before you start your press. If the level appears low, it should be topped up.
Yes. Some of them. There are a number of parts that are able to be changed between the different TDP ranges. This includes the tooling, a lot of the upper and lower drift pin assemblies and the boot bolt and spring.
Yes, you can change the tooling. It is fairly easy. It takes about an hour or so the first time you do it, but you will get quicker. An LFA technician can do it in around 10 minutes - practice makes perfect!
Here is a video link on how to change the tooling: How To Change A Die | Changing a TDP Tablet Press Punch Die
The tooling does wear out. How long this takes will depend on your product formulation. The more granular it is, the faster your tooling will wear down.
No, sorry. We are only able to offer them in one colour. It is important to point out that the colour in the photo might vary slightly from batch to batch of machines.
Yes, just give us a call and we will check our stock levels. We aim to hold the TDP 5 in stock for our customers however there are some times when it does go out of stock, so it is worth calling.
If we have it in stock then it will take around 2-5 days to deliver to you depending on how far you are from our nearest office.
When operating a desktop tablet press, supervision is required at all times. From time to time, excess powder can build up and cause tablets to form where the front of the boot gets to in its ejection cycle. When this happens there is a chance that a tablet could roll back into the way of the upper punch coming down to make a second tablet.
If this happens the addition of the two tablets together in the press will cause a jam that is very hard to undo.
If the machine is not turned off in time then the motor can burn out causing serious damage to the press.
It is also possible that your mix will stop flowing while running the machine. This will cause you to get underweight, soft tablets that will then have to be picked out, broken down, and reworked.
Yes, you can, but most people would not. There are a few technical challenges that exist with making effervescent tablets that do not exist with other forms of tablet that the TDP 5 is not well suited for.
Most effervescent tablets tend to need to be quite large. As the TDP 5 is not great at making a tablet over 14mm this would be a problem for most people.
If the size is not the problem then the tooling could be. Effervescent tablets tend to have quite high ejection forces and are prone to sticking to the punches. To combat this, we would normally create tooling with PTFE inserts and tungsten carbide lined dies. This would make the one set of tooling for the TDP quite expensive and not only that but there is a minimum order quantity of 5 sets when ordering custom tooling.
No. It is technically possible for us to make tooling that is less than 4 mm however, the TDP does not really have the tolerances for the tooling to work properly with most mixes, so we do not recommend it.
No. The fill depth of the press is 18mm.
No. The way that a single station press works is that it runs in a single rotation. To put in a pre-pressure compression, you would have to stop the press and then reverse it. This really would not work. If this is something that you feel you need then it is best to look at rotary tablet presses. If pre-pressure is something you need, look towards our RTP 10i Rotary Tablet Press.
Yes, but not pharmaceuticals it is not compliant with cGMP standards.
If you need a cGMP compliant machine then the best desktop for this is the DTP 12 or 25. LFA is of the understanding that the TDP 5 can be used to make food products and supplements.
It is worth checking with your local food regulators if they have recommendations as to cleaning procedures. It is also worth inquiring about their specific regulations as each territory and regulating body has slightly different requirements.
No, sorry, we do not customize our products. We only offer machines that are shown on our website. We do this so that we can be confident about the machines we sell and our ability to support them properly.
No, if you would like to adjust the speed of your TDP 5 you will have to do so using a variable speed adjuster.
There are off the shelf versions that the TDP can plug into. You need to make sure that it is set up for the right electrics for your motor.
Yes, you can request multi-tip tooling for your TDP5, but there are a few things to consider first. Because the maximum tablet diameter size on a TDP 5 is 20mm, all of the punches would have to fit into this space, resulting in very small tablets. In addition to smaller tablets, it would not be cost effective since the cost of multi-tip tooling is the same amount as a second machine.
It is important to remember that the TDP 5 is sold as an R&D and small batch machine. If you are looking to do large runs then you might want to consider an RTP rotary tablet press.
No, an allen key set, a spanner set, and a crosshead screwdriver will cover most of the operations that you should ever need to do. Even to do a full strip down and assembly there are no specialist tools that you would need that a local hardware store would not be able to provide.
No. Sorry. If you would like it in another language, we would be happy to get it translated for you. Simply reach out to the LFA team and we will work to get it done. Please note that this could take a while and we are not able to guarantee if we will be able to get it done.
Yes, you can definitely make shaped tablets in the TDP 5. It is harder to tune, but it is definitely possible.
No, at the moment we have not done any reliability testing on the TDP 5. LFA, however, has 10 years experience selling, maintaining and servicing the TDP desktop press so we are sure of its reliability.
This feature is not available on the TDP 5. The TDP 5 is a basic machine that is priced accordingly. If you need to know the amount of pressure that you are using to make one of your tablets you might want to consider an RTP 10i or HSTP.
The TDP 5 is cleaned in the same way as any press. We recommend 6 separate steps:
Removal of Powder - Start at the highest point of the machine while it is still assembled. Hoover out the residue powders using a paintbrush to dislodge any powders trapped in tight areas.
Remove the hopper, boot, base plate and tooling.
Apply Soap - Wash the entire machine with warm soapy water. Making sure to pay extra attention to all of the contact parts. Do not soak the machine, rather apply it with a cloth or sponge and then wipe it dry as you go.
Sanitise - use a sanitising spray or wipe to clean down the entire machine making sure you pay close attention to all contact parts.
Rinse - Next rinse off any soap or sanitising spray with potable water. Making sure not to soak the machine, rather apply it with a cloth or sponge and then wipe it dry as you go.
Oil and Lubricate - Finally to prevent rust and keep the machine running smoothly lubricate.
We would recommend that you do this at the end of every production run or day that you have been using the machine on. We would also recommend that you store the machine under a dust cover and in a cool, low humidity environment to prevent rust.
More information on cleaning and maintenance for the TDP 5 can be found here:
We have a tool called the right machine for you. It can be found here: Right Machine For You - Questionnaire
We have self certified it under the part finished machines regulations. You will need to set up the environment around the press in a way that finishes satisfying the CE requirements.
