Dwell Time

Purpose: Evaluate the difference in tablet press compression dwell time as a function of D and B tooling and different head styles such as domed and standard TSM. Additionally, compare the dwell time computed as a function of the tangential velocity and the head flat to that calculated from computer programs using a 90% of peak force.

Method: Using a 10 station "B" and an 8 station "D" Piccola tablet presses manufactured by Riva and the Director data acquisition system from SMI a series of tests were run. The tests were performed using materials considered to be plastic, (MCC) and brittle, (di-calcium phosphate), on both presses. On the "D" press two different types of head geometry were used, the traditional TSM head and the TSM domed style. The dwell times computer by the Director Program based on the time at least 90% of the force was applied was graphically compared to that computed based on the turret velocity and the head flats.

Results: Dwell times for a domed "D" head were virtually the same as for a standard TSM "B" while the dwell times for a standard TSM "D" were much longer. The results obtained were independent of the material.

Conclusions: Dwell times computed by the 90% of peak force compare very well with the calculated dwell times based on head flat and turret velocity and are independent of material. "D" tooling with a domed head can be used to approximate the dwell times of standard "B" tooling while a standard "D" head will offer dwell times approximately 65% longer. A material sensitive to dwell times might be better produced on a "D" tablet press utilizing standard TSM head design. The same press could be used with a domed head to project the performance of a press utilizing "B" tooling.

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