Are parts interchangeable with the rest of the TDP range?
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.
Are the TDPs CE certified?
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.
Can I change the tooling? Is it easy to change the tooling? Does the tooling wear out and break?
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.
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 my TDP 5 in a different colour?
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.
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 know the delivery time before I place an order? How long is the delivery time of TDP 5 usually?
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.
Can I leave the machine operating on its own or does it need supervision? Can this machine be left without an operator?
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.
Can I make effervescent tablets using a TDP 5?
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.
Can I make food grade products on this machine? Can I also make pharmaceutical-grade tablets?
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.
Can I make shaped tablets? Or with a logo?
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: https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/custom-tooling-form
Can I order custom tooling?
Yes. You can order custom tooling here
Can I use TDP 5 to make the tablet bigger than 22mm or smaller than 4mm?
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.
Can I use the TDP tooling in an RTP?
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.
Can the fill depth be increased to 20mm?
No. The fill depth of the press is 18mm.
Can the TDP 5 be modified so that there is a pre-pressure prior to the main compression?
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.
Can the TDP 5 be used to make tablets for human consumption in the UK and US?
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.
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 we customize our TDP 5, for example, by adding more power to the motor?
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.
Can you adjust the speed of the TDP 5 as well as the speed of tablet ejection?
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.
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.
Could I request multi-tip tooling for TDP 5?
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.
Do all TDPs and the VICE take the same tooling?
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.
Do I get a die with the machine or do I have to buy it separately? Which size/shape are they?
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.
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.
Do I need any special tools to maintain the TDP 5?
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.
Do you have the TDP 5 manual (including the hard copy) in other languages?
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.
Does the machine need to be bolted down? Does it come with bolts to fix it to a surface?
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.
Une formation est-elle dispensée avec cette machine?
Oui, nous pouvons vous former. Ce sera à Bicester dans nos locaux. Cela prendra environ une journée.
Does this machine support non-standard shape tablets?
Yes, you can definitely make shaped tablets in the TDP 5. It is harder to tune, but it is definitely possible.
Has the TDP 5 passed any reliability testing? What was the testing situation?
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.
How can I know how much pressure I'm setting up? Or, do I need to be able to use a pressure of exactly X kN, how can I set that up?
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.
How do I clean a TDP 5? What maintenance is required?
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:
Cleaning Matrix - TDP 5
TDP 5 Lubrication Schedule
How do I know if TDP 5 is the best choice among desktop tablet presses for me?
How do I set the pressure correctly?
How do you move/install this machine?
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.
How is this machine CE compliant?
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.
How long does it take to properly clean the TDP 5?
How many hours a day can the TDP 5 be run?
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.
How much training will I need to operate the TDP 5 on my own?
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.
How often do I need to grease the machine, and which parts particularly of the machine should I lubricate?
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.
With regards to the types of grease or lubricant that we would recommend, this will depend on your product. If you are making food grade products, then you would want to use a grease that was NSF approved. If you are making a very caustic sodium based product, however, then you would need to use a product that is resistant to salts.
More information on greasing your machine can be found here: TDP 5 Lubrication Schedule
How often does the TDP 5 need to be maintained?
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.
En combien de temps la presse sera-t-elle rentabilisée?
Vraiment rapidement. Le coût moyen par comprimé lors de leur fabrication par un sous-traitant est de 0,002 à 0,005 £, selon la difficulté du pressage et la taille du lot de production. Cela signifie qu'une TDP 5 sera rentabilisée avec seulement 380 000 comprimés. À 5000 comprimés par heure cela signifie uniquement 76 heures.
I am just starting out and I am not sure which machine I should order - the TDP 0, TDP 1.5, TDP 5 or TDP 6s?
If I would like to bolt the press to a worktop is there a diagram to know where to drill any holes and the diameter of them?
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.
In what situation should I get a TDP 5 rather than a TDP 6s?
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.
Is the TDP 5 loud?