The TDP 5 is a very small machine that can be cleaned in as little as an hour.
More information on cleaning your TDP 5 can be found here:
LFA is aware of customers who have been able to run their TDP 5 for 10 hours a day, several days in a row. However, LFA does not recommend this, because it will wear the machine down. It is important to let it cool and to clean and grease it regularly.
Not a lot. We have a number of videos on our website that do cover the basics. If you would like to have in person training, then this is something that we would be happy to offer. It is free for anyone that has bought a TDP 5 from LFA and available at any one of our three offices. This takes around 2-3 hours.
We would recommend doing a full clean down and re-greasing at the end of every production run. This takes about an hour and will dramatically increase the life of your press.
We don’t have a template available at the moment. You can measure the distance between the holes in your machine’s base to determine where to drill holes on your workstation. The tablet presses include the M10 bolts that we use to secure them to the shipping crate, so we would recommend using a 12mm drill bit.
There are a number of times when it would be better to get a TDP 5 instead of a TDP6. Really a TDP 6 is only better if you need to make shaped tablets (not-round) very regularly or if you need to make very large tablets (bigger than 12-14mm).
If this is not the case then the TDP 5 is lighter, faster, and costs less than the TDP 6.
Yes, the press comes fully assembled in the box. You will need to lift it onto your workbench, and attach the fill tray and the hopper. This can be done using a Phillips or a crosshead screwdriver. It will take a couple of moments to do this.
Please be careful when lifting the press as it weighs 150kg (330lbs). You should use some form of mechanical lift to get it into position, such as a forklift or an engine hoist.
We also have a video on unboxing our TDP 6 here: TDP 6s Unboxing & Setup
The TDP 5 tablet press is 85 decibels, so it's not excessively loud. We would, however, recommend using ear protection if you are going to be using it for extended periods of time.
Yes, we are currently designing a perspex box that covers the entire machine. It will be sold as an optional extra.
In order to determine whether or not your machine is still under warranty, you will need to call or email the office the machine was purchased from, and provide the serial number.
There are three things that could be causing this fault:
The motor is burnt out. If this is the case the motor will be slow to start if it starts at all. It will be really hot and it will make a grinding noise.
The punches are not in the die. If the top punch is not aligned or the bottom punch is not securely in the die bore then the machine will perform a 1/2 rotation before jamming.
The machine has not been greased correctly. If this is happening then the machine might run for a full turn or maybe even a few and then it will jam. This happens as the cogs, cams and bushings heat up and expand until they jam. The most likely place this is happening will be on the pinion gear. It is critical that this part is well lubricated.
We would recommend securing the TDP 5 in one of three ways:
Anti-vibration feet. These work great, they are large rubber pads that can bot through the 3/4 holes on the bottom of the press. They reduce the amount of noise from the machine and the rubber pads will stop it from slipping around.
G-clamps. An easy way to secure the tablet press to a table top without doing any damage to the bench top is using G-clamps. These are available from most hardware stores and are easily able to pin the machine to the work surface securely.
Bolt the press to the worktop. We would only recommend this if you really are sure of the location that you would like it to be secured. If you do want to do this then you can use the bolts that were sent with the press that was used to secure it to the shipping container.
The TDP 5 has a safety cover over the drive cog to protect you when it is running. There is also an accessible off button, to manually shut the machine off.
That would depend on the product you plan on producing, the requirements of your local authorities, and the governing bodies of the product that you are making. We would however strongly recommend installing it in a cage.
We would recommend a batch of around 5,000 once per day.
It is a balance. If you stop and start the motor then you are likely to wear it out. If you run the press for long periods of time then as it heats up parts will expand the grease will thin and the wear on the machine will increase.
The largest tooling that the TDP 5 can take is 22mm however at this point the amount of pressure that you are able to get is very low. This is because the boot is not able to move out of the way of the die as it comes down.
This will be affected by your mix. Most mixes will not have the density required to work with such a thick tablet and low amount of compression.
Because of this at LFA we do recommend that you only try to make a tablet of up to 14mm on the TDP 5. If you do need to make a bigger tablet then we would recommend using a TDP 6s or one of the RTP range of rotary tablet presses.
22mm is what we say, although we have seen a customer successfully use a 27mm oval die on a TDP 5. This being said, the bigger the die the harder it becomes to use the press. The better you mix will need to be and every other factor will need to be in your favour. We do not recommend using a TDP 5 press a tablet above around 14-16 mm unless you have had your formula tested first. The ideal size is less than 12mm.
Spare parts are held in stock in the UK, USA and Taiwan. This means that we can normally dispatch them in 1-2 days. Shipment delivery times will vary depending on your location.
The TDP 5 is an incredibly hardy little machine.
Not only that but it has a very basic mechanical process. While parts can break and wear over time the cost of replacing them is normally very low. We have known customers to have done 100,000’s of tablets on the TDP 5.
This having been said it is still just an R&D and small batch machine. We would not recommend using it for making large batches.
The reason for this is that it is slow at only 5000 per hour and if you do run it constantly then you are going to be replacing a lot of parts on it. The life of the TDP 5 can easily be in the millions of tablets if well looked after and maintained.
As with all machines, the TDP 5 will have parts on it that over time will need to be changed or that can become damaged through user error. Below is a list of parts that LFA has come to recognise as the most frequently damaged or that have been designed to wear so that more expensive parts of the press are protected.
Tooling - The tooling on the TDP 5 can become chipped or broken. Lead times for a new set of tooling can take as long as 6-8 weeks so we recommend having a spare set or two. This is especially true if the tooling is customized.
Boot - The TDP 5 boot is formed from a toughened food grade plastic. This part can become trapped between the die bore and the upper punch and usually happens from user error when the upper punch has not been secured correctly. While we hold this part in stock at all of our locations it can reduce waiting to have a spare.
Boot Timing Bar - In the event that the boot is trapped or damaged by the upper punch the boot timing bar can become bent. While we hold this part in stock at all of our locations it can reduce waiting to have a spare.
