August 6, 2024 - By : Callie Scott
Rebuilding a tablet press can extend its life, boost performance, and save costs. Here’s what you can expect from the Stokes remanufacturing process:
A full inspection and custom rebuild plan based on your machine’s condition
Complete disassembly to review all components
Media blasting and detailed evaluation of every part
Replacement of key parts like cams, shafts, rolls, and motors with new, high-quality components
Final reassembly, OSHA-compliant safety upgrades, thorough testing, and a one-year warranty
Efficient tablet press machine operation is, of course, essential to manufacturing. When a tablet press encounters a jam, broken component, or any type of malfunction, production will stop, which means wasted time and money. Operators can recalibrate, replace wear parts, or perform any other kinds of maintenance fixes, but it becomes a larger issue when these problems are reoccurring with a tablet press. Manufacturers are then faced with the decision to allow interruptions in production to keep happening, or to regard the machine as out of commission entirely and purchase a brand-new tablet press to replace it.
Taking a tablet compression machine out of production and purchasing another one to replace it can be a big financial undertaking. Rather than doing this, however, manufacturers have another option when it comes to dealing with faulty tablet presses. As a manufacturer of tablet press machinery, Stokes has the expertise and tools to rebuild several types of tablet presses. Oftentimes, customers will send their tablet press machines to our facility and entrust us with rejuvenating the life and efficiency of their equipment.
At Stokes, we have established a thorough rebuilding process for tablet press machines needing improvements of any kind. We understand that sending us your tablet press is a commitment on your part, and we want to provide you with all the information you need to make the choice for us to help you rebuild your machine. To give you a better idea of what will happen after you send your machine to us, we have created a list of 7 things to expect when rebuilding your tablet press machine with Stokes. We hope that this list will arm you with what you need to make an informed decision about remanufacturing your tablet press.
Stokes begins the tablet press rebuilding process with a careful initial inspection of your machine. Our expert technicians can determine mechanical integrity, wear and tear, and any potential serious issues affecting operation performance.
Major components, like rolls and cams and other important surface parts showing wear are noted to be replaced with new parts. Other parts that are damaged from mechanical failure or corrosion are marked for replacement as well. Stokes technicians are also able to identify which parts can be refurbished to like-new condition through polishing, resurfacing, or applying new coatings.
Based on these initial findings, and because each tablet press has unique usage histories and wear patterns, we are able to create a customized remanufacturing plan for your machine. This plan makes sure that the rebuilding process is cost-effective and efficient without unnecessary replacements. Our technicians are also able to address the specific issues of your machine, so your remanufactured tablet press is more reliable and operates at peak performance with an extended machine lifespan.
After the initial assessment is completed, Stokes technicians thoroughly disassemble the tablet making machine and break it down into individual components. First, all safety enclosures, belt guards, windows, doors, and electrics are removed and recycled.
Then, the cams, shafts, rolls, and feed frames are removed.
After that the frames, springs, levers, and turret (for rotary tablet presses) are disassembled.
Assessing the disassembled tablet press is essential for understanding the machine’s overall condition, which forms the basis of the entire remanufacturing process. It also allows for targeted interventions, ensuring a more effective and efficient rebuild.
The base of the machine and the main frame components undergo a thorough paint removal process using plastic bead blasting to ensure that all surfaces are clear and free from contaminants. After, each part of the machine is further examined in detail to identify any signs of wear, damage, or other issues. This inspection will determine which parts will be recycled and replaced and which ones will be refurbished.
After cleaning, parts that are determined to be in specification will be painted or nickel-coated to restore them to like-new condition. This results in the refurbished tablet press parts’ enhancement of performance and lifespan.
For parts that are worn-out, our technicians will choose brand-new replacements. These high-quality parts are durable, meet or exceed original specifications, and made from premium materials to ensure longevity and performance.
You can expect the following tablet press parts will be replaced on every machine with brand-new ones:
For rotary tablet presses, all the bores are carefully measured using calipers and test rods to verify that they meet the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Any bores that are found to be out of specification are precisely bored and bushed to restore them to the OEM specifications.
Making sure the bores are within OEM specifications is important because it affects the overall performance of the tablet press. Correctly measured and bushed bores help ensure a more reliable and efficient tablet press machine, reducing the chance of future issues due to misalignment.
Stokes technicians carefully reassemble the machine, confirming that each refurbished or new part is correctly installed. Afterwards, each part of the tablet press machine is further inspected once more to guarantee that everything is in order.
To avoid using components that are outdated or non-compliant, tablet press reassembly finishes with the installation of the brand new safety enclosures, belt guards, windows, doors, and electrics. All the guardings and electrics are OSHA-approved, enhancing both the safety and functionality of your tablet press machinery.
The remanufactured tablet compression machine then undergoes several types of tests to see that it meets performance standards. This includes functional tests to verify that all the installed components work together. Any issues revealed during the testing are identified and corrected so that the rebuilt tablet press machine is in perfect working condition before it is returned to your service.
All feed frames and upper punch penetration are factory set to ensure optimal performance. For rotary tablet presses, the turret is inspected, and is also tested with the customer’s tooling (punches and dies) to confirm compatibility. The tablet press is then test run and broken in for up to 3 hours to ensure dependable operation.
Once testing is over, you’ll receive a machine that is the same quality as a brand new tablet press at a fraction of the cost. The finished machine will run cleaner and safer, and a one-year warranty on all non-wear parts is provided.
Rather than saving you the time and money that comes with purchasing a new tablet making machine for your production line, there are other benefits to deciding on rebuilding your tablet press.
Rebuilding a tablet press is not simply a temporary fix to an issue but a strategic investment in the longevity and efficiency in your machine. It gives a balanced approach to maintaining high performance while reducing operational costs. Remanufacturing your existing tablet press machinery makes it comparable to new machines without the significant cost. By choosing to rebuild your tablet press, your production line remains efficient, cost-effective, and steady.
Want to extend the life of your tablet press, improve its performance, and ensure it operates reliably and safely? Consider Stokes’ remanufacturing service, proudly rebuilding tablet press machines in the USA. Our team of experts is ready to come up with a rebuild plan that meets your specific needs. Don’t wait until your equipment fails. Contact Stokes now to proactively enhance your tablet press machine’s longevity and efficiency.
Yes. Every component is disassembled so technicians can clean, inspect, and repair or replace parts as needed.
The frame and base are media blasted with plastic beads to remove paint and contaminants before detailed inspection.
All cams, shafts, feeders, rolls, motors, drives, and belts are replaced with new, high-quality parts.
It means worn bores are measured and restored to the original manufacturer’s dimensions, ensuring alignment and performance.
Yes. Stokes installs new OSHA-approved electrics and safety guarding during reassembly.
The machine is fully tested for several hours at the factory. Any issues found are corrected before shipment.
Yes. Every rebuilt tablet press comes with a one-year warranty on all non-wear parts.
