Can a RTP9 be customized with a force feeder after it has been fitted with a gravity feeder?
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.
Can I come to one of your facilities for training with my own formula?
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
Can I get support from LFA if I face problems with making tablets?
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.
Can I have the RTP9 built custom to have a pre-pressure feature
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.
Can I order custom tooling?
Yes. You can order custom tooling here
Can LFA supply a die driving rod to change the tooling?
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.
Can the RTP 9 be modified to press a double layer tablet?
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.
Can the turret be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance?
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.
Can the turret shield be lifted on all 4 sides?
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.
Can this machine be left without an operator?
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.
Can you fit an electro kill switch if the turret shield is opened?
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.
Can you put TDP tooling in the RTP 9?
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.
Can you set this machine up for an custom mg tablet weight?
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.
Do I need a license to own this machine?
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.
Does an RTP 9 have an option of changeable speed?
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.
Does RTP 9 come already set up for an immediate use? (meaning just open the box and plug it in) If not, do I need an expert to be able to set it up properly?
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.
Does the punch need special tools for the assembly and disassembly? Will I need special tools for removing the punch?
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.
Does the RTP 9 have pre-settings?
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.
Does the RTP 9 tell you how many tablets you have produced?
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.
Does this machine come with free training?
Yes, we offer free training at your local LFA office. Training is normally completed in less than one day, but please get in touch for more information.
Does this machine need to be watched while it operates? Can it be left running unattended for any amount of time?
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.
How can you compare operating TDP and RTP machines? How does the difficulty of use compare?
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.
How difficult is it to switch an RTP 9 tooling to a B or D tooling?
Sorry, this is not possible at the moment.
How easy to use is the RTP 9 compared to the other RTP's? Is this the best RTP for a beginner?
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.
How many sets of tooling do I need to purchase to operate the machine?
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
How much easier is it to use the RTP 9 in comparison to the other RTP's? Is this the best RTP for a beginner?
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.
How quickly will the press pay for itself?
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.
In what scenario would you recommend the RTP 9 over the RTP 33? The RTP 33 seems to have a much higher output for only a bit more in 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.
Is it possible to connect one of your de-dusters directly to RTP 9 and make it work?
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
Is it possible to fit a force feeder on the RTP 9?
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.
Is it possible to purchase spare parts for RTP 9 as they are not on your website?
Yes,it is possible. If you can not find the part that you are looking for, then please let us know.
Is the tooling for all RTP machines the same?
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.
Is there a system that allows customers to check the warranty period of their machines?
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.
What is the actual hourly output? Does the tablet size or thickness have a big impact on this?
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.
What is the lifespan of the RTP tooling?
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.
What particle size will work on this machine?
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.
What safety features are there on the RTP 9?
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.
What should we do if we don't want to use any excipients, especially binders?
What technical support and training come with this machine?
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
What type of tooling comes free with the press?
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.
What's the maximum pressure when the press is running at maximum capacity?
60kn. The speed does not affect the pressure.
What's the slowest speed that the RTP 9 runs in relation to tablets per minute?
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.
Which parts of an RTP 9 need to be greased and how often?
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.
Are dies for all RTP machines the same?
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.
Does it tell you how many tablets you have produced?
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.
How much extra is the press with a force feeder installed?
Currently, it is nothing. It is the same price.
What's the max pressure when the press is running at maximum capacity?
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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.
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Can you put TDP tooling in the RTP?
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.
Does this machine need watching whilst operating, can it be left running for any amount of time?
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.