V Belt - The V Belt on the TDP 5 is used to drive all of the power from the motor to the cams. This overtime will lose some of its tension and wear. When this happens the maximum pressure that you will be able to achieve on the press will reduce. We do hold this part in stock and most of the time the part will not fail, requiring immediate replacement. The tension on the belt can also be increased by adjusting the position of the motor. This will extend the life of the belt.
Upper Cam Bushing - The upper cam bushing is a brass wear part that is used to keep the upper cam from coming into direct contact with the base of the machine. This part will need to be replaced after around 500 - 1,000 hours depending on the product being pressed and the pressure being used.
The expected life of your tooling will depend on a number of things. The most important is how granular your mix is. It will also depend on what steel grade you have opted to have your tooling made from and if it is coated. Because of all of these factors, it is almost impossible to predict how long your tooling will last.
"The machine is made from a number of materials. The hopper is made from sheet steel, the tooling is made from S7 steel, the boot is cast from brass and has a chrome plate coating, the base is cast from FC250 and coated in an enamel paint. "
On the TDP 5 Version 2 the contact parts are made from, stainless steel, food grade plastics and the steel that the tooling is made from. The tooling that comes with the machine is made from S7 steel. If you need a different steel type for your tooling, you can place an order using our custom tooling form:https://www.lfamachines.com/custom-punch-dies-tooling
The most common part that gets broken is the boot followed by the lower assembly timing rod runner bolt. We hold both of these in stock.
A common reason the boot needs to be replaced is that the upper drift pin assembly was not locked in place. As the machine runs, it works itself loose and then over a few tablets, it comes down and hits the boot. This can also happen if the operator does not turn over the TDP 5 by hand to tune the machine before turning the motor on, causing the upper pin to crash into the boot.
A common reason why the lower assembly timing rod runner bolt tends to break is because the tablet ejection forces are high. To reduce this, the operator should ensure that the mix is correctly lubricated.
The TDP 5 has been designed to the CE standards.
The tension on your TDP 5 belt will depend on whether or not you are installing a new belt or tension on an old one. Here are the exact tensions for the TDP 5:
Installation strand tension for new belt [N] 141.64
Installation strand tension for run-in belt [N] 94.42
To measure the tension on a belt we use a tension pen gauge. Here is a link to a video on how to use the belt tension pen gauge: Browning Tensioning V Belt Drives
Deflection forces for belt tension pen gauge [kg]
New 0.98
Run 0.67
Almost, you will have to attach the hopper. We leave this off so that it does not get damaged in shipping. This should take less than a minute. The machine will then be ready to run. It is important that at that point you tune the machine by hand and do not turn it on right away. If you do, it can damage the press. Here is a video on how to tune the TDP 5: Setup the Fill Depth, Punch Pressure & Ejection Height on a TDP 5 Tablet Press
We also have a video on unboxing your TDP 5 here:TDP 5 Unboxing & Setup
Yes, our 1 year warranty covers all of the parts on the machine, except for the tooling. If you install it in a cage to conform with CE regulations, then this will in no way affect the warranty.
No, the TDPs are not CE certified. To acquire this certification, they would have to be installed in a protective cage, which we do not provide.
No, it does not need to be bolted into position but we do recommend it. If the machine is not secured in position by bolts or another method then it is more likely to shake a bolt loose, resulting in varying tablet weights. On top of this, the vibrations are likely to make the machine sound louder.
The machine does not come with bolts because we do not know the thickness of your surface.
You can run the TDP tablet presses for 8 hours straight without problems.
But doing this often will reduce the life expectancy of your machine. In that case, it may be worth looking at our Rotary Tablet Presses which are designed to do this and have much higher outputs.
Because of the way that the electric motor works it is best not to stop and start the motor over and over again.
It is important to also make sure that when you do stop the press if you have been running it for 8 hours you need to make sure that it is greased down and lubricated.
It is also likely that after 8 hours the motor will have warmed up considerably. It will help if your press is in a cool well-ventilated area.
The upper drift pin assembly is used to adjust the pressure. You can watch a video on this here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc2gfDU3NiQ
Here is another video which tells you how to set up a TDP ready to press: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dTscUdRJzQ
This is a common question, and we have tools to help you:
A video on the differences between the different TDP's - www.lfatabletpresses.com/videos/tdp-range
The Right Machine For You Questionnaire - https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/tablet-press-questionnaire
These will explain the different machines, and give you a much better idea. If you are still unsure, please do reach out, let us know what you are making and the quantity, and we will help to guide you through the process.
No, sorry we do not currently offer bigger hoppers for the TDP range of tablet presses. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly it is important that the TDP 6s is watched during operation. You should not fill the hopper and leave it to run. In the event of a jam, you will need to be able to switch off the machine quickly.
Also, due to the fact that gravity and vibrations are used to move the powders through the machine, they can become subject to what is known as particle separation. The longer the powders are in the hopper the more likely this is to happen. Because of this, we do not advise using a larger hopper than the one fitted to the machine.
No. It is not they are completely different presses.
This is a very common question as all of the machines are extremely similar but equally have different strengths.
The easiest way to split these up would be into automatic and manual machines.
The TDP 0 is the manual model and requires you to turn the handle on the side to produce the tablets. This has the least amount of pressure and is the entry-level model in to the TDP range.
The TDP 1.5, TDP 5 and TDP 6s are all automatic machines that are driven by an electric motor.
The TDP 1.5 is the entry-level model in to the automatic machines it has the least pressure at 15kn it is also limited in the size of the tablets it can produce.
The TDP 5 is our most popular model and can produce approximately 5,000 tablets per hour. The TDP 5 had 50kn of pressure and can produce tablets up to 22mm in diameter.
The TDP 6s is the top of the range machine and is more suited to irregular shaped tablets. The TDP 6s also has slightly more pressure at 60kn and is better suited to certain products that do not form tablets as easily.
To get a recommendation on which one will best suit you or your business, take the quiz here www.lfatabletpresses.com/tablet-press-questionnaire
As with any tablet press, it is good to have a particle size of around 80-60 mesh.
