Fette
The new FE75 rounds off Fette Compacting’s FE series. Users can equip this double-sided rotary press with up to 115 punch stations and produce more than 1.6 million tablets per hour. The FE75’s four compression rollers enable it to work with two intermediate pressures thanks to a special control system for direct compression. The result is a 166% increase in dwell time with FS19 punches, says the company. In addition, its small footprint of 2 m2 is claimed to set a new standard in terms of required space.
The FE75 is the third model in the FE series, sharing a number of technological features with the other two FE series machines, such as a new, patent-pending conical filling unit, highly accurate manually adjustable filling table, high-quality compression rollers, reportedly trouble-free tablet discharge through the column as well as a new operating terminal and the connection of process equipment through a standardised plug-and-play interface. According to Fette, while the FE35 single-sided rotary press is optimised for quick changeovers and the FE55 offers maximum flexibility in diverse production scenarios, the FE75 has been specifically tailored to large batch production with high-volume output.
The success of this design is made impressively clear by the performance data of the new machine. With its footprint of 2 m2, the FE75 is claimed to be the only double-sided rotary press of its size that enables users to press single- and double-layer tablets as well as powder. The FE75 configuration with FS12 punches and 115 punch stations achieves a maximum output of over 1.6 million tablets per minute. The four compression stations enable users to work with two intermediate pressures and process materials that are difficult to compress. Using FS19 punches can even facilitate up to 166% longer dwell time in direct compression.
Fette Compacting’s development department also states that it has successfully improved many details. For example, new pneumatically-controlled tablet scrapers are said to guarantee a constant surface pressure and minimise product loss, new conical filling units make it possible to easily and safely process complex product mixtures and tablet contamination is hindered by a new lubrication system that separates the lubrication of punch head and punch shaft in combination with a closed cam track system. Another key feature is the design of the FE75 chassis. Optimum vibration dampening is provided by a two-part frame structure and a pneumatic suspension system in the feet under the housing made of FDA-certified, high-performance plastic.
Fette Compacting has implemented its new TRI.EASY design concept in the FE75. Based on the principle that technology can only be efficient if it is equally easy to use in the three dimensions of production, changeover and maintenance, the TRI.EASY design focuses on the user and aims to ensure trouble-free production irrespective of the operator’s experience and qualifications.
Fette Compacting has also implemented a new approach to turret changing. Utilising a patent-pending process, the turret is raised by a lifting mechanism employing the adjustment drive of the compression rollers and then moved out of the machine with the aid of a CFRP carrier support. All the work steps involved in turret changeover have been automated or designed for tool-less execution.
Another highlight of the FE75 is its new extraction unit, which has a completely tubeless design. The advantage for users is faster and easier fitting and changeover during cleaning.
Fette Compacting, www.fette-compacting.com/highlights.