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.
Is there a cover I can purchase for the flywheel?
Yes, we are currently designing a perspex box that covers the entire machine. It will be sold as an optional extra.
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.
Is there a variable speed control? If so, is this digital?
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.
Is there an emergency stop button on the TDP 5?
It will depend on the model. All new models of the TDP 5 have emergency stop buttons.
My TDP 5 keeps jamming even when there is no powder going through. How can I fix this?
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.
The dies have become discoloured. Is this because of corrosion?
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.
The screw that holds the boot was damaged by the boot set screw. Did this happen because its knurled nut was tight against the base plate?
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.
We are making a table to put the TDP 5 on top, how can we secure the machine on it?
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.
What are the safety features on the unit?
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.
What environment/facility do I need to operate this machine?
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.
What is a healthy batch size for the TDP 5 to maintain it for as long as possible?
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.
What is the biggest size tooling set I can use with the motor on?
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.
Quelle est la différence entre le TDP 0, TDP 1.5, TDP 5 et TDP 6s?
C'est une question très fréquente comme toutes les machines sont très similaires, mais tout aussi ont des forces différentes.
La façon la plus simple de diviser ces serait en automatique et manuelle des machines.
Le TDP 0 est le modèle de manuel et vous oblige à tourner la poignée sur le côté pour produire les comprimés. Ce qui a le moins de pression et est le modèle d'entrée de gamme dans le TDP de la gamme.
Le pdf 1.5, TDP 5 et TDP 6s sont tous des machines automatiques qui sont entraînées par un moteur électrique. Le pdf 1.5 est le modèle d'entrée de gamme dans les machines automatiques il a le moins de pression à 15kn il est aussi limité dans la taille des comprimés qu'il peut produire. Le TDP 5 est notre modèle le plus populaire et peut produire environ 5 000 comprimés par heure. Le TDP 5 a 50kn de pression et permet de produire des comprimés jusqu'à 22mm de diamètre. Le TDP 6s est le haut de gamme de la machine et est plus adapté à la forme irrégulière des comprimés. Le TDP 6s aussi a un peu plus de pression à 60kn et est mieux adapté à certains produits qui ne font pas de comprimés facilement.
What is the largest diameter tablet the TDP5 can produce?
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.
What is the lead time on spare parts for a TDP 5?
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.
What is the length of the warranty? And what are the terms and conditions?
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
What is the lifetime of this machine?
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.
What is the one main advantage of the TDP 6s over the TDP 5?
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
What is the recommended list of wear parts for the TDP 5?
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.
What is the tooling lifetime on this machine?
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.
Quelle est votre presse la plus populaire?
Le TDP 5 est, sans conteste, le modèle le plus populaire depuis un bon moment maintenant. De nombreux clients reviennent vers nous pour mettre à jour vers la RTP 9 (normalement au bout de quelques années), mais la plupart des clients choisissent la TDP 5.
What materials is the machine made of? Will we get a material of construction certificate with the unit?
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
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 parts will break first and how fast can you get them to me when they do?
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.
What plug does this machine come with?
We send out all machines with the local plug on and set up to run on the local power supply.
What PPE equipment is needed to use this machine?
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.
What should we do if we don't want to use any excipients, especially binders?
What standards does the TDP 5 design conform to?
The TDP 5 has been designed to the CE standards.
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 tension should I set my belt to?
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
Where is this machine made and shipped from?
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.
Which machine is better for producing shaped tablets - TDP 5 or TDP 6s?
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.
Which parts wear most often and should I keep a regular stock of?
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
Will the machine come fully assembled and ready to be plugged in?
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
Will the parts to my TDP 0 fit a TDP 1.5 or TDP 5?
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.
Would it help if we granulate the mix first?
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
You offer a 1 year warranty on all tablet presses. Will my machine still be covered if, for example, we install a TDP 5 in a cage in the case of using it at a (German) facility according to the EU Declaration of Conformity?
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.