This would be large enough to avoid large losses and small enough to flow well through the machine. If the powder is finer than this then you are going to experience a larger level of loss.
If the particles are larger than this then it might not flow through the machine well and get caught as it is trying to enter into the die bore.
This being said every powder is very different and you will need to do tries to work out what is best for them.
It depends on how close you are to forming a tablet with the TDP 1.5. If the tablet binds but gets chipped or damaged during ejection, or falls apart when inside a container, then moving to a TDP 5 or 6 might give you the extra force you need to make your tablet work.
If however, your tablet comes out of the TDP 1.5 as dust, then it is unlikely that the problem you are facing has to do with the amount of pressure that you are applying.
The TDP 5 and the TDP 6s are both able to take shaped tooling. This being said, it is a lot easier to use shaped tooling on the TDP 6s because of the way that the pressure is adjusted.
Sorry, but we are not able to customize the tooling that is included with the VICE.
However, supplementary tooling can be ordered at an additional cost if required:
Yes, the tooling is S7 steel, the body is aluminium, and the threads on the handles are both SS 304 steel. The entire device can withstand 120°C (248°F) in an autoclave for 20-30 mins.
It is important to know two things:
Firstly, TDP Universal Tooling came into effect in 2018. Machines brought from LFA before this time may be slightly different sizes. We always recommend checking the size of your tooling before placing your order.
Secondly, a number of companies make unofficial TDP tablet presses.
They do not always conform to the same sizes, tolerance or quality as LFA TDPs or tooling. If you bought your press from someone else other than LFA, we are not able to guarantee that our tooling will fit.
On the VICE there is a technique to "set" the weight. You can do this by marking the location of the lower pin, which will allow you to fill it volumetrically. To do this:
First, weigh out the amount of powder you need in a tablet.
Next, wind the lower pin all the way until it is at the lowest position.
Now, fill the die cavity with the weighed out powder.
Then, raise the lower pin until the powder is flush with the top of the die cavity and about to overflow.
Finally, mark off the position of the threads on the lower pin handle. All you will need to do is return it to the same position and fill it with a mix of the same density to make tablets of the same weight.
The process of cleaning a VICE is fairly simple.
First, remove all of the powder from your VICE.
Next, rinse the VICE with warm water.
Finally, make sure that it is completely dry before applying oil to stop corrosion.
Here is a more detailed video on how to clean your VICE:
The VICE press comes with a cleaner and a food grade oil. We recommend using both of these to clean and lubricate your device.
This will depend on the user. There are a number of things that you can do to make it as efficient as possible:
Make a tablet pre-mix with your active ingredients and all of the excipients you need. We recommend using Firmapress for your excipient since it acts as both a binder and flow agent.
We also have videos and a tablet mix calculator to help you calculate the ratio of active ingredients to excipients needed to make a tablet.
Next, set up on a tray or a clean and flat surface. This will help you recover any lost powders.
You will also need a high accuracy scale to weigh your tablets.
Finally, marking off the position of the threads on the lower pin handle will allow you to make tablets that are the same size with each run.
With all of these items in place, we find that we can make approximately 2-3 tablets per minute or 120-180 per hour. This depends, on your practice, the size of the tablet and how much force you apply.
Infinite, the design of the press is incredibly robust. If you do manage to break it, contact your local LFA office.
While we cannot guarantee the machine for life, we would be happy to inspect the machine to determine if there were any manufacturing defects. Should this be the case a replacement would be considered.
If too much pressure is applied to the VICE, it will jam shut. If this happens, you will need to remove the handles from each end using an Allen key or hex key set. Then, using two large wrenches on each end, unjam the device.
It depends on your location as every country has a different set of rules to define GMP compliance. However, LFA VICE Press is an extremely simple item that is made completely out of parts that are washable. It has two main components made from aluminium and stainless steel parts. We believe that our VICE is GMP compliant under all GMP guidelines. We do however recommend checking your local regulations if you are unsure.
The VICE exerts about 21 kN of pressure, which is more than enough to make a tablet. If the tablet falls apart, either the device needs to be screwed tighter or the formula needs to be adjusted.
The average max force a VICE can produce is 21kN. The pressure depends on the force the user is able to apply to the machine handles.
The VICE is made of aluminium and stainless steel. The TDP Tooling that is included with the VICE is made of S7 steel.
You can, if you like, let the press sit for 5-10 mins. This is what is called dwell time. It helps sometimes, but most of the time this is far too long.
Yes, we offer free training at your local LFA office. For a list of our office addresses, see here. Training is normally completed in less than one day, but please get in touch for more information.
We would recommend cleaning down the machine and leaving it re-greased after every use. This will ensure the longest life possible.
Here is a video on cleaning the TDP 5.
When greasing the machine, avoid getting any grease near the tooling or pressing surfaces, as this will get into your tablets and affect your powders.Grease the top cam well, then apply a small amount to the upper drift pin assembly and the lower timing rod.
More information on greasing your machine can be found here: TDP 5 Lubrication Schedule
No.
LFA does not recommend leaving any of its machines unattended without an operator ever. Even if they only need to step away for a short amount of time, the operator should turn off the machine.
This will avoid damaging it in the event that there is a jam and the operator is not there to switch it off.
Yes, the TDP and RTP range all have a weight adjustment for it.
on the TDP it is the bottom of the two cogs on the lower drift pin assembly.
Here is a link to a video showing you how to tune up the TDP 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dTscUdRJzQ
Here is a link to a video showing you how to tune up the RTP 9 or the RTP 118: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJFt5AFJ1hw
It is important to know that the exact weight of each tablet will vary from tablet to tablet.
A well-homogenized mix that has a consistent granule size should be able to achieve an accuracy of +/- 3% or less.
That depends on the country you are located in.
In the EU and UK no. You do not need anything to buy the press.
In the USA we have to file a piece of paperwork with the federal government when we sell the press.
We, however, do all of this paperwork for you and do not need to do anything.
