Fette Compacting FE75 – High performance for large batch production

With the FE75, Fette Compacting completes its entirely newly developed FE series. Users can equip the high-performance double rotary press with up to 115 punch stations and thus produce more than 1.6 million tablets per hour. The four pressure rollers of the FE75 enable operation with two intermediate presses thanks to a special control in direct compression. The result is a 166 percent increase in dwell time when using FS19 punches. With a footprint of only two square meters, the FE75 sets new standards even in terms of space requirements.

Producing large batches places special demands on tablet machinery. The output of rotary tablet presses depends, among other things, on the number of punch stations and the rotor speed. Until now, the rule for tablet presses was: the higher the required output, the larger the machine must be. However, as the rotor diameter and speed increase, so do the centrifugal forces acting on the materials to be pressed. Another limiting factor: due to high cleanroom costs, users prefer as compact systems as possible.

Maximum productivity, minimal space requirement

With the FE75, Fette Compacting presents a system at Interpack 2014 that combines maximum productivity with a small footprint. The machine is the third model in the entirely newly developed FE series. Sharing technical highlights with the two models of the FE series, the FE75 features the newly developed, patent-pending cone filling device, the precisely manually adjustable fill table, innovative pressure rollers, the trouble-free tablet discharge through the column, as well as the new control terminal and process equipment connection via a standardized plug-and-play interface. While the single rotary press FE35 is optimized for quick product changeovers and the FE55 offers maximum flexibility for different production scenarios, the FE75 is specifically designed for large-scale production with high output.

This design clearly demonstrates the performance figures of the new machine. With a footprint of only two square meters, the FE75 is the only double rotary press in its size class that allows users to produce single- and double-layer tablets as well as directly compress powders. In the configuration with FS12 punches and 115 punch stations, the FE75 achieves a maximum output of more than 1.6 million tablets per hour. The four pressure stations enable operation with two intermediate presses, allowing the compression of even difficult-to-compress products. When using FS19 punches, a dwell time up to 166 percent longer in direct compression is possible.

Design details: minimal product loss, safe protection against contamination, optimal vibration damping

The development team at Fette Compacting has also paid close attention to details. For example, the new pneumatically controlled product scrapers, which are standard equipment, contribute significantly to efficient tablet production. They ensure consistent pressing pressure and minimize product loss. The innovative cone filling systems make it easy and safe to process demanding product mixtures. A newly developed lubrication system, where the lubrication of the punch head and punch shaft is separated, prevents tablet contamination in conjunction with a closed turret system. The frame of the FE75 has also been redesigned. Beneath the housing, known from the FE55 and FE35, made of FDA-certified high-performance plastic, a two-part frame structure and air suspension in the stands ensure optimal vibration damping of the machine.

TRI.EASY design: simple operation as the basis for efficiency

Fette Compacting has also consistently implemented its new TRI.EASY design concept for the FE75. The idea behind it: only when technology is equally simple in operation, changeover, and maintenance can it be truly efficient. The TRI.EASY design puts the user at the center and guarantees smooth production regardless of the operator's experience and qualification level.

Particularly when changing the rotor of the FE75, Fette Compacting is taking new approaches. In the patented process, the rotor is lifted via a lever mechanism over the pressure roller adjustment drive and then transported out of the machine using a carbon fiber extraction carrier.

All work steps during rotor change have been automated or designed to be tool-free. Additionally, all service lines of the machine are connected via multifunctional connectors. The machine's design allows very good access to all components.

An additional highlight of the FE75 is the new extraction system. It is completely hose-free. A forced positioning system makes it practically impossible to mount the extraction system incorrectly. The advantage for users is clear: faster and easier installation and replacement during cleaning.