The only countries that require a license, as far as we know, are Canada and Australia.
If you are located in Canada then we recommend that you contact Health Canada prior to placing your order. Details regarding the import process can be found at the following link: Importing and registering pill presses (designated devices)
The document you need to fill out and file for a purchase originating in Australia is called a B712. This can be found at: https://www.abf.gov.au/form-listing/forms/b712.pdf. If you would like to speak with one of our team about this, then please get in contact.
It is important to know that not all products press well into tablets. A good way to gage it is to look at other similar products available on the market. If someone else is able to make it then we can help you make it. If your product is new then we are happy to help you go through the development process.
Allot of the time it will mean sending a sample to us. We will work out how to press it and and then send you the results. If we are not able to press it we will work with you to find an alternative solution such as molding or capsuling.
This is a service that we charge for however if you subsequently purchase a machine from us we will deduct it from the cost. We have a lot of experience pressing a wide range of products. Get in contact with our team and find out how we can help you.
There is a bolt eyelet on the top of the machine.
We recommend using an engine hoist to lift the machine off the shipping crate and into the position that you are going to use it in.
We've created a calculator on our website for most of our tablet presses. See the "profit calculator" tab on the product page and enter your profit per tablet to see how many running hours the press will pay for itself and how much profit per hour it will generate.
here are 6 steps that should be followed as a general rule of thumb when cleaning contact surfaces that have come into contact with powders:
Dry Clean - First you need to remove as much of the dry powder as possible. You can do this using a hover/vacuum. Make sure that the vacuum you are using has a filter good enough to handle fine dust.
Wet Clean - Next you need to perform a wet clean. This can be done with warm water and soap or if available an ultrasonic cleaner.
Rinse - Next you need to rinse off any soap with potable water (drinking water). You do not have to do this if you used an ultrasonic cleaner in the last step. It is important to ensure that all parts are thoroughly dried immediately after washing to avoid any rusting.
Sanitise - Next you need to sanitise the surface. This step is recommended by the FDA. There are a number of sanitising solutions available designed to be applied and left on.
Lubricate - You now need to lubricate any parts that require it. This should be with the appropriate grade oil or grease considering your use and greasing chart. Store - Finally store any of the parts in a cool dry place. If you are storing them on the machine then make sure the machine is in a temperature controlled environment with low humidity.
This is a tough one. If you are going to be selling a very generic product such as Vitamin C tablets then it is probably not worth setting up your own facility.
If on the other hand you are going to be making something very cutting edge or unique then I personally feel that it is worth doing it yourself. Firstly you get to closely control quality which can be vital to business success. Another advantage is that you get to keep your ideas within your business and do not need to worry about them being leaked.
The TDP 5. Hands down, this has been our most popular model for a while now. We do get customers coming back and upgrading to the RTP 9 (normally after a couple of years), but most new customers initially choose the TDP 5.
We send out all machines with the local plug on and set up to run on the local power supply.
We would recommend using goggles, a dust mask and gloves at a minimum, but you may require a lot more depending on the products that you are working with, and your local health and safety laws.
Get a capsule filler.
You will not be able to make tablets.
Click here for more information https://www.lfacapsulefillers.com/
There are three reasons to granulate your formula:
1. To improve the flowability of your formulation.
2. To make your formulation more compressible.
3. To ensure a consistent spread of API throughout the formulation.
If you would like to find out if your mix needs granulation then we do have a tablet formulation service available.
You can find out more about the tablet formulation service here: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/services
Firmapress works with 99% of active ingredients. We cannot guarantee that there won't be a negative reaction between Firmapress and your active ingredient however it is extremely unlikely. As a precaution, we strongly recommend that a small test batch is made up before mixing large amounts of an active ingredients with Firmapress. Never commit to mixing large amounts of active with Firmapress before doing proper tests.
No, sorry we are simply not able to make the colours. We do not have access to the pigments.
Yes, if you have an active ingredient that has particular issues then it is ok to add other excipients to help accommodate and fix the issue.
Yes, it works extremely well with any shaped die or tooling set. It is also designed to be able to get a clean print with tooling that has images, letters or numbers on it.
It is unlikely that you will be able to produce tablets without using any Excipients at all. Certain products do bind without Excipients, but then do not flow through the machine. We advise that you use our Firmapress ready mix as this works with 99% of products.
Yes. However, there is a minimum order of one batch, which is 1 ton, and there is a 4 week lead time.
If this is something that a customer is interested in, then they need to put down a non-refundable deposit of $1000 for us to start formulating. They also need to provide us with the exact panton colour.
Yes, we do, as far as we know there are no products in Firmapress that require any form of registration any ware in the world.
However, we would recommend that you check with your local authorities before ordering for the first time. Note: We have had problems shipping the product to Brazil. We tend to find the customs can seize the product.
It is not illegal in Brazil but the customer needs a freight agent that has experience in this area to clear it through customs.
No, Firmapress is designed to be soft on the tooling and not stick to its surfaces. It can be used with any metal or coating.
No, we have specifically avoided lactose because a number of people are what is known as lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance can cause abdominal pain, bloating and other symptoms.
Thermal gelation is where a powder in water becomes a jelly once heated. This can happen with MCC but we can not guarantee it with Firmapress due to all of the other products in it.
Yes, it is totally harmless to animals as well as humans. It can be used in any products.
9 years, it was first developed by LFA to help a customer out with there tablet formulation. It has been modified a few times to get to what we have today.
Firmapress is extremely hygroscopic. This means that it very easily absorbs water and moisture. This includes the water content in the air.
If water is spilled onto Firmapress, or if a bag is left open for an extended period of time, then the Firmapress needs to be thrown away.
While it is possible to dry the Firmapress out, it is likely that two things will have happened:
- The structure of the Firmapress will have changed so it does not bind as well any more.
- Bacteria may have been introduced into the Firmapress, rendering it no longer safe for use in human or animal products.
Yes, when LFA first launched Firmapress for a short while it was called Ready Mix.
Now however it is called Firmapress and it is a trademarked term because of this it is really important that you only use the term Firmapress and that you correct customers whenever they ask.
Yes, there are no traces of gluten in any of the ingredients used to make Firmapress.
Yes, Firmapress is Vegan and Vegetarian. All of the products used to make it are free from animal products.
No not essential but highly recommended. It will depend on the accuracy that you require.
This will depend on things like the LD50, your quality control systems and a number of other factors.
Because of this, it is a decision that you have to make. Firmapress should not be put in a blender or a mill. It will affect the composition and will no longer bind as well.
No, sorry, we only offer 1kg bags.
No, it is completely taste free. It should not, however, be used for chewable tablets.
It would be very gritty to chew on. For a chewable tablet, we recommend dextrose or lactose as a binder.
We use a product called Aluminum Lakes. You can share this with customers.
We use FD&C Aluminum Lake's these are pharmaceutical grade and regulated by the FDA.
It comes in a range of colours please go to our Firmapress page for more details.
No, sorry we are not able to refund any Firmapress that has been opened. We strongly recommend that you buy a 1kg sample of Firmapress first to test your product and only then buy a bigger amount.
While the bag remains sealed, Firmapress is fairly resilient.
Do not expose it to extreme temperatures below -5 °C or higher than 40 °C. Once opened, Firmapress needs to be stored in clean, dry conditions between 10 and 30 °C. Once a bag is opened, if it is not all used, then make sure the bag is closed securely. With 1 kg and 5 kg bags, this can be done using the grip seal at the top. For 25 kg sacks use a couple of cable ties.
20%. If you go much below this % then you might need to add extra lubricants. However, this is very dependent on the product being pressed. If the product being pressed is not at all sticky and only needs a little bulking out it could be less but this would be very rare. Most of the time you will need to use between 30-60%
There are 3 things that we would recommend trying: Increase the amount of Firmapress in your mix.
This will reduce the % of the active in the total mix and give the dry lubricants a better chance to work. Try granulating your mix.
This will reduce the surface area of your active and allow the dry lubricants in Firmapress to coat them better. Try using coated tooling. Changing your tooling for a set that has a coating you can reduce the ability for powders to stick to them. More information on this can be found in the tooling FAQ.
The bulk density of Firmapress is and is listed on the website and in this section of the website.
The bulk density of an item is when it is loose. Once it has been pressed into a tablet this will change.
You are not able to calculate the weight of a tablet based on the shape and the tablet and the powders used as it is also affected by the pressure and the fill depth that the press is set to.
It is very likely to work with it yes. We believe that Firmapress works with 99% of products that we have tried.
The most important point is at what point will it work. If you need a 300mg caffeine tablet with a total tablet weight of say 350mg then it is fairly unlikely that there will be enough of the flowing agent to be able to pull the caffeine powder through the feeding system.
This is because caffeine powder can be quite “fluffy”. If however, you are working with a granulated version of caffeine then there is a fairly good chance it will work. It really is just at what ratio it is able too.
Yes, it does not matter what age, size or sex the person consuming the products is. It is, however, important to check the intolerance data.
Yes, all of the excipients are safe for human or animal consumption. There are some precautions that should be taken when handling them and there are some people that might have intolerances to some of them. Information on this can be found in the products MSDS and Intolerance Data Sheet. This can be found in this section for every excipient.
Yes, there are all of them can be found in the intolerance sheets for each product. The intolerance sheets can be found here: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/product-data
FFFFFF Yes, all of our Excipients are extracted from natural sources. For more information please visit the individual product pages.
Yes. CoA stands for Certificate of Analysis this is also known some times as an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) all of the information contained in a CoA is inside the MSDS for every LFA product which is emailed to you after purchase.
Yes. There are two things at play here. You can get hygroscopic and hydrophobic excipients. Hygroscopic means that they take on water quickly, while hydrophobic means that they repel water.
There are products know as supper disintegrants. These products help the breakdown of tablets. At the moment LFA does not sell any supper disintegrants.
Magnesium stearate is hydrophobic this means that it will slow the breakdown of a tablet.
However, it is used in such small amounts that most of the time it will not make a difference to our customer's products. If they would like to be sure then they should conduct what is known as a disintegration test.
Yes, Dicalcium Phosphate, if used in high amounts, will cause more damage to tooling than just Firmapress or MCC. However, there are not many situations in which this would be a good idea.
Firmapress - 2 years form batch date.
Dextrose - 3 years from batch date.
Dicalcium Phosphate - 3 years from batch date.
Microcrystalline Cellulose -
Magnesium stearate -
Lactose - 2 years from batch date.
Silica Dioxide - 2 years from batch date.
We offer Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Dicalcium Phosphate and Firmapress in our range of excipients.
Microcrystalline Cellulose is a binding agent, which holds the content of the tablet together.
Dicalcium Phosphate is a flowing agent and helps move ingredients through the machine before they are compressed.
Magnesium Stearate is a dry lubricant and helps again with the movement of ingredients through the machine but also helps with the ejection of the tablets from the machine. Please note that Magnesium Sterate does not bind by itself.
Firmapress is an all in one mix of Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate and Dicalcium Phosphate.
Dextrose - approx 100 mesh
Dicalcium Phosphate - approx 100 mesh
Microcrystoline Cellulose - approx 120-200
Magnesium sterate -
Lactose - 80 mesh
Silica Dioxide -
Firmapress - 100-200 mesh
Dextrose - Sweetener, binding agent, good for chewable tablets or candy.
Microcrystalline Cellulose - Binder, filling agent. Good at binding tablets and making them bigger. It can also be used as a filler for capsules.
Magnesium stearate - Dry Lubricant. This stops products from getting stuck to the tooling. It can also help with powder flow issues and caking issues.
Lactose - Binder, sweetener and bulking agent. It has a large mesh so it flows well but most people do not like it because of the intolerance issues.
Silica Dioxide - Flowing agent. This assist powders in flowing smoothly through the machines. It also helps with cacking issues where powders get stuck to the machine.
Firmapress - 2 years form batch date.
Dextrose - 3 years from batch date.
Dicalcium Phosphate - 3 years from batch date.
Microcrystalline Cellulose -
Magnesium stearate -
Lactose - 2 years from batch date.
Silica Dioxide - 2 years from batch date.
If your product does not bind well then we would recommend using MCC. This can be used in any % the limiting factor is the size of the tablet.
If the amount of MCC you would have to use would be too much or if you do not want to use MCC then you have 3 other options: Ask your supplier for a directly compressible or tabletable grade of your product. Spray dry your product. Wet granulate your product.
If your product is sticky then you will need to add a dry lubricant to your mix. For this, we recommend magnesium stearate.
We do not recommend that you add more than 1% to the mix as more than this can cause capping. If your product is still sticky at this point then we would recommend looking into granulation.
If your product or API is clumpy then you will need to add an anticaking agent. For this, we recommend silicon dioxide. We only recommend adding a maximum of 2% of this to the mix
Yes, you can, but there are a number of requirements that we need to fulfill first.
You will need to contact our team and provide them with a copy of all of your MSDSs for all of the components of your mix.
We need to have a good understanding of your business and the challenges you are facing.
You will also need to book an appointment with the office that you would like to visit.
For more information please get in contact with the team: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/contact
Maintenance, Servicing and Repairs will be charged at £150 per hour in the UK and $200 per hour in the USA. Quotes will be given before the start of the work. The quote is a fixed price and if it takes us longer you will not be charged.
Any parts, required for the Maintenance, Servicing or Repairs of your tablet press will be invoiced for separately to the labour. If we think that the parts are going to be more than 20% of the quoted price we will contact you before ordering them.
While LFA Tablet Presses is happy to offer tablet press repairs or rebuilds we are not able to store machines on a long-term basis. Any machines left with us for longer than 90 days will have a storage charge of £50 per day applied to them.
You will be required to pay in full for the Maintenance, Servicing or Repairs to your machine upon collection.
*We are only able to offer onsite visits to US or European companies and have the correct insurance documentation. For more information please get in contact.
Yes, we have bulk pricing for all of our excipients, and these can be found in this section. We offer bulk in 500 kg, 1 ton, 2 ton and 5 ton lots. The prices are set on these quantities as these are the amounts that will fit on pallets.
No, we only offer the payment options stated on our Payments page.
Short answer is no, sorry. At LFA our machines are priced to include the service, warranty and training we supply with them. We make sure that we always have spare parts and will send them to you free of cost.
We have a team of people that have worked with the machines for a long time and are on the telephone or email to teach you how to get the most from your purchase and support you when you need it. Other suppliers in the UK, USA and China do not offer this.
On top of this while our machines may have the same names we are not selling the same items. We have spent the last 7 years working closely with our suppliers to ensure that we get the highest quality possible.
We do but only to TV and Film production companies. This service only offered with and LFA technician on site.
We are not unfortunately able to rent out our tablet presses or capsule fillers to do production runs. We do work closely with a contract manufacturer in Oxford and are happy to provide you with their details.
We take the trust our customers place in us very seriously. We have an email list that is stored securely with Infusionsoft. We do not share this ever with anyone. We do not store credit card details or payment details. All online payments are handled by Pay Pal and we are only provided with the shipping address you enter. On top of this we never hand over details on any of our customers under any circumstances. The one exception to this rule is if we are produced with a court warrant.
Yes. Very easily.
We have free lifetime technical support for all machines sold by LFA.
Just contact us with your machine serial number and we would be happy to help you with any problems.
There are a number of ways we are able to support you:
- Every machine comes with a full manual that is emailed to you after purchase.
- There is a large range of video tutorials to teach you how to use the press.
- The machine comes with lifetime technical support. You can call, Skype or email to get answers to your questions and problems.
- We also offer free training at any one of our regional offices.
If after all of this you are still struggling to use your press, we are able to come to you. This is a service we charge for.
More information on this can be found here: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/services
Yes, you can.
You are able to make any shaped tablet up to the maximum diameter of this tablet press which can be found under the "specifications" tab.
We are able to customise tooling to include lettering, numbering and logos. If you would like customised tooling please fill out our custom tooling form: www.lfamachines.com/custom-tooling
Yes. You can order custom tooling here
Yes, you do get a die with the machine. Every machine comes fitted with a die.
If you would like you can get this customised with your logo or lettering but it takes 6-8 weeks.
Or, we have a standard 8mm round, bevelled edge with breaker installed in the machines in stock.
Yes you can. Only up to a point. It uses a force feeder to push the powder in to the capsules and you can adjust the speed of the paddles and the amount of time spent under the filler.
Yes they can. The machine has interchangeable tooling. It can do anything from size 5 - 000. 00 will not be a problem the machines come fitted with them as standard as they are very popular.
This will depend on the operator and the powder. You can adjust the filling section of the capsule filler. This means that the filler takes longer forcing more powder in to the capsules. If you have a powder that does not flow well then you will need to set this to longer.
When a new operator starts out on the filler they will be a little bit slow. With in a day or so they should speed up.
So in shot it varies. I would say 10,000 - 20,000 per hour. I know that this is a big gap but it depends on 1) how the powder flows, 2) how much practise the user has and 3) the quality of the capsules (This might sound strange but the biggest time waster in our experience is having to pick out capsules that are stuck together or broken).
We do get some of our machines and parts from China. We have been working with the best supplier for over 7 years now. We make at least 1 factory visit per year to ensure that the highest quality standards are met. Over this time period we have also made a number of recommendations for improving the quality of the machines.
Once the machines arrive in the UK. We strip them down, check all of the parts, grease them, and replace parts that we know to be defective with parts sourced from the UK, USA and Europe. Once this is done we give all of the machines a UK electrical test to ensure that they are PAT compliant.
All of our machines are made by us in Taiwan, and are shipped to you from our nearest office.
We have offices in the UK, USA, Germany and Taiwan.
Because they are made by us, we are able to control quality and give you the best support possible. And because they are shipped from your local office, wait times are reduced and customs clearance is avoided, ensuring you have support in your time zone in a language that is convenient to you.
Sorry we have not found a good way of doing this yet. We do know that there are a number of finance companies that will lend small businesses money to purchase equipment. We have worked with a few in the past and are happy to provide you with quotes or invoices to help complete the applications. Just get in contact with our team to find out how we can help.
Yes, we do ship to the USA. We ship to all countries that the United Kingdom does not have trade embargos with. Please go to our Shipping page for more details.
We really appreciate you trusting us with your money. The first thing we will do is re-send the order. It does not matter if it is 1kg of Firmapress or an RTP 41. We will make sure that you get it.
We send all of our items, signed for on a tracked service. We also insure them. If your item still has not turned up or you just want a refund that is fine. We will put in a claim with the postal company and make sure we get the money back.
If you have paid via Pay Pal you will be covered by buyer protection and we will instantly process the refund. If you have sent us the money by Western Union or Bank Transfer then we will need to organise the best way to get it back to you.
Do not worry. We know that our reputation is why 1000’s of customers have picked us over the years. We work hard to make sure that we protect that. Even if it is not our fault if you do not get your product we will send it again or refund you.
There are no special requirements when shipping tablet presses or capsule filling machines over state lines. The due diligence process, however, will be necessary in order to ship these machines anywhere within the United States.
At the moment we ship to all countries except the following countries because of embargoes:
Syria
The length of the warranty on any of the TDP range machines is 1 year from the date of purchase.
This warranty covers spare parts and excludes tooling and maintenance labour from LFA for machine services.
When you receive your machine, you will be given a serial number that will also be stamped onto the press. You will be able to use this if you ever need to make a warranty claim.
Full details on the LFA warranty can be found here: Warranty | We Have You Covered
All of the details on our warranty can be found at: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/warranty/
No, sorry the warranty is for parts only. If you need your machine serviced and you do not feel confident to do this, then we would be happy to do so. This is, however, a charge for service. More information on this can be found here:
Short answer is no, sorry. At LFA our machines are priced to include the service, warranty and training we supply with them. We make sure that we always have spare parts and will send them to you free of cost.
We have a team of people that have worked with the machines for a long time and are on the telephone or email to teach you how to get the most from your purchase and support you when you need it. Other suppliers in the UK, USA and China do not offer this.
On top of this while our machines may have the same names we are not selling the same items. We have spent the last 7 years working closely with our suppliers to ensure that we get the highest quality possible.
An experienced operator can change the tooling in the RTP 33 in 1-2 hours but it likely will take you around 3 until you have become comfortable with the process.
We cannot offer advice on machines that we did not sell. The warranty that we offer is on our machinery only and also includes technical support. We do offer a service in which we can fix and provide parts for other manufacturers machines, however this service is not free and is only available in the UK. Please contact us to get some more information on what we can provide.
Yes they can. The machine has interchangeable tooling. It can do anything from size 5 - 000. 00 will not be a problem the machines come fitted with them as standard as they are very popular.
No, we do not offer a larger hopper for any of our presses. This is because the TDP 1.5 should not be left unattended at any time. This also prevents particle separation, where the larger particles in a mix rise to the top of the powder. The vibrations of the TDP 1.5 cause this to happen, but the hopper that is included has been designed to reduce the likelihood. If we were to attach a larger hopper then the chance of particle separation would dramatically increase.
It will depend on the model. All new models of the TDP 5 have emergency stop buttons.
The maximum hourly output is about 16,200 tablets per hour. This is the speed that the machine will spin with no powder in it. The size of the tablet does not have a big effect on this. What does have a big effect is powder's ability to flow. If the powder does not flow well, then you will have to reduce the speed of the press until the die bores have time to fill.
As with all machines, the DTP 25 will have parts on it that over time will need to be changed or that can become damaged through user error. Below is a list of parts that LFA has come to recognise as the most frequently damaged or that have been designed to wear so that more expensive parts of the press are protected.
Tooling - The tooling on the DTP 25 can become chipped or broken. Lead times for a new set of tooling can take as long as 6-8 weeks, so we recommend having a spare set or two. This is especially true if the tooling is customised.
Here is a link to the tooling page where it can be purchased:
Boot - The DTP 25 boot is formed from a brass casting. This part can become trapped between the die bore and the upper punch and usually happens from user error when the upper punch has not been secured correctly. While we hold this part in stock at all of our locations it can reduce waiting to have a spare.
Here is a link to the page where the TDP DTP 25 boot can be purchased:
Boot DTP 25 | Machine Spare Parts | Replacement
Boot Teflon Pads - On the bottom of the boot on the DTP 12/25 there are 3 pads that are used to protect the tooling and the boot against the die table. These pads are made from Teflon and are designed over time to wear to avoid damage to more expensive parts. You will get one free set of these wear parts when you buy the press but it can be a good idea to have another set in stock.
Here is a link to the page where it can be purchased:
Boot Teflon Pads DTP 25 | Machine Spare Parts | Replacement
Upper Cam Bushing - The upper cam bushing is a brass wear part that is used to keep the upper cam from coming into direct contact with the base of the machine. This part will need to be replaced after around 500 - 1,000 hours depending on the product being pressed and the pressure being used.
Here is a link to the page where the upper cam bushing for the DTP 25 can be purchased:Upper Cam Bushing DTP 25 | Machine Spare Parts | Replacement
The only parts that are not included under the warranty is the tooling. The fair usage policy more details about our warranty can be found here: Warranty
The most common part to wear out on the machine is the boot. This comes in direct contact with the die cavity and can be hit or chipped by the upper and lower punches. This is made of brass so that the tooling is protected in the event of a collision. Because of this, the boot is soft and will wear over time. If anything, we recommend keeping a spare to avoid losing production time.
We also recommend that you keep at least 1 spare set of tooling as this can break or wear over time.
LFA aims to hold all major spare parts and tooling in stock so that they are ready to ship out in the event that you need them. The lead times on sold out parts, however, can take up to 6-8 weeks